The Book of Numbers – Boundaries

When we open our scripture passage today in Numbers 34, we get a detailed instruction of the boundaries of the land the people were to inherit and the appointed leaders who God placed to be responsible over apportioning it to each tribe.

It begins with a simple instruction from God.

Num 34:1-2 “The Lord said to Moses, Command the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter Canaan, the land that will be allotted to you as an inheritance is to have these boundaries.”

Each tribe would be apportioned land that God had marked out for them. It would be the leader’s responsibility to allocate areas according to the size of the tribes. Although God is specific about where they are to live and the amount of land apportioned should be in accordance with the size of the tribes, the exact area was not determined by God but left to the discernment of Joshua, Eleazer the high priest and the leaders. They were to carry out their task within the guidelines that God set.

Self – Reflection: Often in our lives when we look to have a question/ issue answered, we turn to God’s word as a source for wisdom, direction and help. We know that for certain circumstance, we do not necessarily find an apt verse that speaks right into that specific situation. But God has given us his word that reveals his heart, and it serves as our guideline. We lean on him to give us discernment and understanding so we can apply his word and make decisions based on the guidelines he has placed. Just as God set up the parameters and left the people to function within those parameters based on the principles outlined in his word, we too are meant to do the same.

The listing of the boundaries displays the dimensions of God’s great gift to his people. When we think of boundaries, it can be often viewed as restrictive. Lysa Terkeurst mentions that ‘Boundaries are not just a good idea they are a God idea’. Boundaries are very much a part of God’s design for us, we see that in Genesis 2, before the fall of man. When he placed Adam in the garden of Eden, there was a boundary he set in place.

Genesis 2:15-17 “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden;but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

What happened when Adam and Eve stepped outside the boundary that God set. Eating the fruit that was forbidden by God, led to sin and a change in their relationship with God that has affected generations until today.

Genesis 3:23-24 “So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.”

The sin of Adam caused every person to be born with sin or a propensity to break moral boundaries (Rom. 5:12-19). Consequently, this ‘original sin’ made the human heart in every person deceitful above all things (Jer. 17:9).

Self – Reflection: To many today, the idea of a world without boundaries seems right. Why should they allow God to tell them what to do or not to do? It might feel captivating and freeing living outside of God’s boundaries but the truth is freedom is found only in Christ. The boundaries that God set in place always have a purpose, the only reason anyone might feel stifled is because they are yet to either submit their life to him or there is still much growth needed to become more like him. As we surrender and yield to the Father’s work in us, our desires change and become more aligned with what is good, right and pleasing to God.

The greatest gift we receive is the gift of salvation. Our inheritance is allotted and guaranteed by Jesus Christ. It is an inheritance that is a gift that we fight against the enemy and our natural fleshly desires to take hold of and live out. But that gift is not to be trifled with, we are meant to live within the boundaries that God designs for us. In Colossians 3:1-17, God gives instructions on living a new life in Christ. We are to set our minds on things above and turn from behaviours of this world such as anger, covetousness, sexual immorality and slander. And as God’s people we are to show compassion, humility, forgiveness and patience.

Freedom in Christ comes within the boundaries that the Lord sets, it is the way to simple, indescribable joy. His commands are ultimately for our protection and benefit, when we see that the gifts that God gives us are only fully expressed and fully enjoyed well when they honour him.

The description of the boundaries of the land to the Israelites remind us not only of our inheritance, but also of our borders, our limits. He sets them for our good. Take possession of every inch of God-given territory in Jesus, but may we never trifle with going beyond it.

God Bless.