“And ye shall take one prince of every tribe, to divide the land by inheritance.”
This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Numbers that describes the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. In Numbers 34, God instructs Moses to command the Israelites to take possession of the land of Canaan and apportion it among the twelve tribes of Israel.
In verse 18, God commands that one prince from each tribe be appointed to assist in the division of the land. These princes were chosen as representatives of their respective tribes and were responsible for ensuring that the land was divided fairly and justly among the tribes. The term “prince” in this context refers to the leaders or chiefs of the tribes, not necessarily to those in a royal or kingly role.
The selection of these princes to participate in the division of the land demonstrates God’s desire for order, fairness, and leadership within the community of Israel. The division of the land was a significant event for the Israelites as it marked the fulfillment of God’s promise to give them the land of Canaan as an inheritance.
This verse also highlights the importance of unity and cooperation among the tribes of Israel. The princes were chosen to represent their respective tribes, but they were not acting independently. They were part of a collective effort to divide the land fairly and establish a just distribution of territories.
Overall, Numbers 34:18 emphasizes the role of leadership, cooperation, and fairness in the division of the Promised Land. It reminds us of the importance of working together to fulfill God’s plans and promises, and it encourages us to seek wise and just leaders who can guide and govern with integrity.
