They set out from the mountains of Abarim and camped on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho. They set outThis phrase indicates a movement or transition, a common theme in the journey of the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "set out" is "nasa," which means to pull up, especially the tent pegs, signifying the beginning of a journey. This action reflects obedience to God's command and a readiness to follow His guidance. It is a reminder of the Christian journey of faith, where believers are called to be ready to move as God directs. from the mountains of Abarim
The "mountains of Abarim" are a range east of the Jordan River, significant in Israelite history as a place of transition. The Hebrew "Abarim" means "regions beyond," symbolizing a threshold or a point of crossing over. This location is historically and spiritually significant as it represents the final stages of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. It is a place of vision and anticipation, as Moses viewed the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, part of the Abarim range. and camped
The act of camping signifies a temporary dwelling, a pause in the journey. The Hebrew word "chanah" means to pitch a tent or encamp. This reflects the transient nature of the Israelites' journey and, by extension, the Christian life. It is a reminder that earthly life is temporary, and believers are sojourners looking forward to their eternal home. on the plains of Moab
The "plains of Moab" were located east of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. Moab was a region with a complex relationship with Israel, often marked by conflict and interaction. The plains represent a place of preparation and anticipation, as the Israelites were on the brink of entering the Promised Land. Historically, this area was fertile and strategic, underscoring God's provision and the imminence of His promises. by the Jordan
The Jordan River is a significant geographical and spiritual landmark in the Bible. It represents a boundary and a crossing point into the Promised Land. The Hebrew "Yarden" means "descender," reflecting the river's flow from the mountains to the Dead Sea. The Jordan symbolizes transition, purification, and new beginnings, as seen in the baptism of Jesus and the crossing of the Israelites into Canaan. across from Jericho
Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and holds a prominent place in biblical history. The phrase "across from Jericho" situates the Israelites on the brink of a significant conquest. Jericho represents the first major challenge in the Promised Land, a test of faith and obedience. Archaeologically, Jericho's ruins testify to its ancient fortifications, aligning with the biblical account of its walls falling by divine intervention. This phrase underscores the theme of divine promise and the fulfillment of God's covenant with His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. Mountains of AbarimA mountain range east of the Jordan River, significant as a place where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. 2. Plains of MoabA region located east of the Jordan River, where the Israelites camped before entering the Promised Land. It was a place of preparation and transition. 3. Jordan RiverA significant geographical boundary for the Israelites, representing the border they would cross to enter the Promised Land. 4. JerichoA fortified city in Canaan, known for its walls that fell after the Israelites marched around them, marking the beginning of their conquest of the land. 5. IsraelitesThe people of God, led by Moses, who were journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land, experiencing God's guidance and provision. Teaching Points Preparation for God's PromisesThe Israelites camped on the plains of Moab, a place of preparation before entering the Promised Land. In our lives, God often prepares us in specific seasons before fulfilling His promises. Trust in God's TimingThe journey from Egypt to the Promised Land was long and challenging. Trusting in God's timing is crucial, even when the path seems difficult or prolonged. Faith in ActionThe proximity to Jericho reminds us of the importance of faith in action. The Israelites' faith led to the miraculous fall of Jericho's walls, teaching us to act on God's instructions with confidence. Spiritual Boundaries and BreakthroughsThe Jordan River represented a boundary to be crossed. In our spiritual journey, we encounter boundaries that require faith and obedience to experience breakthroughs. Bible Study Questions 1. What significance do the mountains of Abarim hold in the journey of the Israelites, and how can this relate to our spiritual "mountaintop" experiences? 2. How does the Israelites' encampment on the plains of Moab illustrate the importance of preparation in our spiritual lives? 3. In what ways does the crossing of the Jordan River symbolize spiritual breakthroughs in our personal faith journey? 4. How can the account of Jericho inspire us to act in faith when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's timing. How did that experience shape your faith and understanding of His promises? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 34This chapter describes Moses viewing the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, part of the Abarim range, and his subsequent death, highlighting the culmination of his leadership. Joshua 3-4These chapters recount the crossing of the Jordan River by the Israelites, led by Joshua, signifying the fulfillment of God's promise to bring them into the Promised Land. Hebrews 11:30This verse references the fall of Jericho, connecting the faith of the Israelites to the fulfillment of God's promises. People Aaron, Abel, Arad, Egyptians, Gad, Geber, Israelites, Moses, Perez, Tahath, Terah, ZephonPlaces 0, Abarim, Abel-shittim, Abronah, Almon-diblathaim, Alush, Arad, Baal-zephon, Bene-jaakan, Beth-jeshimoth, Canaan, Dibon-gad, Dophkah, Edom, Egypt, Elim, Etham, Ezion-geber, Hahiroth, Haradah, Hashmonah, Hazeroth, Hor-haggidgad, Iye-abarim, Iyim, Jericho, Jordan River, Jotbathah, Kadesh-barnea, Kehelathah, Kibroth-hattaavah, Libnah, Makheloth, Marah, Migdol, Mithkah, Moab, Moseroth, Mount Hor, Mount Shepher, Nebo, Negev, Oboth, Pi-hahiroth, Punon, Rameses, Red Sea, Rephidim, Rimmon-perez, Rissah, Rithmah, Sinai, Succoth, Tahath, Terah, Zalmonah, ZinTopics Abarim, Ab'arim, Across, Camped, Departed, Encamp, Encamped, Jericho, Jordan, Journey, Journeyed, Lowlands, Moab, Mountains, Opposite, Pitched, Plains, Removed, Tents, TraveledDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 33:3-48 7222 exodus, events of Numbers 33:47-48 4254 mountains Library Some Miscellaneous Matters Belonging to the Country About Jericho.
Let us begin from the last encampings of Israel beyond Jordan. Numbers 33:49: "They encamped near Jordan from Beth-jeshimoth unto Abel-shittim."--"From Beth-jeshimoth to Abel-shittim were twelve miles." It is a most received opinion among the Jews, that the tents of the Israelites in the wilderness contained a square of twelve miles. So the Targum of Jonathan, upon Number 2:2; "The encamping of Israel was twelve miles in length, and twelve miles in breadth." And the Gemarists say, "It is forbidden …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaArbel. Shezor. Tarnegola the Upper.
"Arbel a city of Galilee."--There is mention of it in Hosea 10:14. But there are authors which do very differently interpret that place, viz. the Chaldee paraphrast, R. Solomon, Kimchi: consult them. It was between Zippor and Tiberias. Hence Nittai the Arbelite, who was president with Josua Ben Perahiah. The valley of Arbel is mentioned by the Talmudists. So also "The Arbelite Bushel." "Near Zephath in Upper Galilee was a town named Shezor, whence was R. Simeon Shezori: there he was buried. There …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Christ the Water of Life.
"Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life" (John iv. 13, 14). "Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink" (John vii. 37). "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank …
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 33:48 NIVNumbers 33:48 NLTNumbers 33:48 ESVNumbers 33:48 NASBNumbers 33:48 KJV
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