And your border shal turne from the South to the ascent of Akrabbim, and passe on to Zin: and the going foorth thereof shall be from the South to Kadesh-Barnea, and shall goe on to Hazar-Addar, and passe on to Azmon. Numbers 34:4 (KJV)
In Numbers 34:4, Moses gives instructions regarding the boundaries of the Promised Land as the Israelites prepare to enter it. The verse describes the southern border of the land, beginning from the wilderness of Zin and extending through key landmarks. “The ascent of Akrabbim” refers to a rocky pass in the southern region of Judah, near the modern-day Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea. “Zin” is a desert region in the southern part of the land. “Kadesh-barnea” was an important camping site for the Israelites in the Negev desert, close to the border of Edom. “Hazar-addar” and “Azmon” are locations whose exact positions are uncertain but are generally understood to be in the southern region of the land. These landmarks collectively define the southern boundary of the territory allotted to the Israelite tribes. The full chapter of Numbers 34 provides detailed descriptions of all borders of the Promised Land, highlighting God’s precise instructions and faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to give the land to His people.
The verse describes the southern border of the land, beginning from the southern part and extending to various landmarks. Here is a breakdown of the locations mentioned: The border was to turn from the south and go up to the ascent of Akrabbim. After reaching the ascent of Akrabbim, the border was to pass on to Zin. The border was to proceed from the south to Kadesh-barnea. The border was to go on to Hazar-addar. The border was to pass on to Azmon.
Overall, this verse emphasizes the meticulousness and specificity with which God instructed the Israelites in establishing the boundaries of the land they were about to possess. It highlights God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to give them the Promised Land and provides a historical context for understanding the geography of that time. The entire chapter of Numbers 34 provides further details about the borders of the land allotted to each tribe.
