Deuteronomy 19:14 You must not move your neighbor’s boundary marker, which was set up by your ancestors to mark the inheritance you shall receive in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess.
Deuteronomy 27:17 ‘Cursed is he who moves his neighbor’s boundary stone.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
Job 24:2 Men move boundary stones; they pasture stolen flocks.
Hosea 5:10 The princes of Judah are like those who move boundary stones; I will pour out My fury upon them like water.
Proverbs 23:10-11 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, / for their Redeemer is strong; He will take up their case against you.
Jeremiah 6:16 This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’
Isaiah 58:12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling.
Acts 17:26 From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.
Matthew 15:3-6 Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? / For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ / But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ ...
Matthew 5:17-18 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
1 Kings 21:3 But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.”
1 Kings 21:25 (Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel.
2 Kings 17:15 They rejected His statutes and the covenant He had made with their fathers, as well as the decrees He had given them. They pursued worthless idols and became worthless themselves, going after the surrounding nations that the LORD had commanded them not to imitate.
2 Chronicles 19:7 And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
Psalm 16:6 The lines of my boundary have fallen in pleasant places; surely my inheritance is delightful.
Proverbs 23:10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
Deuteronomy 19:14 Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.
Deuteronomy 27:17 Cursedbe he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Do not move an ancient boundary stone This phrase refers to the practice of marking property lines with stones, a common method in ancient times. Boundary stones were significant in maintaining order and fairness in land ownership. Moving them was considered a serious offense, akin to theft, as it involved deceitfully altering property lines for personal gain. This command underscores the importance of respecting established boundaries and upholding justice. Biblically, this principle is echoed inDeuteronomy 19:14 and 27:17, emphasizing the sanctity of property rights and the need for integrity. Spiritually, it can be seen as a call to respect God's established moral and ethical boundaries.
which your fathers have placed This part highlights the generational aspect of the boundary stones, indicating that they were set by ancestors. It reflects the respect for tradition and the wisdom of previous generations. In a broader sense, it suggests the importance of honoring the legacy and teachings passed down through time. Historically, this respect for ancestral decisions was crucial in maintaining social stability and continuity. Theologically, it can be seen as a reminder to adhere to the foundational truths and principles laid down by spiritual forebears, akin to the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3).
Persons / Places / Events
1.Ancient Boundary Stone In ancient Israel, boundary stones were physical markers that delineated property lines. They were considered sacred and inviolable, representing the inheritance and rights given by God to the tribes and families of Israel.
2.Fathers This term refers to the ancestors or forefathers of the Israelites who originally set these boundary stones. It implies a respect for tradition and the wisdom of previous generations.
3.Israel The nation to whom this proverb was originally addressed. The Israelites were given specific land allotments by God, and these boundary stones were a part of maintaining order and justice within the community.
Teaching Points
Respect for Tradition and Heritage The proverb underscores the importance of honoring the traditions and boundaries set by previous generations. In a modern context, this can be applied to respecting the moral and ethical teachings passed down through the church and family.
Integrity and Justice Moving a boundary stone is symbolic of deceit and injustice. Christians are called to live with integrity, respecting the rights and properties of others as a reflection of God's justice.
God's Sovereignty in Inheritance The boundary stones represent God's sovereign distribution of land and blessings. Trusting in God's provision and respecting His order is a key aspect of faith.
Community and Order Boundary stones ensured peace and order within the community. Similarly, Christians are encouraged to maintain harmony and respect within their communities, upholding the principles of fairness and justice.
(28)Remove not the ancient landmark.--The stones marking the boundaries of the fields: evidently a not uncommon crime, from the earnestness with which it is forbidden. (Comp.Proverbs 23:10;Deuteronomy 19:14;Deuteronomy 27:17.)
Verse 28. - The first line is repeated atProverbs 23:10. (On the sanctity of landmarks, see note on Proverbs 15:25.) Some of the stones, exhibiting a bilingual inscription, which marked the boundaries of the Levitical city of Gezer, were discovered by Gauneau in 1874 ('Quart. Statement Pal. Explor. Fund,' 1874). The Septuagint calls the landmarksὅρια αἰώνια.
