Numbers 33:54 kjv
And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: and to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man's inheritance shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit.
Numbers 33:54 nkjv
And you shall divide the land by lot as an inheritance among your families; to the larger you shall give a larger inheritance, and to the smaller you shall give a smaller inheritance; there everyone's inheritance shall be whatever falls to him by lot. You shall inherit according to the tribes of your fathers.
Numbers 33:54 niv
Distribute the land by lot, according to your clans. To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one. Whatever falls to them by lot will be theirs. Distribute it according to your ancestral tribes.
Numbers 33:54 esv
You shall inherit the land by lot according to your clans. To a large tribe you shall give a large inheritance, and to a small tribe you shall give a small inheritance. Wherever the lot falls for anyone, that shall be his. According to the tribes of your fathers you shall inherit.
Numbers 33:54 nlt
You must distribute the land among the clans by sacred lot and in proportion to their size. A larger portion of land will be allotted to each of the larger clans, and a smaller portion will be allotted to each of the smaller clans. The decision of the sacred lot is final. In this way, the portions of land will be divided among your ancestral tribes.
Numbers 33 54 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference ||------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|| Num 26:55 | "Only the land shall be divided by lot... to each shall it be given..." | Divides by lot based on population || Josh 14:2 | "Their inheritance was by lot... just as the Lord had commanded through Moses." | Confirms Joshua's implementation by lot || Josh 18:6 | "You shall therefore map out the land into seven portions and bring the map here to me. And I will cast lots for you here..." | Specific instruction for mapping & lot casting || Prov 16:33 | "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." | Sovereignty of God in lot casting || Lev 25:23 | "The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is mine..." | Land as God's possession, not humanly owned || Deut 19:14 | "You shall not move your neighbor's landmark..." | Importance of established land boundaries || Ps 78:55 | "He drove out nations before them; he apportioned for them an inheritance by line..." | God's direct role in apportioning inheritance|| Eze 47:14 | "You shall inherit it, each equally with the other; for I swore to give it to your fathers..." | Future inheritance distribution for new Israel || Acts 1:26 | "And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias..." | Lot used in New Testament for divine guidance || Col 1:12 | "...giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." | Spiritual inheritance for believers || Eph 1:11 | "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him..." | Believers' inheritance in Christ || Heb 9:15 | "...that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance." | Eternal inheritance through Christ's death || 1 Pet 1:4 | "...an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you." | Heavenly inheritance, imperishable || Gen 12:7 | "Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land."" | Original promise of land to Abraham's seed || Gen 15:18 | "On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your offspring I give this land..."" | Covenant formalizing land promise || Num 34:1-2 | "The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Command the people of Israel, 'When you enter the land of Canaan, this is the land that shall fall to you for an inheritance..." | Setting the boundaries for the promised land || Josh 19:9 | "From the portion of the tribe of Judah was the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon, for the portion of Judah was too large for them." | Example of practical adjustment post-lot || Josh 17:1-6| Describes distribution within Manasseh, acknowledging daughters' inheritance. | Illustrates complex family distributions || Deut 32:8 | "...He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God." | God as ordainer of boundaries for all nations || 1 Chr 6:65 | "They gave them also, by lot, from the tribe of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin..." | Reiteration of lot-based distribution for cities|| Ps 105:11 | "...saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan as your allotted heritage."" | God giving Canaan as an inheritance || Zec 2:12 | "And the LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land..." | Judah's special inheritance as God's portion |
Numbers 33 verses
Numbers 33 54 Meaning
Numbers 33:54 establishes the divine mandate for the distribution of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes upon their entry. The land was to be divided by casting lots, a method believed to reveal God's will, ensuring an impartial and divine allocation. Crucially, while the lot determined the general area for each family, the size of the inheritance was to be proportional to the size of the family or clan, ensuring that larger groups received larger portions and smaller groups received smaller portions. This meticulous process was designed to secure an inheritance for each family within the ancestral tribal structure, affirming their identity, lineage, and perpetual possession of the promised land.
Numbers 33 54 Context
Numbers 33:54 is situated at a critical juncture in the book of Numbers. Chapter 33 is a detailed itinerary of the Israelite journey from Egypt to the plains of Moab, immediately prior to entering Canaan. Verses 50-56 outline God's final instructions to Moses regarding the impending occupation of the land. These commands include driving out the inhabitants, destroying their idolatrous structures, and then, most importantly for this verse, dividing the land by lot. The preceding chapters have dealt with census counts (Num 26, to determine population size for the inheritance) and the purification and organization of the community. This verse serves as a foundational decree for the future settlement of Israel, ensuring their national identity, tribal coherence, and long-term possession of the Promised Land as promised to their patriarchs. Historically, the distribution of land was vital for establishing social order, preventing disputes, and fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant promises regarding a land for a people. The casting of lots was a common ancient Near Eastern practice, but here it is presented as a divinely sanctioned method to emphasize God's sovereignty over the land and its allocation.
