Numbers 34:1-29

I.    Verse 1-15 - The description of the borders of Israel.

A.  The description starts at the south end of the Salt (Dead) Sea and makes a counter clockwise circle.

1.      South from the wilderness of Zin with the western border of Edom being the eastern border of Israel.

2.      This border shall pass through Kadesh-barnea, through Hazar-addar, through Azmon, then directly to the River of Egypt.

a.   Israel never did completely take this land.

b.   The Egyptians continued to dwell in this part of Israel.

3.   The western border shall be the Great Sea (Mediterranean Sea).

a.   Israel never did completely take this land.

b.   The Philistines dwelt in the southern part of their western border.

c.   They were a constant source of trouble to them.

4.   The northern border would go from the northern part of Mount Hor directly east toward Hamath through Zedad.

a.   It seems the northern border and eastern border are combined in this description.

b.   The north-east corner of Israel doesn't seem to be square.

5.   The northern border seems to turn south at this point thus making the eastern border.

a.   The eastern border goes from Zedad toward the Chinnereth Sea (The Sea of Galilee).

b.   Then it follows the Jordan River south to the north part of the Salt Sea (Dead Sea).  This would give Israel possession of the Dead Sea.  This is an important consideration, especially considering the wealth of the Dead Sea and the events in the end days.

B.   The tribe of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh will dwell on the western side of the Jordan River.

II.   Verses 16-29 - The men in charge of the distribution of the land.

A.  All the arrangements for the distribution of the land is made beforehand.

1.      This is an exercise of faith.

2.   The distribution will work like this.

a.   Eleazar the priest, and Joshua will distribute the land according to the number of people in each tribe.  (Numbers 33:54)

b.   The men listed will divide the land to the various families in that tribe.

c.   The land will be divided by lot - sort of like drawing straws.

d.   The families to receive the land will be those families in the census of Numbers 26 and 27:1-14.  (For a further explanation of the daughters of Zelophehad, see Numbers 36:1-13.)

B.   The men to distribute the land are given in verses 19-29.

1.   The men are all new to us.

a.   All of the older leaders have died because of their rebellion against God.

b.   Now Israel has new leaders (who are young) who are full of faith and will lead Israel to victory.

c.   Sometimes this happens in churches.  Old leaders, who serve by sight, will be replaced by other leaders, who serve by faith.

2.   The only one that we know is Caleb.  Caleb is about 80 (Joshua 14:10), the oldest man.