Numbers 33:44
They set out from Oboth and camped at Iye-abarim on the border of Moab.
They set out
This phrase indicates the movement and journey of the Israelites, a recurring theme throughout the Book of Numbers. The Hebrew root for "set out" is "nasa," which means to pull up, especially the tent stakes, and by extension, to journey. This reflects the transient nature of the Israelites' existence during their wilderness wanderings, symbolizing the Christian journey of faith, where believers are called to move forward in obedience to God's leading.

from Oboth
Oboth is one of the many encampments of the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the wilderness. The name "Oboth" is derived from the Hebrew "Ovoth," which may mean "waterskins" or "bottles," possibly indicating a place where water was stored or found. This highlights God's provision for His people even in desolate places, reminding believers of God's faithfulness and sustenance in times of need.

and camped
The act of camping signifies a temporary dwelling, a pause in the journey. The Hebrew word "chanah" is used here, meaning to pitch a tent or encamp. This reflects the temporary nature of life on earth for believers, who are described in the New Testament as "strangers and pilgrims" (1 Peter 2:11). It serves as a reminder to hold loosely to the things of this world and to focus on the eternal.

at Iye-abarim
Iye-abarim, meaning "ruins of Abarim," is a location on the eastern side of the Jordan River. The name suggests a place of desolation or ruins, yet it is here that the Israelites camped. This can be seen as a metaphor for how God can bring life and purpose even in places that seem desolate or ruined. It encourages believers to trust in God's ability to transform and redeem difficult circumstances.

on the border of Moab
Moab was a neighboring nation to Israel, often in conflict with them. The border signifies a boundary, a place of transition. In the biblical narrative, Moab represents both a physical and spiritual boundary. The Israelites' proximity to Moab serves as a reminder of the constant presence of external influences and temptations. For Christians, it underscores the importance of spiritual vigilance and the need to remain distinct from worldly influences while living in close proximity to them.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Oboth
A location where the Israelites camped during their wilderness journey. It represents a stage in their long journey to the Promised Land.

2. Iye-abarim
This is the next encampment after Oboth, located on the border of Moab. The name can be translated as "Ruins of Abarim," indicating a place of transition and preparation for entering the Promised Land.

3. Moab
A region east of the Dead Sea, often associated with the descendants of Lot. It serves as a geographical and spiritual boundary for the Israelites as they approach the land God promised them.
Teaching Points
Journey of Faith
The Israelites' journey from Oboth to Iye-abarim symbolizes the stages of faith and obedience in a believer's life. Each encampment represents a step closer to God's promises.

Boundaries and Transitions
Just as the Israelites camped on the border of Moab, believers often find themselves at spiritual boundaries, preparing for new phases in their walk with God. These moments require trust and readiness to move forward.

God's Guidance
The detailed record of the Israelites' journey underscores God's guidance and faithfulness. Believers can trust that God is leading them, even when the path seems uncertain.

Historical Context and Spiritual Lessons
Understanding the historical context of Moab and its relationship with Israel can deepen our appreciation for God's redemptive plan and His sovereignty over nations and history.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the journey from Oboth to Iye-abarim teach us about the importance of each step in our spiritual journey?

2. How can understanding the historical context of Moab enhance our understanding of God's instructions to the Israelites?

3. In what ways can we identify and prepare for spiritual boundaries or transitions in our own lives?

4. How does the Israelites' journey through the wilderness reflect God's faithfulness and guidance in our personal lives?

5. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' obedience in following God's direction, and how can we apply these lessons to our daily walk with Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 2
This chapter provides additional context about the Israelites' journey through Moab and God's instructions regarding their interactions with the Moabites.

Numbers 21
Earlier in Numbers, the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, including their encounters with various nations, is detailed, providing a broader context for their encampments.

Genesis 19
The origin of the Moabites is found here, offering insight into the historical and familial connections between Israel and Moab.
The Journeyings of the IsraelitesD. Young Numbers 33:1-49
People
Aaron, Abel, Arad, Egyptians, Gad, Geber, Israelites, Moses, Perez, Tahath, Terah, Zephon
Places
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, Zin
Topics
Abarim, Border, Camped, Departed, Edge, Encamp, Encamped, Ijeabarim, Ije-abarim, Ijim-abarim, Iye, Iye-abarim, I'ye-ab'arim, Journey, Journeyed, Moab, Oboth, Pitched, Removed, Tents, Territory, Traveled
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 33:44

     5235   boundary

Numbers 33:3-48

     7222   exodus, events of

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 Hebraica

Arbel. 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

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