And there on the plains of Moab they camped by the Jordan, from Beth-jeshimoth to Abel-shittim. There on the plains of MoabThe "plains of Moab" refer to the flatlands east of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. This area was significant as it was the final encampment of the Israelites before entering the Promised Land. Historically, Moab was a region inhabited by the Moabites, descendants of Lot. Theologically, this location represents a place of transition and preparation, where the Israelites were poised to fulfill God's promise. The Hebrew root for Moab, "מואב" (Mo'av), is often associated with the idea of "from the father," reflecting the complex relationship between the Israelites and the Moabites. they camped
The act of camping signifies a temporary dwelling, a pause in the journey. In Hebrew, the word "חנה" (chanah) implies resting or settling. This encampment was not just a physical rest but a spiritual preparation for the Israelites. It was a time to reflect on their journey, receive final instructions from Moses, and prepare for the conquest of Canaan. Camping here symbolizes obedience and trust in God's timing and provision. along the Jordan
The Jordan River is a critical geographical and spiritual landmark in the Bible. It represents a boundary and a crossing point into new beginnings. The Hebrew name "ירדן" (Yarden) means "descender," reflecting the river's flow from the highlands to the Dead Sea. For the Israelites, the Jordan was a barrier to the Promised Land, yet it was also a symbol of God's faithfulness, as He would later part its waters for them to cross. Spiritually, the Jordan signifies transition, purification, and the fulfillment of God's promises. from Beth-jeshimoth
Beth-jeshimoth, meaning "house of the deserts" in Hebrew, was a location on the eastern side of the Jordan. It was a place of desolation, yet it served as a boundary marker for the Israelites. This name reflects the journey from desolation to promise, from wilderness wandering to the hope of a new home. Archaeologically, Beth-jeshimoth is identified with ruins that suggest a settlement, emphasizing the transient nature of the Israelites' journey. to Abel-shittim
Abel-shittim, meaning "meadow of the acacias," was the final encampment of the Israelites before crossing the Jordan. The acacia tree, "שִׁטָּה" (shittah) in Hebrew, is known for its hard wood and resilience, often used in the construction of the Tabernacle. This location symbolizes strength and endurance, qualities necessary for the Israelites as they prepared to enter Canaan. Abel-shittim represents a place of readiness and divine encounter, as it was here that the Israelites received the final instructions from Moses. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe people of God who have been journeying through the wilderness for 40 years, now on the brink of entering the Promised Land. 2. Beth-jeshimothA location near the northeastern shore of the Dead Sea, meaning "House of Desolation," indicating a place of transition from wilderness to promise. 3. Abel-shittimA place in the plains of Moab, meaning "Meadow of the Acacias," symbolizing a place of preparation and anticipation before crossing into Canaan. 4. The Jordan RiverA significant geographical and spiritual boundary for the Israelites, representing the transition from the wilderness wanderings to the inheritance of the Promised Land. 5. The Plains of MoabThe final encampment area for the Israelites before entering Canaan, a place of both reflection on past journeys and preparation for future conquest. Teaching Points Preparation for PromiseJust as the Israelites camped in anticipation of entering the Promised Land, we must prepare our hearts and lives for the promises God has for us. Reflecting on the JourneyThe encampment at the plains of Moab serves as a reminder to reflect on God's faithfulness throughout our life's journey, recognizing His guidance and provision. Transition and TrustCrossing the Jordan symbolizes a step of faith. We are often called to trust God in transitions, leaving behind the familiar to embrace His promises. Community and UnityThe Israelites camped together as a community, emphasizing the importance of unity and support within the body of Christ as we journey towards God's promises. Obedience and FaithfulnessThe Israelites' obedience in following God's instructions to camp and prepare highlights the importance of faithfulness in our walk with God. Bible Study Questions 1. What significance does the location of Beth-jeshimoth and Abel-shittim hold for the Israelites, and how can this apply to our spiritual journey today? 2. How does the crossing of the Jordan River in Joshua 3-4 relate to the Israelites' encampment in Numbers 33:49, and what does it teach us about stepping into God's promises? 3. In what ways can reflecting on our past journeys with God, as the Israelites did in the plains of Moab, strengthen our faith and trust in Him? 4. How can we, as a community of believers, support one another in times of transition and preparation for God's promises? 5. What steps of obedience and faithfulness is God calling you to take in your current season, and how can you prepare for the promises He has for you? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 3-4The crossing of the Jordan River, where the Israelites move from the plains of Moab into the Promised Land, fulfilling God's promise. Deuteronomy 34Moses views the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, located in the region of Moab, highlighting the culmination of his leadership and the transition to Joshua. Genesis 12:1-3The promise to Abraham about his descendants inheriting the land, which is about to be fulfilled as the Israelites prepare to enter Canaan. 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 Abel, Abelshittim, Abel-shittim, Along, Beth, Beth-jeshimoth, Beth-jes'himoth, Bethjesimoth, Camped, Encamp, Encamped, Jeshimoth, Jordan, Lowlands, Moab, Pitched, Plains, Planting, Shittim, TentsDictionary 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 33:49 NIVNumbers 33:49 NLTNumbers 33:49 ESVNumbers 33:49 NASBNumbers 33:49 KJV
Numbers 33:49 Commentaries
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