“And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the Lord commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe.”
In this verse, Moses is addressing the children of Israel and providing them with instructions regarding the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. This division was to be determined by casting lots, a method used to make decisions or allocate land fairly in biblical times.
According to the preceding verses in Numbers 34, the Promised Land was to be divided among the twelve tribes of Israel, with the exception of the tribe of Levi. However, in verse 13, Moses specifies that the land is to be given to nine tribes and a half tribe. This implies that two and a half tribes would receive their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River, while the remaining tribes would inherit their portions on the west side of the river.
The division of the land was a significant event in Israel’s history as it marked the fulfilment of God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants a land of their own (Genesis 12:7, Genesis 26:3-4, Genesis 35:12). The allocation of land to each tribe was important for their sustenance and establishment as they settled in their respective territories.
Numbers 34:13 highlights Moses’ role as a leader and mediator between God and the people of Israel. He delivered God’s commandment regarding the division of the land to the Israelites and ensured its implementation. This verse serves as a reminder of the meticulous planning and organisation involved in distributing the inheritance among the tribes, ensuring fairness and equity.
Overall, Numbers 34:13 emphasises the orderly distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, guided by God’s commandments and Moses’ leadership. It demonstrates the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and the importance of following His instructions in every aspect of life.
