What is the meaning of Numbers 34:5? Turn from Azmon Numbers 34:5 begins, “it will turn from Azmon…”. • Azmon served as the last inland marker on the southern border after the line had run westward from Mount Hor (Numbers 34:4). • The verb “turn” signals a decisive change in direction, establishing a precise, literal corner of the land. Israel would not wander vaguely here; the boundary turned exactly at Azmon. • Joshua later echoes this corner in describing Judah’s territory: “The border passed toward Azmon and went out to the Brook of Egypt” (Joshua 15:4). • By fixing this turning point, God underscored His orderly allotment of the inheritance (Deuteronomy 32:8; Acts 17:26). Join the Brook of Egypt Next the text says the border will “join the Brook of Egypt.” • The Brook (or “Wadi”) of Egypt is a seasonal riverbed marking the southwestern edge of Canaan. It formed a natural, visible frontier—much like the Jordan on the east (Numbers 34:12). • Isaiah refers to this same feature when prophesying Israel’s future regathering: “from the Brook of Egypt to the Euphrates” (Isaiah 27:12). • Solomon celebrated festivals “from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt” (1 Kings 8:65), confirming that later generations understood the brook as Israel’s true southern line. • A real watercourse—however dry at times—made the boundary unmistakable and protected Israel from encroachment (Exodus 23:31). End at the Sea Finally, the border will “end at the Sea.” • This “Sea” is the Mediterranean, repeatedly called “the Great Sea” in Scripture (Joshua 1:4; Ezekiel 47:20). • By terminating the southern line at the shoreline, God closed the boundary with a vast, immovable landmark. • The sea provided both defense and opportunity: a barrier against invasion and a gateway for trade, foreshadowing Solomon’s maritime ventures (2 Chronicles 9:21). • Thus the southern border ran from the inland corner at Azmon, followed the Brook of Egypt westward, and met the Mediterranean—clear, literal, and enduring. summary Numbers 34:5 traces three tangible points—Azmon, the Brook of Egypt, and the Mediterranean—forming the southwestern edge of Israel’s inheritance. Each marker affirms God’s precise, trustworthy promise of land: a definite turn, a visible watercourse, and a mighty sea, all underscoring His faithful provision and orderly plan for His people. |
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