King James Version
What Does Numbers 34:16 Mean?
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,”
Context
14
For the tribe of the children of Reuben according to the house of their fathers, and the tribe of the children of Gad according to the house of their fathers, have received their inheritance; and half the tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance:
15
The two tribes and the half tribe have received their inheritance on this side Jordan near Jericho eastward, toward the sunrising.
16
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
17
These are the names of the men which shall divide the land unto you: Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun.
18
And ye shall take one prince of every tribe, to divide the land by inheritance.
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**14-18. And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host--**The displeasure of the great leader, though it appears the ebullition of a fierce and sanguinary temper, arose in reality from a pious and enlightened regard to the best interests of Israel. No order had been given for the slaughter of the women, and in ancient war they were commonly reserved for slaves. By their antecedent conduct, however, the Midianitish women had forfeited all claims to mild or merciful treatment; and the sacred character, the avowed object of the war (Nu 31:2, 3), made their slaughter necessary without any special order. But why "kill every male among the little ones"? It was designed to be a war of extermination, such as God Himself had ordered against the people of Canaan, whom the Midianites equalled in the enormity of their wickedness.
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 34:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.