במדבר, פרק ל״ד, פסוק א׳

As the Israelites stand on the verge of entering the Promised Land, a new phase of preparation begins. God initiates a sequence of instructions dedicated entirely to the future, outlining the exact borders of the land of Canaan. This ensures the people will clearly understand the size and scope of the territory they are about to inherit. Because Moses will not cross the Jordan River, God establishes a new chain of command, instructing that Joshua and Eleazar will take charge to guide the appointed tribal leaders in the actual division of the land.

These directions follow a natural progression. They start with the broad, external borders of the territory and the establishment of tribal leadership, before shifting inward to the laws that will govern the community's daily life. This transition includes practical and ritual procedures for handling cases of murder, a reality that will inevitably challenge the new society once it settles in Canaan.

Ultimately, the geographic boundaries detailed by God closely align with the borders later recorded in the books of Joshua and Ezekiel. The primary difference is that Ezekiel's account updates the geography, using place names that would be more recognizable to an audience living after the period of exile.