then go down from Shepham to RiblahShepham and Riblah are locations mentioned in the context of defining the boundaries of the Promised Land for the Israelites. Shepham is not well-documented archaeologically, but Riblah is known to be a significant site in biblical history. Riblah, located in present-day Syria, was a strategic military and administrative center. It was here that King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon set up his headquarters during the siege of Jerusalem (
2 Kings 25:6, 21). This phrase indicates a movement from a less defined area to a well-known location, emphasizing the precision of God's instructions for the land's boundaries.
on the east side of Ain
Ain, meaning "spring" or "fountain" in Hebrew, suggests a location with a water source, which was crucial for settlement and survival in ancient times. The mention of the east side indicates a specific geographical orientation, which was important for delineating tribal territories. Springs were often central to community life, providing water for drinking, agriculture, and livestock. This detail underscores the practical considerations in God's provision for His people.
and continue along the slopes east of the Sea of Chinnereth
The Sea of Chinnereth, also known as the Sea of Galilee, is a significant body of water in biblical history. It is the site of many of Jesus' miracles and teachings in the New Testament (e.g.,Matthew 4:18-22,Mark 4:35-41). The reference to the slopes east of the Sea of Chinnereth highlights the topographical features of the land, which would have been familiar to the Israelites. This area is fertile and strategically important, serving as a natural boundary. The Sea of Chinnereth's role in the New Testament as a setting for Jesus' ministry connects the Old Testament promise of land to the New Testament fulfillment in Christ, who brings spiritual rest and inheritance to His followers.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
ShephamA location mentioned as a point on the boundary of the land allotted to the Israelites. Its exact location is uncertain, but it is part of the northern boundary.
2.
RiblahA significant location in biblical history, often associated with judgment and military campaigns. It is situated in the land of Hamath, north of Israel.
3.
AinA place on the eastern boundary of the Promised Land. The name means "spring" or "fountain" in Hebrew, indicating a water source.
4.
Sea of ChinnerethAlso known as the Sea of Galilee, it is a freshwater lake in Israel, significant in both Old and New Testament accounts.
5.
The IsraelitesThe people of God to whom the land is being apportioned. This passage is part of the instructions given to Moses regarding the division of the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in PromisesThe detailed boundaries in
Numbers 34 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham and his descendants. Believers can trust in God's promises for their lives today.
The Importance of BoundariesBoundaries are essential for order and identity. Just as God set physical boundaries for Israel, He sets spiritual and moral boundaries for His people today to live within His will.
The Role of ObedienceThe Israelites were required to follow God's instructions precisely. This teaches the importance of obedience in the life of a believer, as it leads to blessings and fulfillment of God's plans.
God's Sovereignty Over the LandThe allocation of land shows God's sovereignty over creation. Believers are reminded that God is in control of all aspects of life, including the places He positions us.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 34:11?
2.How does Numbers 34:11 define the eastern boundary for the Israelites' inheritance?
3.What significance does the Jordan River hold in Numbers 34:11's boundary description?
4.How does Numbers 34:11 connect to God's promise of land to Abraham's descendants?
5.How can we apply the concept of boundaries in Numbers 34:11 to our lives?
6.What does Numbers 34:11 teach about God's attention to detail in His promises?
7.What is the significance of the border described in Numbers 34:11 for Israel's history?
8.How does Numbers 34:11 reflect God's promise to the Israelites?
9.Why is the location of Riblah important in Numbers 34:11?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 34?
11.Nehemiah 11:3-4 - Is there any concrete evidence to confirm the listed families and their numbers who supposedly settled in the city?
12.The sudden plague in Numbers 11:33-34 seems to contradict the merciful nature of God in other passages; how do we reconcile this apparent inconsistency?
13.Numbers 11:17-25 discusses God's Spirit resting on the seventy elders; why is there limited mention of this event in subsequent biblical texts if it was so pivotal?
14.What is the main theme of the Book of Numbers?What Does Numbers 34:11 Mean
Context ofNumbers 34:11“and the border shall go down from Shepham to Riblah on the east side of Ain and continue along the slopes east of the Sea of Chinnereth.”
•Numbers 34 records the LORD’s precise description of Israel’s inheritance; verses 7-12 set out the northern border.
• Similar boundary lists are later echoed inJoshua 13–19 andEzekiel 47:13-17, underscoring God’s consistent plan for the land.
• The detail shows that God values order and fulfills His word exactly, just as He promised inGenesis 15:18-21.
then go down from Shepham• “Shepham” marks the northeastern corner of the land. Though its exact modern location is uncertain, it lies north of Gilead, fitting with the earlier mention of Mount Hor (Numbers 34:7-8).
• The phrase “go down” points to a south-southeast descent from a higher elevation, matching the geography of the upper Orontes valley.
• God’s directions are precise; they reassure the people that every promise, even down to geographical coordinates, will be kept (Deuteronomy 1:8).
to Riblah• Riblah sits on the Orontes River, later a key waypoint for the Babylonians (2 Kings 25:6-7).
