Once again, the main outline is from the Open Bible, slightly edited.
Divisions of the Land West of Jordan
Boundaries of Canaan
The South Boundary (v.1-5)
This border ran began at the bottom of the Dead Sea, went a bit east then south. It crossed over to below Kadesh, then over to the River of Egypt, then to the ocean. (See map).
The West Boundary (v.6)
This is an easy boundary as it was the ocean, the Mediterranean Sea.
The North Boundary (v.7-9)
This border is uncertain. Most of the places mentioned by Moses have not been clearly identified. Most Bible scholars place the border just above the city of Dan.
God promised Abraham a much larger area from the River of Egypt up to the Euphrates (Genesis 15:18). During the reign of David and Solomon, Israel controlled land south to Ezion-geber at the tip of the Red Sea and north to the Euphrates River.
The East Boundary (v.10-12)
From the north it comes down to the northeast corner of the Sea of Chinnereth.
Remember that the sea of Chinnereth (v.11) is another name for the Sea of Galilee. From there the east border follows the Jordan down to the Dead Sea.
Two and a half tribes will inherit on the east (v.13-15).
Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh received their inheritance east of Jordan.
The Officials who Divided Canaan (v.16-29)
God identified the men who were to divide the land as Elazar and Joshua (v.17). To help them God identified one price from every tribe.
God called these men by name (v.19-28). Which tribes are not mentioned? The 2 ½ tribes who inherited on the east of Jordan are not mentioned, Ruben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.
The fact that God chose these men is significant. He best knew their abilities and skills. He knew they were good leaders. By God choosing them, there should be no debates.
We must remember that God also knows the best for your life and mine. The best way to find peace, joy, and fulfilment in life is to seek His will for our lives and follow it faithfully.
Principles for Us Today
This chapter is not just information to fill our minds. In the chapter, we see the will of God revealed to His people. They did not have a Bible to open for direction. They had to wait on God’s direction through Moses. We are privileged to each hold a copy of the Bible in our hands through which God wants to direct our lives. You are able to read and hear from God just as I can. God’s Word can lead and guide you just as it can guide me.
Did the people fully grasp the boarders in their minds? They could not see an aerial view of it. They probably had no maps of the area. God defined their borders to guide them, to encourage them, and to assure them. They were about to enter that fearful land and conquer it. They now had God’s promise as to what land was to be theirs. The promises of the Bible are for our encouragement and assurance as well. The Lord is coming back. True believers will spend eternity with Him.
