Kemuel son of Shiphtan, a leader from the tribe of Ephraim; And the leaderThe term "leader" in this context refers to a person of authority and responsibility within the tribe. In Hebrew, the word used is "נָשִׂיא" (nasi), which denotes a prince or chief. This highlights the importance of leadership in the Israelite community, where leaders were chosen not only for their ability to govern but also for their spiritual integrity and wisdom. The role of a leader was crucial in guiding the people according to God's commandments and ensuring the fair distribution of the Promised Land. from the tribe
The phrase "from the tribe" indicates the specific lineage and heritage of the leader. In the Israelite society, tribal affiliation was significant as it determined one's inheritance, social standing, and role within the community. Each tribe had its unique characteristics and responsibilities, and leaders were expected to represent and uphold the values and traditions of their respective tribes. of the sons of Ephraim
Ephraim was one of the sons of Joseph, and the tribe of Ephraim held a prominent position among the tribes of Israel. The name "Ephraim" means "fruitful," reflecting the tribe's blessing and prosperity. Historically, Ephraim was known for its strength and influence, often playing a central role in the affairs of the nation. The mention of Ephraim here underscores the tribe's importance in the allocation of the land and its leadership role in the community. is Kemuel
The name "Kemuel" means "God has raised" or "God's helper" in Hebrew. This name signifies the divine appointment and support that leaders like Kemuel received in their roles. It serves as a reminder that true leadership is not just a matter of human ability but is also a calling and empowerment from God. Kemuel's role as a leader was to act as God's representative, ensuring that the distribution of the land was conducted according to divine will. son of Shiphtan
The mention of "son of Shiphtan" provides a genealogical context, emphasizing the importance of family lineage in the Israelite culture. Shiphtan, though not widely known, is acknowledged here, indicating the value placed on heritage and the continuity of family lines. This detail also serves to authenticate Kemuel's identity and authority, as lineage was a key factor in establishing one's credibility and right to leadership within the tribal system. Persons / Places / Events 1. KemuelA leader from the tribe of Ephraim, chosen to help divide the land of Canaan among the Israelites. His name means "God has raised" or "God's assembly," indicating a divine appointment for his role. 2. Tribe of EphraimOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Ephraim. This tribe held a significant position among the tribes, often associated with leadership and strength. 3. ShiphtanThe father of Kemuel, mentioned here to establish lineage and authority. His name means "judge" or "one who decides," which may reflect the role of his family in leadership. 4. Division of CanaanThe event where the Promised Land was apportioned among the tribes of Israel. This was a significant moment in Israel's history, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham. 5. Promised LandThe land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It symbolizes God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His covenant. Teaching Points Divine AppointmentGod appoints leaders for specific tasks. Just as Kemuel was chosen for a significant role, we should seek to understand and fulfill the roles God has for us. Faithfulness in LeadershipLeaders like Kemuel were tasked with important responsibilities. In our own lives, we should strive to be faithful and diligent in the roles we are given. Heritage and LegacyThe mention of Shiphtan reminds us of the importance of our spiritual heritage. We should honor and build upon the legacy of faith passed down to us. God's Promises FulfilledThe division of the land is a testament to God's faithfulness. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives as well. Unity in DiversityThe division of the land required cooperation among diverse tribes. In the body of Christ, we should work together, valuing each member's unique contribution. Bible Study Questions 1. What qualities do you think were necessary for Kemuel to fulfill his role in dividing the land, and how can we cultivate these qualities in our own lives? 2. How does the leadership role of the tribe of Ephraim, as seen in various scriptures, inspire us to take on leadership roles in our communities or churches? 3. In what ways can we honor the spiritual heritage and legacy of faith that has been passed down to us? 4. How can we apply the principle of unity in diversity within our own church or community settings? 5. Reflect on a promise from God that you are waiting to see fulfilled. How does the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel encourage you in your own faith journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 14-19These chapters detail the actual division of the land among the tribes, fulfilling the instructions given in Numbers 34. Genesis 48:17-20This passage describes Jacob's blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh, where Ephraim is given prominence, foreshadowing the tribe's future significance. Deuteronomy 1:38Joshua, from the tribe of Ephraim, is appointed as Moses' successor, highlighting the leadership role of Ephraim. 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 Chief, Ephraim, E'phraim, Joseph, Kemuel, Kemu'el, Leader, Prince, Shiphtan, Sons, TribeDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 34:17-29 4208 land, divine responsibility 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 34:24 NIVNumbers 34:24 NLTNumbers 34:24 ESVNumbers 34:24 NASBNumbers 34:24 KJV
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