These two and a half tribes have received their inheritance across the Jordan from Jericho, toward the sunrise." These two and a half tribesThis phrase refers to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Historically, these tribes requested to settle on the east side of the Jordan River because the land was suitable for their large herds and flocks ( Numbers 32:1-5). The Hebrew root for "tribes" is "שֵׁבֶט" (shevet), which can also mean "staff" or "scepter," symbolizing authority and identity within the nation of Israel. This allocation of land signifies God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises to the patriarchs, demonstrating His faithfulness to His people. have received their inheritance
The concept of "inheritance" in Hebrew is "נַחֲלָה" (nachalah), which implies a possession or heritage passed down through generations. In the biblical context, it signifies not only a physical territory but also a spiritual legacy. The inheritance of these tribes was a tangible manifestation of God's covenant with Israel, emphasizing the importance of obedience and trust in God's plan. It serves as a reminder that God's promises are sure and that He provides for His people according to His divine wisdom. across the Jordan
The Jordan River was a significant geographical and spiritual boundary for the Israelites. Crossing the Jordan symbolized entering into the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey, as promised to Abraham and his descendants. The Hebrew word "יַרְדֵּן" (Yarden) means "descender," reflecting the river's descent from the mountains to the Dead Sea. This crossing was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking a transition from wandering in the wilderness to settling in the land God had prepared for them. from Jericho
Jericho, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, was the first city conquered by the Israelites in the Promised Land (Joshua 6). Its mention here highlights the strategic and historical significance of the location. Jericho's conquest demonstrated God's power and the fulfillment of His promises. The city's ruins serve as a testament to God's deliverance and the beginning of Israel's establishment in Canaan. toward the sunrise
The phrase "toward the sunrise" indicates the direction eastward. In biblical symbolism, the east often represents new beginnings and hope, as the sun rises in the east. This directionality underscores the new chapter for the tribes settling in this region. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of light overcoming darkness, as seen in the creation narrative and the prophetic visions of restoration and renewal. The eastward inheritance of these tribes serves as a metaphor for the dawn of God's promises being realized in the lives of His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Two and a Half TribesRefers to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. These tribes requested and received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River. 2. The Jordan RiverA significant geographical boundary in the Bible, representing a transition from the wilderness into the Promised Land. 3. JerichoA city located near the Jordan River, known for its walls that fell after the Israelites marched around them, marking the beginning of the conquest of Canaan. 4. Eastward Toward the SunriseThis phrase indicates the direction of the land given to the two and a half tribes, symbolizing new beginnings and hope. 5. InheritanceThe allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham about the land of Canaan. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in PromisesGod fulfills His promises, as seen in the allocation of land to the tribes. Believers can trust in God's faithfulness in their own lives. Unity and Cooperation Among God's PeopleThe two and a half tribes agreed to help their fellow Israelites conquer the land west of the Jordan, demonstrating the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving God's purposes. The Significance of BoundariesBoundaries are important in God's plan, providing structure and order. In our lives, setting boundaries can help maintain spiritual health and focus. Symbolism of the East and New BeginningsThe direction "eastward toward the sunrise" symbolizes new beginnings. Believers can find hope in new opportunities and God's guidance. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the allocation of land to the two and a half tribes teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises? 2. How can the cooperation between the tribes of Israel serve as a model for unity in the church today? 3. In what ways can setting boundaries in our personal lives reflect the order and structure seen in the allocation of the Promised Land? 4. How does the symbolism of "eastward toward the sunrise" inspire you to embrace new beginnings in your spiritual journey? 5. How can we apply the lessons of inheritance and promise fulfillment in Numbers 34:15 to our understanding of God's promises in the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 13Details the specific territories allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, confirming the fulfillment of the promise made in Numbers 34:15. Deuteronomy 3Moses recounts the allocation of land to these tribes, emphasizing their commitment to help the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan. Genesis 12God's promise to Abraham about giving his descendants the land of Canaan, which is being fulfilled through the allocation of land to the tribes. People Addar, Ahihud, Ammihud, Asher, Azzan, Benjamin, Bukki, Caleb, Chislon, Dan, Eleazar, Elidad, Elizaphan, Enan, Gad, Hanniel, Israelites, Issachar, Jephunneh, Jogli, Joseph, Joshua, Kemuel, Manasseh, Moses, Naphtali, Nun, Paltiel, Parnach, Pedahel, Phaltiel, Reuben, Samuel, Shelomi, Shemuel, Shiphtan, Simeon, ZebulunPlaces Ain, Akrabbim, Brook of Egypt, Canaan, Edom, Great Sea, Hazar-addar, Hazar-enan, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Lebo-hamath, Mount Hor, Plains of Moab, Riblah, Salt Sea, Sea of Chinnereth, Shepham, Zedad, Zin, ZiphronTopics Across, Beyond, Dawn, East, Eastward, Half, Half-tribe, Heritage, Inheritance, Jericho, Jordan, Opposite, Possession, Received, Sunrise, Sunrising, Sun'-rising, Sun-rising, Towards, Tribe, TribesDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 34:1-15 7258 promised land, early history Library The Talmudic Girdle of the Land under the Second Temple, Taken Out of the Jerusalem Sheviith, Fol. 36 3
What all these things mean, I cannot so much as conjecture; yea, nor can I scarce conjecture, what the meaning is of some of them. Neither is there any Oedipus at hand, nor Sphinx herself, to explain and unriddle them. The Talmudists are silent from making any comments here, nor have we the advantage of any other commentator. We must, therefore, act here according to the uncertain instruction of nods and winks; and that either by saying nothing, or by mere conjecture, since that the mind of the authors …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaThe Northern Coasts of Galilee. Amanah. The Mountain of Snow.
