The importance of boundaries

In Numbers 34:1-15, we see the God-given Boundaries of the Promised Land. The Lord appoints starting with the southern boundary, and then going up the western boundary, and then going across the northern boundary, and then coming down the eastern boundary (not in an exact square, but roughly working clockwise south, west, north, and east he gives the boundary of the Land of Canaan.) He tells His people precisely the boundaries and the extent of the land He’s given them. And so, we see the God-given Boundaries of the Promised Land.

There are several obvious reasons for needing to know the exact borders of the land. The first is because they have been instructed to exterminate all the inhabitants of the land. To not have set boundaries would mean either failing to eradicate some who should be killed or it would mean that some who should not be wiped out might be wiped out.

Secondly, the land given to them means that land outside those boundaries is not given to them. They are to be content within their borders unless the authority to expand those borders is granted.

This does not mean they cannot wage war outside those borders. Still, any such war is not to be specifically for the expansion of the people into those lands but as a protective buffer, a land of subdued enemies who must pay tribute to their overloads, a land of exploitation of resources, and so on.

Thirdly, defining the boundaries of the land shows that the Lord’s land has already been marked out and prepared for Israel. This is a surety that the Lord will be with them and that the battle has been genuinely won.

A fourth reason is that with the boundaries defined, and as Canaan is to be the land of rest for Israel, the people were not to rest until the land within those boundaries was subdued. This follows logically with the words of the previous chapter – “But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell. Moreover, it shall be that I will do to you as I thought to do to them.” (Numbers 33:55, 56)

A fifth implied reason for marking out the land is that Israel is to be content and grateful for what they are given. As the Lord gave it, they are to be satisfied with what they have been granted never infer that they could have done better elsewhere. The Lord determined, and Israel is to accept and acknowledge that.

Numbers 34 marks out the general lines of the fences. God knows what He wants. He lays the boundaries and will not be talked into redrawing the lines because of pressure. God reiterates that He has given a standard for the border. He knows where He wants the fences to be placed.

Today, there are definite fixed rules in the Word of God. As followers of Jesus, we must learn what God is like to understand what pleases Him.

Application Questions:

1. Where have you been stagnant? Where are you making excuses as He calls you to charge into the impossible boundaries of your Promised Land?

Quote:

“Jesus set boundaries and practised personal soul care. It’s no wonder we overdo in ministry, get worn out, and even burn out! Jesus had far more stress, far more pressure, and far more responsibility than any of us, and yet he remained relaxed, joyful, and generous with people.” – Bill Gaultiere.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to realise that boundaries are good. Please help me understand the limits set in your Word and help me live within the fence of your protection. Amen.