Numbers 34:13

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

ויצו משה את בני ישראל לאמר זאת הארץ אשר תתנחלו אתה בגורל אשר צוה יהוה לתת לתשעת המטות וחצי המטה:

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Moses tells the Israelites that they will inherit land divided by lot. This land is promised by God to the nine tribes and the half tribe.

Explained for Children

Imagine you and your friends are playing a game where you get to choose your favorite playground by drawing lots. Moses is telling the Israelites that God has a special playground for them, and they will choose their part of it.

Historical Background

Numbers 34 was likely written by Moses around 1400 BC. It was directed at the Israelites who were about to enter the Promised Land after their 40 years in the wilderness. The cultural setting was one of anticipation and preparation for settlement.

Living It Out Today

Today, we might think of this verse in terms of inheriting a family business or property. Just as the Israelites were promised land by God, we can trust that God has a plan for our inheritance and future.

Topics

• inheritance
• promise
• lottery
• trust
• settlement
• promise-keeping

Related Verses

• Joshua 18:10
• Joshua 14:2
• Deuteronomy 32:9
• Psalms 16:5
• Acts 1:7

Recommended Reading

Commentary Numbers Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Moses divide the land by lot?

The division by lot was a way to ensure fairness and that the decision was seen as guided by God. This prevented any disputes over who should receive which portion of the land.

Which tribes are mentioned in Numbers 34:13?

The verse mentions the nine tribes and the half tribe, referring to all the tribes of Israel except for the tribe of Levi and the other half-tribe of Manasseh which were already settled in Transjordan.

How can we apply the concept of inheritance from this verse to our lives?

We can apply it by trusting that God has a plan for us and our future, much like the Israelites trusted God's promise of land. This encourages us to have faith in God's provision and plans.

What does this verse teach us about God's faithfulness?

This verse teaches us that God keeps His promises. Just as He promised the land to the Israelites, He remains faithful to His promises to believers today.