Numbers 33 54 Word analysis
And you shall divide (וְהִתְנַחַלְתֶּם, wəhitnaḥalttem): This verb form (Hitpael from נָחַל, nāḥal) signifies an active participation in receiving or taking possession of an inheritance, often involving dividing it up. It implies a legal act of possession. It's not merely being given, but also actively receiving and establishing their claim.
the land (הָאָרֶץ, hā’āreṣ): Refers specifically to the land of Canaan, the geographical fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham (Gen 12:7; 15:18). This land is foundational to Israel's national identity and purpose.
by lot (בְּגוֹרָל, bəḡōwrāl): The "goral" was a method of decision-making, using stones, sticks, or other objects, often placed in a container and drawn out. In the ancient Near East, it was seen as a way to consult the divine will, removing human bias (Prov 16:33). Its use here signifies God's direct superintendence over the distribution, affirming that the ultimate boundaries were divinely appointed.
for an inheritance (נַחֲלָה, naḥălāh): A "nachalah" is a perpetual, inalienable possession, usually of land, that is passed down through generations. This emphasizes the permanence of their land claim, ensuring a stable foundation for each family and tribe for all time. It roots the people to their ancestral lands and covenant identity.
among your families (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתֵיכֶם, ləmišpəḥōṯêḵem): The primary unit for land distribution. A "mishpaḥah" (family) could denote a large extended family, clan, or even a sub-tribe, emphasizing the importance of lineage and kinship in Israelite society. The land was not for individuals or purely economic units, but for established familial groups, maintaining their cohesion and identity.
to the larger (לָרַב, lārab) you shall give a larger inheritance, and to the smaller (וְלַמְעַט, wəlam‘aṭ) you shall give a smaller inheritance: This indicates a proportional distribution based on population size, ensuring fairness and practicality. While the location was determined by lot (divine will), the quantity of land allocated was based on demographic need. This blend of divine guidance and practical wisdom underscores God's meticulous care for His people's well-being and justice.
wherever the lot falls (בַּאֲשֶׁר יֵצֵא־לוֹ הַגּוֹרָל, ba’ăšer yēṣê-lô hagḡōwrāl): "Falls" (יֵצֵא, yēṣē’, literally "goes out" or "comes forth") describes the outcome of the casting of the lot. This reiterates that the specific parcel of land assigned was directly by divine determination through the lot, leaving no room for human manipulation or favoritism in determining geographical location.
that shall be his (לוֹ יִהְיֶה, lô yihye): Emphasizes the certainty and binding nature of the lot's outcome. Once determined, it was irrevocably theirs. This establishes permanent land tenure and prevents future disputes over original claims.
according to the tribes of your fathers (עַל־מַטֵּה אֲבוֹתֵיכֶם, ‘al-maṭṭēh ’ăḇôṯêḵem): Reaffirms that the overarching framework for the distribution was the ancestral tribal structure. The land was not a homogenous bloc, but distinct territories assigned to each tribe, maintaining their unique identity, lineage, and collective inheritance from Jacob's sons. This principle secured tribal integrity and prevented tribal lands from being intermingled initially.
Numbers 33 54 Bonus section
The meticulous detail regarding land distribution points to a divine blueprint for a just society. It ensured that no family, regardless of its present wealth or status, would be without an initial land inheritance upon entry into Canaan. This foundational equity was designed to mitigate future social stratification arising from initial economic advantage. The fixed tribal boundaries, determined by the lot and observed for centuries, were crucial for maintaining Israelite identity and preventing inter-tribal land disputes, similar to modern national borders. This command also reflects God's concern for generational well-being, as the "inheritance" (nachalah) was meant to be perpetual, linking future generations to their ancestral land and faith.
Numbers 33 54 Commentary
Numbers 33:54 lays down the essential legal and theological framework for Israel's settlement in Canaan. The twin principles of "lot" and "proportionality" highlight divine sovereignty integrated with practical justice. The casting of the lot underscores that the land ultimately belongs to God (Lev 25:23), and its distribution is under His direct command, eliminating human bias or conflict over prime territories. Simultaneously, the command for larger families to receive more land, and smaller families less, reflects an equitable distribution based on actual needs, ensuring that all within the covenant community had sufficient means for sustenance and prosperity. This structure was designed to establish a stable society rooted in specific, God-given inheritances, linking their identity and future prosperity directly to obedience within the promised land. This intricate system not only fulfilled God's ancient promise to the patriarchs but also laid the foundation for Israel's national and religious identity, emphasizing community over individual accumulation and divine provision over human machination.