Numbers

Numbers 34: God marks out His gift

Begin in prayer

Before looking at the borders of the land God promised, let us thank Him for gifts He makes sure. Please ask Him to help us receive His care and see the inheritance found in Jesus.

saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance”;

Psalm 105:11

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Teach us to trust the gifts You promise, and show us the lasting inheritance Jesus secures for His people. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

God tells Moses the borders of Canaan, the land Israel will receive as an inheritance. He describes the boundaries on every side, with the great sea to the west and the Jordan and Salt Sea on the east. Moses explains that nine and a half tribes will receive this land by lot. Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh have already received their inheritance east of the Jordan. God then names Eleazar, Joshua and leaders from the tribes to divide the land. The gift He has promised is prepared for the people under the direction He gives.

As you read Numbers 34, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God gives His people a real inheritance and appoints leaders to share it.

Canaan is a place with borders, and God names the land He is giving Israel. The great sea lies on its west, while the Jordan and Salt Sea mark its eastern side. These borders give His people a definite gift to receive under His command. Nine and a half tribes will share this land, while the others have received their portions east of the Jordan. God appoints Eleazar and Joshua, with leaders from the tribes, to oversee the division. A family’s share will not depend on whoever can seize the most ground. The inheritance comes from the Lord, and the leaders must carry out His direction.

How does Numbers 34 show us that God gives His people a real inheritance and appoints leaders to share it?

God’s promised land is a place His people can receive.

God describes Canaan’s borders around all four sides. The great sea, the Jordan and the Salt Sea help mark a definite place. His promise concerns land where His people will live, under His care and command.

God gives each tribe its share of the inheritance.

Nine and a half tribes will receive their land west of the Jordan. Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh have their portions on the eastern side. All must receive the gift under God’s direction, respecting the shares He gives the others.

God appoints leaders to carry out His just direction.

Eleazar and Joshua are named to oversee the division. A leader from each tribe joins them in the work. Their authority is a responsibility to share God’s gift as He commands, so His people can receive their inheritance.

Memorise

This shall be your land according to its borders around it.

Numbers 34:12

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what gift do I want more than the place with God that Jesus gives?

God says, “This shall be your land according to its borders around it.” The people have not yet crossed the Jordan, yet He tells them what they will receive. His promise is a gift they can trust.

We deserve to be shut out from God because of our sin. Jesus took His people’s guilt to the cross and bore their punishment there. He died for them and rose from the dead, having completed the work that fully secures their welcome. Hebrews 11 verse 16 tells of the better, heavenly country God prepares for His people.

So turn from sin and trust Jesus for your place with God. His mercy brings forgiveness to those who rely on His saving death. Please receive His promise with hope, even when the gift is still ahead. The risen Savior will bring His people into the inheritance He has secured.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God keeps His promises, and only Jesus can give guilty people a lasting place with Him. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for His promised inheritance and the care He gives through appointed leaders, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on me,

Luke 22:29

Father, thank You for making Your promise sure and for the care You give Your people. Please turn each of us from sin to trust Jesus for a place with You. Teach us to receive Your gifts with thanks, respect what You give others and hope in the inheritance Christ has secured. Amen.