This coast is described by Moses, Numbers 34:7: "From the Great Sea to mount Hor: from mount Hor to the entrance of Hamath," &c. Mount Hor, in the Jewish writers, is Amanah; mention of which occurs, Canticles 4:8, where R. Solomon thus: "Amanah is a mount in the northern coast of the land of Israel, which in the Talmudical language is called, The mountainous plain of Amanon; the same with mount Hor." In the Jerusalem Targum, for mount 'Hor' is the mount Manus: but the Targum of Jonathan renders it …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica What is to be Said of the Sea of Apamia.
'The sea of Apamia' is reckoned the seventh among those seas that compass the land of Israel; which word hath a sound so near akin to the word Pamias, by which name the Rabbins point out the fountains of Jordan,--that the mention of that word cannot but excite the memory of this, yea, almost persuade that both design one and the same place: and that the sea Apamia was nothing else but some great collection of waters at the very springs of Jordan. This also might moreover be added to strengthen that …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Pamias. Paneas, the Spring of Jordan.
The maps assign a double spring of Jordan; but by what right it scarce appears; much less does it appear by what right they should call this Jor,--and that Dan. There is indeed mention in Josephus of little Jordan and great Jordan. Hence, as it seems, was the first original of the double spring in the maps, and of a double river at those first springs. For thus Josephus; "There are fountains (in Daphne) which send little Jordan, as it is called, into the great." He treats, in the text cited, of the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
Jordan is measured at one hundred and twenty furlongs, from the lake of Samochonitis to that of Gennesaret. That lake, in the Old Testament, is 'The sea of Chinnereth,' Numbers 34:11, &c. In the Targumists, 'The sea of Genesar'; sometimes, 'of Genesor'; sometimes, 'of Ginosar': it is the same also in the Talmudists, but most frequently 'The sea of Tiberiah.' Both names are used by the evangelists; 'the lake of Gennesaret,' Luke 5:1; 'the sea of Tiberias,' John 21:1; and 'the sea of Galilee,' John …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves.
Thus having taken some notice of the superficies of the land, let us a little search into its bowels. You may divide the subterraneous country into three parts: the metal mines, the caves, and the places of burial. This land was eminently noted for metal mines, so that "its stones," in very many places, "were iron, and out of its hills was digged brass," Deuteronomy 8:9. From these gain accrued to the Jews: but to the Christians, not seldom slavery and misery; being frequently condemned hither by …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Arbel. Shezor. Tarnegola the Upper.
"Arbel a city of Galilee."--There is mention of it in Hosea 10:14. But there are authors which do very differently interpret that place, viz. the Chaldee paraphrast, R. Solomon, Kimchi: consult them. It was between Zippor and Tiberias. Hence Nittai the Arbelite, who was president with Josua Ben Perahiah. The valley of Arbel is mentioned by the Talmudists. So also "The Arbelite Bushel." "Near Zephath in Upper Galilee was a town named Shezor, whence was R. Simeon Shezori: there he was buried. There …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus] …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 34:15 NIVNumbers 34:15 NLTNumbers 34:15 ESVNumbers 34:15 NASBNumbers 34:15 KJV
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