On the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho, the LORD said to Moses, On the plains of MoabThe phrase "On the plains of Moab" situates the Israelites geographically and historically. The plains of Moab were located east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan. This area was significant as it was the final encampment of the Israelites before entering the Promised Land. The Hebrew root for Moab, "מואב" (Mo'av), is often associated with the descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, highlighting the complex familial and historical relationships between the Israelites and their neighbors. This setting underscores the anticipation and preparation for the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. by the Jordan
The Jordan River is a critical geographical marker in the biblical narrative. It represents a boundary and a transition point for the Israelites. The Hebrew word "ירדן" (Yarden) is derived from the root "ירד" (yarad), meaning "to descend," which is fitting as the river flows down from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. The Jordan is symbolic of spiritual transitions and new beginnings, as it was the river that the Israelites would cross to enter the Promised Land, and later, where Jesus would be baptized, marking the beginning of His public ministry. across from Jericho
Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, and its mention here is significant. The city would be the first major conquest for the Israelites in the Promised Land, symbolizing the beginning of God's fulfillment of His promise to Abraham. The Hebrew name "יריחו" (Yericho) is thought to be derived from "ירח" (yareach), meaning "moon," possibly indicating the city's ancient connection to lunar worship. This sets the stage for the dramatic events to come, where God's power would be demonstrated over the fortified city. the LORD said to Moses
This phrase emphasizes the direct communication between God and Moses, a central theme in the Pentateuch. The Hebrew name for God here is "יהוה" (YHWH), often rendered as "LORD" in English translations, signifying the covenantal and personal nature of God. Moses, as the mediator of God's law and leader of the Israelites, receives divine instructions that are crucial for the nation's future. This communication underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands as the Israelites prepare to enter a new chapter in their history. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe covenant-keeping God of Israel, who guides and instructs His people. 2. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and lead them to the Promised Land. 3. Plains of MoabThe location where the Israelites were encamped before entering the Promised Land, situated east of the Jordan River. 4. Jordan RiverA significant geographical boundary that the Israelites must cross to enter Canaan. 5. JerichoA fortified city in Canaan, representing the first major challenge the Israelites would face in the Promised Land. Teaching Points God's Guidance in TransitionJust as God spoke to Moses on the brink of a new chapter, He guides us through transitions in our lives. We must be attentive to His voice and direction. The Importance of ObedienceMoses' role as a leader was to faithfully communicate and execute God's commands. Our obedience to God's Word is crucial in fulfilling His purposes for us. Preparation for Spiritual BattlesThe Israelites were about to face Jericho, a symbol of spiritual warfare. We must prepare ourselves spiritually for the battles we face, relying on God's strength and promises. Faith in God's PromisesThe location by the Jordan River was a reminder of God's promise to bring Israel into the land. We are called to trust in God's promises, even when facing obstacles. Community and LeadershipMoses' leadership highlights the importance of godly leadership and community in pursuing God's plans. We should support and pray for our leaders and work together as a community of faith. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the setting of the plains of Moab influence the significance of God's instructions to Moses in Numbers 33:50? 2. In what ways can we discern God's guidance in our own times of transition, similar to how Moses received direction from the LORD? 3. How does the crossing of the Jordan River in Joshua 3-4 serve as a fulfillment of the journey that began in Numbers 33:50? 4. What lessons can we learn from Moses' leadership that can be applied to our roles within our communities and churches? 5. How can we prepare ourselves spiritually for the challenges and "Jerichos" we face in our lives, drawing from the example of the Israelites? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 34This chapter provides further context about Moses' leadership and his view of the Promised Land from the plains of Moab. Joshua 3-4These chapters describe the crossing of the Jordan River, fulfilling the journey that began in Numbers 33:50. Hebrews 11:30This verse highlights the faith required to conquer Jericho, connecting back to the preparation in Numbers 33:50. Exodus 3:7-10God's initial call to Moses, setting the stage for the journey that culminates in the plains of Moab. Psalm 114A poetic reflection on Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, including the crossing of the Jordan. 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 Across, Jericho, Jordan, Lowlands, Moab, Opposite, Plains, Saying, Spake, Speaketh, SpokeDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 33:50-52 4906 abolition Numbers 33:50-56 7258 promised land, early history 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 33:50 NIVNumbers 33:50 NLTNumbers 33:50 ESVNumbers 33:50 NASBNumbers 33:50 KJV
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