Bible Commentaries
Numbers 34

Introduction

NUMBERS CHAPTER 34

God describes the borders of Canaan, Numbers 34:1-15; and names those who should divide the same among the children of Israel, Numbers 34:16-29.

Verse 2

Or, limits, or bounds, to wit, of the land beyond Jordan; which are here particularly described,

1. To direct and bound them in their wars and conquests, that they might not seek the enlargement of their empire, after the manner of other nations, but be contented with their own portion.

2. To encourage them in their attempt upon Canaan, and assure them of their success.

3. To guide them in the approaching distribution of the land.

Verse 3

The south quarter is here described from east to west by divers windings and turnings, by reason of the mountains, rivers, &c.

By the coast of Edom, bordering all along upon the Edomites.

The Salt Sea, so called from the salt and sulphurous taste of its waters.

Eastward, i.e. at the eastern part of that sea, where the eastern and southern borders meet.

Verse 4

Akrabbim, called Maaleh-acrabbim, Joshua 15:3, which was at the south end of the Salt or Dead Sea.

From the south, or, on the south, i.e. proceeding onward towards the south.

Kadesh-barnea was on the southern part of Canaan, Numbers 13:17.

Hazar-addar, in Joshua 15:3, may seem distinguished into two places, Hezron and Adar, which here are united, because peradventure they were contiguous, or joined together. Or, the village of Addar; and so this is the same place called Adar, Joshua 15:3; and for Hezron, that may be another place here omitted, and there supplied for more exactness. Azmon is at the west end of the Mount of Edom.

Verse 5

The river of Egypt, called Sihor, Joshua 13:3, which divided Egypt from Canaan. See Genesis 15:18.

The sea; the midland sea, called the sea emphatically; whereas the other seas there, as they are called, are indeed but lakes.

Verse 6

The great sea; the midland sea from the south to the north so far as runs parallel with Mount Libanus.

Verse 7

Not that Hor where Aaron died, Numbers 20:23, which was southward, and bordering upon Edom, Numbers 33:37,Numbers 33:38, and therefore could not be their northern border; but another mountain, and, as it is conceived, the mountain of Libanus, which is elsewhere mentioned as the northern border of the land, and which, in regard of divers parts, or by divers people, is called by divers names, as Sirion and Shenir, Deuteronomy 3:9, and Sion, Deuteronomy 4:48, and Hermon, Joshua 13:5, and here Hor, which signifies a mountain, and this may be called so by way of eminency. Certain it is, that as Hor here, so Hemon, Joshua 13:5, is joined with the entrance of Hamath, which makes it probable they are one and the same place.

Verse 8

Hamath, called Hamath the great, Amos 6:2, which is among the northern borders, Ezekiel 47:16,Ezekiel 47:17. See Genesis 10:15,Genesis 10:18; Numbers 13:21; Judges 3:3; 1 Kings 8:65.

Verse 11

Chinnereth; of this name we have a city, Joshua 19:35, and a country, Joshua 11:2; 1 Kings 15:20 and a sea or lake, here an Joshua 12:3; Joshua 13:27 which in the New Testament is called the sea of Gennesaret, Luke 5:1 and of Galilee, and of Tiberas John 6:1.

Verse 12

Down to Jordan, i.e. all along the river of Jordan, even to the end of it, which is the eastern border.

Verse 17

Eleazar was to act in God’s name, to cast lots, to prevent differences and contentions, to consult with God in cases of difficulty, to transact the whole business in a solemn and religious manner.

Verse 19

The order of the tribes is here differing from that Numbers 1:7,Numbers 1:26, and in other places, being here, as also Joshua 16:0; Joshua 17:0; Joshua 18:0; Joshua 19:0 conformed to the order of their several inheritances, which afterwards fell to them by lot; which is an evident demonstration of the infinite wisdom of God’s providence, and of his exact and peculiar care over his people.