King James Version

What Does Numbers 36:13 Mean?

Numbers 36:13 in the King James Version says “These are the commandments and the judgments, which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses unto the children of Israel ... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

These are the commandments and the judgments, which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses unto the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.

Numbers 36:13 · KJV


Context

11

For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their father's brothers' sons:

12

And they were married into the families of the sons of Manasseh the son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained in the tribe of the family of their father. into: Heb. to some that were of the families

13

These are the commandments and the judgments, which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses unto the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse concludes Numbers: 'These are the commandments and the judgments, which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses unto the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.' The phrase emphasizes divine origin ('the LORD commanded') and human mediation ('by the hand of Moses'). The specific location - Moab's plains, poised to enter Canaan - marks a transitional moment. Forty years of wilderness wanderings culminate here; the next step is Jordan-crossing and conquest. This conclusion, like all Scripture, comes 'by the hand' of human authors under divine inspiration (2 Pet 1:21), ensuring both divine authority and human personality.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written at the end of Israel's wilderness period, this conclusion summarizes laws given at Moab after Sinai's earlier revelation. The location 'by Jordan near Jericho' is theologically significant - Israel stands on Canaan's threshold, laws fresh in mind before entering. Archaeological excavations near Jericho confirm this area was suitable for large encampments. Moses speaks these final words before his death (Deut 34), making this conclusion both ending and beginning - law given, land awaiting, leadership transitioning to Joshua.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you view Scripture's dual authorship - fully divine yet fully human - and what does this mean for biblical authority?
  2. As you stand on the threshold of new seasons, how do you ensure God's commands are fresh in your mind before proceeding?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
אֵ֣לֶּה1 of 16
H428

these or those

הַמִּצְוֹ֞ת2 of 16

These are the commandments

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֗ים3 of 16

and the judgments

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

אֲשֶׁ֨ר4 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֧ה5 of 16

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֛ה6 of 16

which the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּיַד7 of 16

by the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מֹשֶׁ֖ה8 of 16

of Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶל9 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֣י10 of 16

unto the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל11 of 16

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בְּעַֽרְבֹ֣ת12 of 16

in the plains

H6160

a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea

מוֹאָ֔ב13 of 16

of Moab

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

עַ֖ל14 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יַרְדֵּ֥ן15 of 16

by Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

יְרֵחֽוֹ׃16 of 16

near Jericho

H3405

jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine


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 36:13 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 36:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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