Numbers 34 17

Numbers 34:17 kjv

These are the names of the men which shall divide the land unto you: Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun.

Numbers 34:17 nkjv

"These are the names of the men who shall divide the land among you as an inheritance: Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun.

Numbers 34:17 niv

"These are the names of the men who are to assign the land for you as an inheritance: Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun.

Numbers 34:17 esv

"These are the names of the men who shall divide the land to you for inheritance: Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun.

Numbers 34:17 nlt

"Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun are the men designated to divide the grants of land among the people.

Numbers 34 verses

Numbers 34 17 Meaning

Numbers 34:17 specifies that Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun are the divinely appointed individuals who will be responsible for overseeing the precise division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, distributing it as an inheritance. This verse highlights the essential leadership required for this critical stage of Israel's journey into their divinely ordained homeland.

Numbers 34 17 Context

Numbers 34:17 is part of a larger section (Numbers 34:1-29) detailing God's specific instructions regarding the boundaries and division of the Promised Land. This chapter sets forth the exact geographical limits of the inheritance for the twelve tribes of Israel, commanded by the Lord. Verse 17 identifies the key human authorities who will ensure this divine mandate is carried out. This verse, coming after the boundary descriptions and before the listing of the tribal princes (v. 18-29), establishes the central figures of authority for this momentous task. Historically, this occurs as Israel is on the plains of Moab, poised to enter Canaan after forty years of wilderness wandering. The immediate context anticipates the upcoming conquest and settlement under Joshua's leadership, linking divine promise with practical implementation.

Numbers 34 17 Word analysis

• And: Hebrew וְ (ve). Connects this verse directly to the preceding discussion about the land's boundaries. It indicates continuation and the next logical step in the divine plan.

• these: Hebrew אֵלֶּה ('elleh). Refers to the specific individuals who follow, signifying that they are distinct from others mentioned previously, marking their unique role.

• are: Implied verb in Hebrew. "These are the names." Denotes a statement of fact and identification.

• the names: Hebrew שְׁמוֹת (sh'moth). Implies individual identities, emphasizing their specific appointment rather than generic roles.

• of the men: Hebrew הָאֲנָשִׁים (ha'anashim). Highlights their human agency in executing a divine command.

• who shall divide: Hebrew אֲשֶׁר תַּחֲלִיקוּ ('asher taḥălı̂qû). From root חָלַק (ḥalaq), meaning "to divide," "to apportion," "to allot." This verb indicates the active and authorized distribution of the land, implying a just and systematic process rather than arbitrary taking. It speaks to the judicial function of their role.

• the land: Hebrew אֶת־הָאָרֶץ (et-hā'ārets). Refers specifically to the Promised Land of Canaan, emphasizing it as the sacred, covenantal inheritance given by God.

• to you: Hebrew לָכֶם (lachem). The division is for the benefit of all the people of Israel, ensuring each family and tribe receives its portion.

• for inheritance: Hebrew בְּנַחֲלָה (b'naḥălâ). From root נַחֲלָה (naḥalah), meaning "inheritance," "possession," "allotment," "heritage." This term underscores that the land is not merely a conquest but a perpetual, God-given possession passed down through generations.

• Eleazar: Hebrew אֶלְעָזָר ('El'azar). Means "God has helped." Son of Aaron and the High Priest (Exod 28:1; Num 20:25-28). His presence signifies the sacred, religious nature of the land distribution. As High Priest, he would likely be involved in seeking God's will (e.g., Urim and Thummim) for the land division.

• the priest: Hebrew הַכֹּהֵן (hakkohen). Specifies Eleazar's official divine office, lending significant spiritual authority and solemnity to the task of dividing the sacred land.

• and: Hebrew וְ (ve). Connects the two individuals, emphasizing their joint and complementary roles.

• Joshua: Hebrew יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (Yehoshu'a). Means "The Lord is salvation" or "The Lord saves." Moses' aide, military leader, and appointed successor (Num 27:18-23; Deut 31:7). His inclusion signifies the practical, administrative, and military authority needed to implement the division of the conquered territory.

• the son of Nun: Hebrew בֶּן־נוּן (ben-Nun). Identifies Joshua by his lineage, marking him as a specific, known individual, and reinforcing his leadership credentials already established.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And these are the names of the men who shall divide the land to you for inheritance": This phrase serves as an official declaration, appointing the key personnel for the crucial task of distributing the promised territory. It signifies God's direct involvement in establishing order and legitimacy for the process. The phrase emphasizes divine orchestration rather than human initiative.
  • "Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun": This grouping highlights the dual nature of authority required for such a momentous task: sacred authority represented by Eleazar, the High Priest, and administrative/military authority represented by Joshua, the designated leader. This partnership demonstrates the harmonious working of spiritual and temporal leadership in executing God's will, ensuring both divine approval and practical implementation. Their joint commission reflects a complete and authoritative oversight.

Numbers 34 17 Bonus Section

The specified role of Eleazar and Joshua for the land division in Numbers 34 is actualized and completed in the Book of Joshua, particularly in chapters 14-19. Joshua 14:1 explicitly states, "These are the inheritances that the people of Israel received in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun and the heads of the fathers' houses of the tribes of the people of Israel distributed to them." This direct fulfillment highlights the consistency and reliability of God's Word from promise to execution. The land distribution involved both divine revelation (through lots) and careful human administration, preventing inter-tribal conflict and establishing each tribe's rightful claim. This method of land allotment contrasts sharply with common ancient Near Eastern practices, where territories were often seized through mere military might and power struggles. Instead, Israel's inheritance was mediated by divinely chosen leaders under God's explicit guidance, reinforcing that the land was a gift and a sacred trust.

Numbers 34 17 Commentary

Numbers 34:17 presents a pivotal declaration, identifying the two paramount figures appointed by God to manage the future distribution of the Promised Land to the tribes of Israel: Eleazar the High Priest and Joshua, Moses' successor. This verse underscores several key theological and practical principles. First, it emphasizes divine authority and appointment. The act of naming Eleazar and Joshua specifically indicates that this vital task is not left to human discretion alone but is a divinely mandated responsibility. This legitimizes their leadership in the eyes of the people and reinforces the sacred nature of the land.

Second, the verse showcases a partnership of distinct but complementary authorities. Eleazar, as High Priest, represents the spiritual, cultic, and revelatory aspect of leadership; he mediates God's will and presides over the sacred ceremonies, likely including the use of lots (Josh 14:2) to determine tribal inheritances, which was believed to reveal God's decision (Prov 16:33). Joshua, as Moses' military and administrative successor, represents the practical, executive, and governing aspect. Together, their combined leadership ensures that the land's distribution is not only efficient and just but also ritually pure and divinely sanctioned. This cooperation between religious and secular leadership for a sacred purpose provides a model for integrated governance in the pursuit of God's kingdom objectives.

Finally, the verse highlights the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. The meticulous division of the land ensures that the inheritance, long promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is finally realized for the twelve tribes. This systematic distribution underscores God's faithfulness and commitment to His word, bringing order out of potential chaos. The land is presented as an "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה - naḥalah), signifying a permanent, God-given possession rather than a temporary conquest, thereby securing the future for God's chosen people in their God-ordained territory.

Practical Usage: This partnership reminds us that achieving God's purposes often requires collaboration between different spiritual gifts and practical roles within the church and for societal good (e.g., church leaders seeking wise counsel from experienced professionals; prayer and action working hand-in-hand for community impact).