Numbers 34 2

Numbers 34:2 kjv

Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land of Canaan; (this is the land that shall fall unto you for an inheritance, even the land of Canaan with the coasts thereof:)

Numbers 34:2 nkjv

"Command the children of Israel, and say to them: 'When you come into the land of Canaan, this is the land that shall fall to you as an inheritance?the land of Canaan to its boundaries.

Numbers 34:2 niv

"Command the Israelites and say to them: 'When you enter Canaan, the land that will be allotted to you as an inheritance is to have these boundaries:

Numbers 34:2 esv

"Command the people of Israel, and say to them, When you enter the land of Canaan (this is the land that shall fall to you for an inheritance, the land of Canaan as defined by its borders),

Numbers 34:2 nlt

"Give these instructions to the Israelites: When you come into the land of Canaan, which I am giving you as your special possession, these will be the boundaries.

Numbers 34 verses

Numbers 34 2 Meaning

This verse serves as a divine command, delivered through Moses, specifying to the Israelites the precise nature and boundaries of the land of Canaan that God is designating as their promised inheritance. It underscores that their future possession of this land is not merely a matter of conquest but a direct, divinely apportioned gift and fulfillment of ancient covenants, with clear geographical delimitations.

Numbers 34 2 Context

This verse initiates a detailed description of the precise boundaries of the Promised Land as commanded by God. It comes after the Israelites have completed their forty years of wilderness wandering, a new generation has emerged, and a second census has been taken (Numbers 26). The Israelites are encamped on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan, poised to enter Canaan. Chapter 34 serves as a crucial legal and geographic charter, providing meticulous boundaries for the western side of the Jordan (the primary Canaanite territory) to ensure clear land tenure and prevent disputes among the tribes. This emphasis on divine, specific boundaries contrasts sharply with the often ambiguous territorial claims of surrounding nations and highlights God's sovereign gift of a precise inheritance, fulfilling the centuries-old covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Numbers 34 2 Word analysis

• Command (צַו – Tsav): An imperative verb, from the root tzavah, meaning "to command, charge, order." This word denotes a direct, authoritative, and non-negotiable divine instruction. It emphasizes that what follows is not merely advice but a decree from God Himself, indicating the serious and binding nature of the subsequent boundaries.
• the Israelites (בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל – B'nei Yisrael): Literally, "sons of Israel." This collective term identifies the recipients of the command as the covenant people, descended from Jacob (Israel). It stresses their corporate identity and responsibility to obey God's directives concerning their collective inheritance.
• and say to them (וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם – v'amarta aleihem): Reinforces the direct communication from God, through Moses, to the people. It's a clear directive, not a hidden message.
• When you enter (בֹאֲכֶם – bo'akhem): From the root bo, meaning "to come, go, enter." This is an infinitive construct, signifying the anticipated, certain act of entering the land. It speaks of a definite future event, emphasizing that the command applies at the time of their imminent occupation.
• Canaan (כְּנָעַן – K'na'an): The specific geographic region, home to various peoples whom God had judged and intended to dispossess due to their wickedness (Lev 18:24-28). It highlights the fulfillment of divine judgment and covenant promise in a precise location.
• this is (הִוא – hi): A simple demonstrative pronoun, serving to point out and confirm the identity of what is about to be described. It introduces the definition of the land they will inherit.
• the land (הָאָרֶץ – ha'aretz): From eretz, meaning "land, earth, country." It signifies the physical territory. Its specific use here prepares for the detailed description of boundaries.
• that will fall (תִּפֹּל – tippol): From the verb naphal, meaning "to fall, lie down." In this context, it implies "to fall by lot" or "be apportioned by lot." This is a significant detail, indicating that the division of the land among the tribes would not be arbitrary or based on human power struggles, but on a divine system, likely through the casting of lots (as confirmed in Num 26:55 and Josh 14:2), which was seen as revealing God's will (Prov 16:33).
• to you (לָכֶם – lakhem): Emphasizes the direct beneficiaries of this divine grant – the Israelite nation.
• as an inheritance (לְנַחֲלָה – l'nachalah): From nachalah, meaning "inheritance, possession, heritage." This is a profoundly important theological term. It refers to a divinely endowed ancestral possession, distinguishing their claim from mere conquest. The land is not something they primarily earn or take by force, but something God gives them as an everlasting patrimony rooted in covenant.
• the land of Canaan (אֶרֶץ כְּנָעַן – Eretz K'na'an): Reiteration for clarity, precisely naming the specific region being discussed and defined.
• with its specific boundaries (לִגְבֻלֹתֶיהָ – lig'vuloteiha): From g'vulot, meaning "borders, boundaries, territories." This highlights the crucial emphasis of this chapter: God's meticulous delineation of the promised land. These precise boundaries prevent future disputes among the tribes and confirm the exact fulfillment of God's promise, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "Command the Israelites and say to them": This phrase highlights God's authoritative communication. It signifies a divine decree directed specifically to His chosen people, implying the non-negotiable and binding nature of the instructions that follow. This structure often introduces major divine laws or plans.
• "When you enter Canaan, this is the land that will fall to you": This conjunction establishes a crucial timeline and nature of their acquisition. It points to a definite future event ("when you enter") that is a consequence of divine allocation ("will fall to you"), not solely human effort. The land is promised before they conquer it, affirming its status as a gift.
• "as an inheritance—the land of Canaan with its specific boundaries": This final segment encapsulates the core message: the land is a divinely granted heritage (inheritance) for them. The repetition of "the land of Canaan" solidifies its identity, while "with its specific boundaries" underscores the meticulousness of God's provision and the exact fulfillment of His promise, setting precise geographical limits for their future home.

Numbers 34 2 Bonus section

The extensive detail regarding the precise boundaries in Numbers 34 (and subsequently in Joshua 13-19) indicates the immense significance God placed on Israel's physical possession of this land. In a pre-mapping era, these verbal descriptions were essentially God's geographical blueprint for His covenant people. This emphasis reinforces God's meticulous nature, His unwavering faithfulness to His promises (given to Abraham long before), and His provision for His people's identity and future stability. The promised land was not an abstract concept but a tangible, demarcated territory intended for their blessing and where they could uniquely dwell and worship Him, establishing a sanctuary for the Divine Presence. This land also foreshadows the ultimate spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ—a new and perfect homeland.

Numbers 34 2 Commentary

Numbers 34:2 lays the foundational declaration for the meticulous boundary descriptions that follow, serving as a solemn divine promise and instruction for the new generation of Israelites on the brink of entering Canaan. The command highlights that their occupation of the land is by God’s design, not human endeavor alone. The term "fall to you" emphasizes the providential method of land distribution—by lot, seen as God's divine decree, not by tribal strength or personal preference. This land, referred to as an "inheritance," solidifies its status as a permanent, covenantal gift from God to His people, securing their identity and future within a divinely appointed geographical space. The explicit mention of "specific boundaries" stresses God’s sovereignty over the earth and His faithfulness in precisely fulfilling ancient promises made to their patriarchs, ensuring clarity and order for their settlement and a stark contrast to nations who took land through pure brute force.For practical usage, this concept can be seen in Christian life, understanding our spiritual inheritance in Christ (Eph 1:11) is also by divine decree and not earned, providing security and identity. Also, just as God established clear boundaries for Israel's physical inheritance, Christians are given spiritual boundaries through God's Word for holy living (Prov 22:28).