• Including Riblah links the boundary to a recognizable landmark, preventing dispute.
• The verse reminds us that what God grants is also protected by identifiable limits (Proverbs 22:28).
on the east side of Ain• “Ain” (meaning “spring”) distinguishes this Riblah from another town of the same name in the south (Joshua 15:32).
• Specifying the “east side” narrows the line even further, illustrating God’s attention to detail (Psalm 147:4).
• Springs were life-sources. By noting one here, the LORD hints at His provision within the borders (Exodus 15:27).
and continue along the slopes• “Slopes” translates a term for the downward inclines that drop toward the Jordan rift.
• The border follows natural contours, showing that creation itself marks out God’s covenant (Psalm 104:5-9).
• Natural features minimize future conflict; God’s law is practical as well as spiritual (Deuteronomy 19:14).
east of the Sea of Chinnereth• The Sea of Chinnereth is the later Sea of Galilee (Joshua 12:3;Matthew 4:18).
• Placing the line “east” of it leaves the lake entirely within Israel, foreshadowing much of Jesus’ Galilean ministry.
• God prepares history’s stage centuries in advance; this shoreline would witness miracles (John 6:1-13) and the call of disciples (Luke 5:1-11).
summaryNumbers 34:11 traces the northern border of Israel from Shepham southward to Riblah, past the spring at Ain, down the eastern heights overlooking the Sea of Chinnereth. Each landmark affirms God’s exact, literal promise of land, demonstrates His practical wisdom in using clear geographic features, and anticipates future redemptive events centered around the Sea of Galilee.
(11) R
iblah, on the east side of Ain.--Ain (Heb., a
fountain) is supposed to be the great fountain of Neba Anjar at the foot of Antilibanus, in which case Riblah must be distinguished from the Riblah in the land of Hamath, which is mentioned in
2Kings 23:33 and in
Jeremiah 39:9. From this point the boundary went further southward by the side (Heb.,
shoulder) of the lake of Chinnereth, or Sea of Galilee, from whence the eastern boundary was the Jordan down to the Dead Sea. This was to be the land of the Israelites, according to its borders on every side.
The sea of Chinnereth.--Chinnereth, orCinnereth,appears to have been the name of a district, and also of a town. The name is supposed to be derived fromkinnor,a "harp." In later times the city was calledGenusar,whence the nameGennesareth,as we find it in the Gospels.
Verse 11. -
Shepham is unknown. Riblah cannot possibly be the Riblah in the land of Hamath (
Jeremiah 39:5), now apparently Ribleh on the Orontes. This one example will serve to show how delusive are these identifications with modern places. Even if Ribleh represents
an ancient Riblah, it is not
the Riblah which is mentioned here.
On the east side of Ain,i.e., of the fountain. The Targums here imply that this Ain was the source of Jordan below Mount Hermon, and that would agree extremely well with what follows. The Septuagint has
ἐπὶ πηγάς, and there is in fact more than one fountain from which this head-water of Jordan takes its rise. Immediately before the Septuagint has
Βηλά where we read Riblah. It has been supposed that the word was originally
Ἀρβηλά, a transliteration of "Har-bel," the mountain of Bel or Baal, identical with the Harbaal-Hermon (our Mount Hermon) of
Judges 3:3. The Hebrew
הָרִבְלָה being differently pointed, and the final
ה taken as the suffix of direction, we get
הָר־בֵל; but this is extremely precarious.
Shallreach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward. Literally, "shall strike (
מָחָה) the shoulder of the sea," etc. The line does not seem to have descended the stream from its source, but to have kept to the east, and so to have struck the lake of Galilee at its north-eastern corner. From this point it simply followed the water-way down to the Salt Sea. The lands beyond Jordan were not reckoned as within the sacred limits.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
[then]הַגְּבֻ֧ל(hag·gə·ḇul)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1366:A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosedgo downוְיָרַ֨ד(wə·yā·raḏ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381:To come or go down, descendfrom Shephamמִשְּׁפָ֛ם(miš·šə·p̄ām)Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8221:Shepham -- a place on the eastern border of Israelto Riblahהָרִבְלָ֖ה(hā·riḇ·lāh)Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7247:Riblah -- a city in Hamath, also one on southeast border of Israelon the east sideמִקֶּ֣דֶם(miq·qe·ḏem)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6924:The front, of place, timeof Ainלָעָ֑יִן(lā·‘ā·yin)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5871:Ain -- a spring (of water)and continue alongוְיָרַ֣ד(wə·yā·raḏ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381:To come or go down, descendthe slopesכֶּ֥תֶף(ke·ṯep̄)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3802:The shoulder, side-piece, lateral projection of anythingeastקֵֽדְמָה׃(qê·ḏə·māh)Adverb | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6924:The front, of place, timeof the Seaיָם־(yām-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3220:A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basinof Chinnereth.כִּנֶּ֖רֶת(kin·ne·reṯ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3672:Chinnereth -- a city in Galilee, also a lake near the city
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OT Law: Numbers 34:11 And the border shall go down (Nu Num.) 
