Bible Commentaries
Numbers 34

Verses 1-29

One of the terms of the charge already considered, that the people should possess the land and that it should be divided equitably, was now enlarged upon. The division was to be according to divine arrangement and choice. It must be based as to amount on the comparative needs of the tribes. The divisions given were for those who would pass over into the land beyond Jordan according to the divine purpose. Reuben and Gad and the half- tribe of Manasseh were to have no part in that inheritance. Thrice over the words are repeated in reference to them, they have received." They had made their own choice and it was now ratified. Long after, they were the first to be captured and carried away in the breakup which ensued upon the sin of the whole of the people.

While the arrangements for division were divine, human instruments were appointed to see them carried out. These were the priest Eleazar and the princes of the tribes.

Among these one name arrests our attention. It is Caleb, the man who, with Joshua, forty years earlier had believed in the possibility of doing the; will of God in face of difficulties. Now, after the long period of disciplinary experiencing, he was appointed with Joshua again to take oversight of the partition of the land according to the divine plan.