Num 34:2-12 | MHM | STEP | v. 2-3, 5-6, 12, 14-15 : God set clear borders for Canaan ( v. 2-3, 5-6, 12, 14-15 ). He decided exactly how far Israel’s land would go, so the people would know whom to drive out and where their own land stopped. They were not to try to take more than what God had given them. God wants His people to be content with what He gives and not always want more (Acts 17:26 ). v. 2 : The land of Canaan was actually not very large—about 160 miles long and 50 miles wide. Even though it was small, it was rich and fruitful, able to support many people. God’s blessing made this little land special (Psalm 76:1 ). Sometimes, God’s people have only a small piece of the world, but they are truly rich because God is with them (Psalm 37:16 ).

‏ Numbers 34:2-12

v. 2-3, 5-6, 12, 14-15: God set clear borders for Canaan (v. 2-3, 5-6, 12, 14-15 ^a). He decided exactly how far Israel’s land would go, so the people would know whom to drive out and where their own land stopped. They were not to try to take more than what God had given them. God wants His people to be content with what He gives and not always want more (Acts 17:26 ^b).

v. 2: The land of Canaan was actually not very large—about 160 miles long and 50 miles wide. Even though it was small, it was rich and fruitful, able to support many people. God’s blessing made this little land special (Psalm 76:1 ^c). Sometimes, God’s people have only a small piece of the world, but they are truly rich because God is with them (Psalm 37:16 ^d).

v. 3, 5, 6, 12: The land had special borders and features. It was called a “pleasant land” (Daniel 8:9 ^e), but it was surrounded by deserts, seas, and other hard places. These natural borders helped protect Israel and reminded them that God was their shield. The border reached to the river of Egypt (v. 5 ^f), reminding them of their past slavery and God’s rescue. The border started and ended at the Salt Sea, or Dead Sea (v. 3, 12 ^g), which was a reminder of God’s judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah (Ezekiel 16:49 ^h). The western border was the Great Sea, now called the Mediterranean (v. 6 ⁱ). Some people think Israel could have ruled even this sea if they had obeyed God.

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