King James Version
What Does Numbers 34:29 Mean?
“These are they whom the LORD commanded to divide the inheritance unto the children of Israel in the land of Canaan.”
Numbers 34:29 · KJV
Context
27
And the prince of the tribe of the children of Asher, Ahihud the son of Shelomi.
28
And the prince of the tribe of the children of Naphtali, Pedahel the son of Ammihud.
29
These are they whom the LORD commanded to divide the inheritance unto the children of Israel in the land of Canaan.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThese are they whom the LORD commanded to divide the inheritance unto the children of Israel in the land of Canaan—The concluding formula emphasizes divine command: the LORD commanded (צִוָּה יְהוָה tzivah YHWH) these specific men for this sacred task. The phrase divide the inheritance (לְנַחֵל אֶת־בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל lenachel et-benei-Yisra'el, 'to cause Israel's children to inherit') shows that human leaders facilitated divine gift distribution—God gave the land, leaders administered the giving.
This verse demonstrates that God's sovereignty operates through ordained human agents. The land was divine gift (inheritance, נַחֲלָה), but its distribution required human administration under divine authority. Similarly, the gospel is God's gift, but its proclamation requires human heralds: 'How shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?' (Romans 10:14-15). Divine sovereignty and human responsibility operate in complementary partnership, not contradiction.
This verse demonstrates that God's sovereignty operates through ordained human agents. The land was divine gift (inheritance, נַחֲלָה), but its distribution required human administration under divine authority. Similarly, the gospel is God's gift, but its proclamation requires human heralds: 'How shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?' (Romans 10:14-15). Divine sovereignty and human responsibility operate in complementary partnership, not contradiction.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The land distribution process (Joshua 13-21) combined supernatural guidance (casting lots, Joshua 18:6-10) with practical administration (surveying, Joshua 18:4-9; tribal representatives ensuring fairness). This balance of divine direction and human responsibility characterizes biblical governance—neither presumptuous human autonomy nor passive waiting for miraculous provision, but cooperative partnership under God's ultimate authority.
Reflection Questions
- How does the phrase 'the LORD commanded to divide' demonstrate divine sovereignty operating through human agency rather than bypassing it?
- What does the balance between divine gift (land as inheritance) and human administration (leaders overseeing distribution) teach about the relationship between grace and responsibility?
- How can you cultivate both confidence in God's sovereign provision and faithful stewardship in administering what He provides?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsאֲשֶׁ֖ר2 of 10
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֑ה4 of 10
“These are they whom the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְנַחֵ֥ל5 of 10
“to divide the inheritance”
H5157to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
אֶת6 of 10
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵֽי7 of 10
“unto the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל8 of 10
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Study Guide
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 34:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 34:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge