People Need Boundaries

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Give these instructions to the Israelites: When you come into the land of Canaan, which I am giving you as your special possession, these will be the boundaries. [Numbers 34.1-2]

I see it as interesting today that God determined boundaries for Israel.

Why?

Why couldn't Israel just take as much land as they wanted (they obviously had God's favor)?

I think the answer is simply this: people need boundaries. Boundaries are an essential part of a society that actually functions. Boundaries are useful in determining direction (whether geographical or spiritual). Boundaries are useful in judgment (thus the term "crossing the line").

Boundaries give definition. Without definition, everything is just confusion.

The Ten Commandments provide boundaries as does the Bible as a whole.

A relationship provides boundaries - with a spouse, a friend, a city, a nation, ...with God.

Boundaries provide protection.

Boundaries are good.

Father, thank You for establishing boundaries for us.