Numbers 21 10

Numbers 21:10 kjv

And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in Oboth.

Numbers 21:10 nkjv

Now the children of Israel moved on and camped in Oboth.

Numbers 21:10 niv

The Israelites moved on and camped at Oboth.

Numbers 21:10 esv

And the people of Israel set out and camped in Oboth.

Numbers 21:10 nlt

The Israelites traveled next to Oboth and camped there.

Numbers 21 verses

Numbers 21 10 Meaning

Numbers 21:10 concisely records a specific geographical movement of the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings: they departed from their previous encampment and established a new one at a place named Oboth. This seemingly simple statement signifies God's continuous guidance and Israel's progression towards the promised land, with each stopping point being divinely ordained in their pilgrim journey.

Numbers 21 10 Context

Numbers 21:10 occurs during the final phase of Israel's forty-year wilderness wanderings, nearing the end of their period of punishment. The broader context of Numbers Chapters 20 and 21 involves several significant events: the death of Miriam, Moses striking the rock at Meribah (resulting in his and Aaron's prohibition from entering Canaan), Aaron's death at Mount Hor, the defeat of Arad, and the episode of the bronze serpent (Nehushtan). Following these events, the Israelites begin to bypass Edom and Moab, turning north and east toward the Transjordan. Verse 10 specifically describes their movement from the region around Mount Hor after Aaron's death, progressing further into the desert. The Israelites were under divine guidance, moving according to the Lord's command, symbolized by the cloud lifting from the Tabernacle. This section of Numbers details Israel's final stages of movement before entering the plains of Moab, leading up to the confrontations with Sihon and Og.

Numbers 21 10 Word analysis

• And: (וְ, ve-) A common conjunction, simply linking this movement to the preceding narrative, maintaining the continuous historical account of Israel's journey.
• the children of Israel: (בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, B'nei Yisrael) Literally "sons of Israel." This term refers to the entire Israelite community, emphasizing their corporate identity as the chosen covenant people, united by common lineage from Jacob (Israel). Their journey is not merely a multitude's trek but the movement of God's distinct nation.
• set forward: (נָסְעוּ, nas'u) From the root נסע (nasa), meaning "to pull up," "to depart," or "to journey." This denotes the act of breaking camp and continuing their march. In the context of the wilderness, this was always in response to God's signal (Num 9:17). Its consistent use throughout Numbers highlights divine orchestration of their entire journey.
• and pitched: (וַיַּחֲנוּ, vayyaḥănû) From the root חנה (ḥana), meaning "to encamp," "to settle down for a stay." This indicates they established a temporary dwelling, signifying a pause in their journey, always in a specific location often chosen or affirmed by divine guidance. It contrasts with constant movement, showing periods of rest or strategic positioning.
• in Oboth: (בְּאֹבֹת, b'Ovot) A place name. The Hebrew word ovot (אֹבֹת) means "water skins" or "pits/cisterns." The name likely reflects the presence of wells or water sources at this location, crucial for a large multitude traveling through the wilderness. It would have been a place of replenishment, demonstrating God's continued provision in the barren land. This geographical detail confirms the historical reality of their journey and God's faithfulness in sustaining them.

Words-Group Analysis:

• And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched: This phrase consistently frames the Israelites' journey as a series of movements and encampments, reflecting the structured and purposeful nature of their wandering under God's command. Each leg of the journey and each resting place was part of a divine itinerary. It illustrates their ongoing pilgrimage and dependency.

Numbers 21 10 Bonus section

The seemingly monotonous recitation of travel stages in Numbers, exemplified by verses like 21:10, serves several crucial functions beyond mere record-keeping. Firstly, it validates the historical truth of the exodus and the wilderness journey, making it clear that this was a tangible event experienced by a real people, moving through real places. Secondly, it emphasizes God's sovereign control over their itinerary; Israel did not choose their paths or resting places. This reinforces themes of absolute reliance and obedience. Thirdly, it sets the stage for the narrative developments in each new location, showing how God's divine plan unfolded sequentially. Even the simplest stations, like Oboth, contribute to the larger testimony of God's persistent presence with His people.

Numbers 21 10 Commentary

Numbers 21:10, though seemingly a mere travel log entry, carries significant theological weight within the larger narrative of Israel's wilderness experience. It is a snapshot of God's continued covenant faithfulness and His meticulous leadership. The "children of Israel," God's chosen nation, did not wander aimlessly; every "setting forward" and every "pitching" was ordered by divine will, often signaled by the movement of the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. The mention of "Oboth," likely a place with vital water, subtly affirms God's constant provision for His people even in a barren land, reminding them that He meets their basic needs along the pilgrim path. This verse underscores the reality of God's hand guiding mundane steps, turning a logistical move into an act of sustained faith and obedience. It exemplifies the purposeful nature of their pilgrimage towards the promised land, a journey marked by both challenges and God's unwavering presence.