Bible Commentaries

BOUNDARIES OF ISRAEL'S INHERITANCE

(vs.1-15)

The Lord now defines the boundaries of the land that Israel was to inherit at the time. For the area then was made smaller than it will be in Millennium, when it will extend from the Nile River in Egypt to the Euphrates River (Genesis 15:18). There is no doubt that all the names and places involved in these boundaries have spiritual significance, but we can only pass them over through lack of needed intelligence.

Yet though in glory our own inheritance will be much larger than at present, we are told now the limits of our present inheritance, for it is bounded by the truth of the Word of God which does not allow us fanciful interpretations or additions concocted by our own minds. To actually possess in practice what God has given us will require all our time and spiritual energy, so that it would be folly to try to add to what God gives. On the other hand, it is spiritual laziness to neglect taking possession of what God has given.

LEADERS IN THE DlVIDING OF THE LAND

(vs.16-29)

Eliezer and Joshua were signified now as being over the work of dividing the land. Eliezer mentioned first speaks of priestly grace, while Joshua stands for firm authority, both of which are vitally important. Then a leader from each tribe was chosen, so that there was an orderly arrangement designed by the Lord.

In the Church of God today the Lord designs no less an order among His people, not by official appointment, but the vital power of the Spirit of God who dwells in every believer personally and in the Church collectively. Thus, in 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 we are told of diversities of gifts in the body of Christ, yet working by the Spirit's power in wonderful unity. "One and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as he wills" (v.11).

Worship today also is to be by the Spirit of God (Philippians 3:3) and "in 1 Corinthians 14:1-40 shows an assembly locally coming together for ministry, with each brother free to be led by the Spirit of God as to what part to take. At the end an appeal is made to every conscience, "Let all things be done decently and in order" (v.40). This will certainly be true where there is submission of heart to the Lord to allow the Spirit of God to lead, for His order is far better than any order of pre-arrangement.