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Numbers 34 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
When analyzing this chapter, F.B. Meyer wrote, “God’s ideal for His people far exceeded their realization of it.” What a true statement that is!
Numbers 34 outlines the land boundaries for the tribes of Israel. The sad reality for these people is that they wouldn’t see the fulfillment of this promise in their lifetime. In fact, the boundaries themselves would not be accomplished except possibly during the days of King Solomon’s reign. There is speculation that even then they were never exactly how God had outlined in this chapter.
Regardless, it brings an interesting thought to ponder. The people, like us, doubted God and did not fully trust His plan. They wandered, complained, and even came up with excuses as to why they couldn’t or shouldn’t take over the land designated to them. They justified their behavior with human logic. Does this happen with us today?
Some of us are stuck in a rut. We are feeling sorry for ourselves. We might acknowledge that God could act on our behalf, but continually fall back upon the reality that He won’t. What’s wrong here? This doesn’t sound like the God of the Bible. When we read verses about how His peace surpasses all understanding, do we really believe it? When we read that the love of Christ exceeds knowledge, do we really walk that out?
I know that all of us question and wrestle through life. No one is perfect and we all fail daily. However, there is a difference between hoping for God’s plan to unfold and actually striving to walk it out. In other words, we will never know until we seek Him. When we seek Him, He promises to guide us. Even though it’s an overused cliche, it’s true that His plan for us far exceeds our own human expectations. How could the people hope to see the Promised Land when they never even tried to move in that direction?!
So, where have you been stagnant? Where are you making excuses as He’s calling you to charge into the impossible boundaries of your Promised Land? There will always be valid excuses for us to stay where we are. But the sad reality is that many of us will not experience all He has prepared for us because fear, laziness, and circumstances overwhelm our hearts and minds. Meditate on these words today…
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
James 1:12 NASB