Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Numbers
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 34
Overview:
The bounds of the promised land.
(1-15) Those appointed to
divide the land.
(16-29)
1-15 Canaan was of small extent; as it is here bounded, it is
but about 160 miles in length, and about 50 in breadth; yet this
was the country promised to the
Father of the
Faithful, and the
possession of the seed of
Israel. This was that little spot of
ground, in which alone, for many ages,
God was known. This was
the vineyard of the
Lord, the garden enclosed; but as it is with
Gardens and vineyards, the narrowness of the space was made up
By the fruitfulness of the soil. Though the
Earth is the
Lord's,
and the
Fulness thereof, yet few know him, and serve him; but
those few are happy, because fruitful to
God. Also, see how
little a share of the world
God gives to his own people. Those
who have their portion in
Heaven, have reason to be content with
a small pittance of this
Earth. Yet a little that a righteous
Man has, having it from the
Love of
God, and with his blessing,
is far better and more comfortable than the riches of many
wicked.
16-29 God here appoints men to divide the land to them.
So sure
must they feel of victory and success while
God fought for them,
that the persons are named who should be intrusted with the
dividing of the land.