where it will turn from Azmon, join the Brook of Egypt, and end at the Sea. where it will turnThe phrase "where it will turn" indicates a change in direction, suggesting a boundary or a border. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "פָּנָה" (panah), which means to turn or face. This turning signifies a deliberate and divinely ordained demarcation of the Promised Land. It reflects God's sovereignty in establishing boundaries for His people, emphasizing His role as the ultimate guide and protector. from Azmon
"Azmon" is a location mentioned in the delineation of the southern border of the land allotted to the Israelites. The exact location of Azmon is not definitively known today, but it is believed to be in the southern region of Canaan. The mention of Azmon highlights the historical and geographical specificity of God's promises. It serves as a reminder that God's plans are rooted in real places and times, underscoring the tangible nature of His covenant with Israel. join the Brook of Egypt
The "Brook of Egypt" is traditionally identified with Wadi El-Arish, a seasonal river in the Sinai Peninsula. In Hebrew, it is referred to as "נַחַל מִצְרַיִם" (Nachal Mitzrayim). This brook marked the southwestern boundary of the Promised Land. The mention of Egypt here is significant, as it recalls the Israelites' deliverance from slavery and their journey to freedom. It serves as a geographical reminder of God's faithfulness in bringing His people out of bondage and into a land of promise. and end at the Sea
The "Sea" referred to here is generally understood to be the Mediterranean Sea, known in Hebrew as "הַיָּם הַגָּדוֹל" (HaYam HaGadol), meaning "the Great Sea." This phrase marks the western boundary of the land. The sea represents vastness and abundance, symbolizing the expansive nature of God's blessings. It also serves as a metaphor for the limitless grace and provision of God, who sets boundaries not to confine but to protect and bless His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. AzmonA location mentioned as part of the southern boundary of the land of Canaan. It is a point of transition in the boundary line. 2. Brook of EgyptOften identified with the Wadi el-Arish, it serves as a natural boundary marker between the land of Canaan and Egypt. 3. The SeaRefers to the Mediterranean Sea, which is the western boundary of the Promised Land. 4. The IsraelitesThe people to whom God is giving the land, as part of His covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 5. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who is receiving these instructions from God regarding the boundaries of the Promised Land. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in PromisesGod's detailed description of the land's boundaries to Moses underscores His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs. Believers can trust in God's promises for their lives, knowing He is faithful to His word. The Importance of BoundariesJust as God set physical boundaries for the Israelites, He sets spiritual and moral boundaries for His people today. Understanding and respecting these boundaries leads to a life of blessing and protection. The Role of Leadership in God's PlanMoses' role in communicating God's instructions highlights the importance of godly leadership. Leaders are called to faithfully convey God's word and guide His people according to His will. The Significance of ObedienceThe Israelites' success in possessing the land depended on their obedience to God's instructions. Similarly, our spiritual success is tied to our obedience to God's commands. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of the land's boundaries in Numbers 34:5 reflect God's faithfulness to His covenant promises? 2. In what ways can understanding the concept of boundaries in Scripture help us establish healthy boundaries in our personal lives? 3. How does the role of Moses in this passage inform our understanding of the responsibilities of spiritual leadership today? 4. What are some modern-day "boundaries" that God has set for believers, and how can we ensure we are living within them? 5. How can the fulfillment of God's promises in the Old Testament encourage us in our faith journey today, especially when facing uncertainty? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 15:18This verse outlines God's covenant with Abraham, promising the land from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates, which aligns with the boundaries described in Numbers 34. Joshua 15:4This passage describes the southern boundary of the tribe of Judah, which includes Azmon and the Brook of Egypt, showing the fulfillment of the boundary description in Numbers 34. Ezekiel 47:19This prophetic vision of the land's boundaries also mentions the Brook of Egypt, indicating a consistent understanding of the land's borders throughout Scripture. 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 Azmon, Border, Boundary, Brook, Circuit, Compass, Direction, Egypt, Fetch, Form, Goings, Join, Limits, Outgoings, River, Round, Stream, Termination, Thereof, Torrent, Turn, WadiDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 34:1-12 4207 land, divine gift 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 34:5 NIVNumbers 34:5 NLTNumbers 34:5 ESVNumbers 34:5 NASBNumbers 34:5 KJV
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