Numbers 21 15

Numbers 21:15 kjv

And at the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth upon the border of Moab.

Numbers 21:15 nkjv

And the slope of the brooks That reaches to the dwelling of Ar, And lies on the border of Moab."

Numbers 21:15 niv

and the slopes of the ravines that lead to the settlement of Ar and lie along the border of Moab."

Numbers 21:15 esv

and the slope of the valleys that extends to the seat of Ar, and leans to the border of Moab."

Numbers 21:15 nlt

and the ravines that extend as far as the settlement of Ar on the border of Moab."

Numbers 21 verses

Numbers 21 15 Meaning

Numbers 21:15 continues a poetic description within the narrative of Israel's journey in the wilderness, specifying a key geographical landmark that defined the boundary of Moab. It indicates that the path or stream descends towards the capital city of Ar, which itself lies along the edge of the Moabite territory. This verse functions as a precise geographical marker, confirming the route taken by the Israelites and delineating the historical border they respected or traversed.

Numbers 21 15 Context

Numbers chapter 21 recounts the latter part of Israel's journey through the wilderness towards the Promised Land, marking their advance towards the territory east of the Jordan River. Following a victory over Arad, Israel encounters difficult terrain and voices complaint, leading to the plague of fiery serpents and the Lord's provision of the bronze serpent. The narrative then shifts to describe Israel's onward movement from Oboth (v.10), through various wilderness stations including Iye-abarim (v.11), Zered (v.12), and across the Arnon valley (v.13). Verses 14 and 15 form part of a poetic passage, a short excerpt possibly from an ancient source known as "the Book of the Wars of the LORD," cited to establish the precise geographical route. Verse 15 specifically points to a crucial landmark: the stream that runs down to Ar, a significant city and probable capital within Moab, thereby marking the northern limit of Moabite territory relative to Israel's march. This precise boundary definition is vital as God had commanded Israel not to encroach upon Moabite or Edomite lands (Deut 2:9).

Numbers 21 15 Word analysis

• And (וּמִשָּׁפַ֖עַת - u-mishshaphat): The conjunction "And" connects this clause to the preceding verse (Num 21:14), indicating a continuation of the poetic geographical description.
• to the stream (לְנַחַ֥ל - l'nachal): "Stream" is from the Hebrew word nachal (נַחַל), which typically refers to a wadi – a seasonal watercourse or dry riverbed that fills with water only during the rainy season. These were crucial geographical features in the arid ancient Near East, often serving as natural boundaries. It highlights the specific natural landscape feature serving as a marker.
• of the brooks (הָאֲרֻבֹּ֖ת - ha'arubot): This is a less common term, arubah, often translated as "sluices," "floodgates," or "channels." In this context, it reinforces the idea of multiple converging water channels or tributaries feeding into the main wadi. It emphasizes a network of watercourses rather than a single stream, characteristic of a broader drainage system.
• that goeth down (אֲשֶׁ֣ר נָטָה֙ - asher nata): "Goeth down" or "bends down/extends" from the root nata (נָטָה), meaning to stretch out, incline, or bend. It describes the downhill course of the wadi, suggesting its descent into the lowlands towards the main settlement. This verb gives a sense of the topography and direction.
• to the dwelling (לְשֶׁ֖בֶת - l'shevet): From the word shevet (שֶׁבֶת), meaning "dwelling," "habitation," or "seat." In this context, it refers to the permanent settlement or primary city. It directly points to the destination or vicinity of the wadi.
• of Ar (עָ֑ר - Ar): "Ar" (עָר) is short for Ar-Moab, the ancient capital city of Moab (also called Ir-Moab). This city was strategically located on the northern bank of the Arnon River, serving as a significant administrative and military center for the Moabites. Its mention firmly places the boundary geographically.
• and lieth upon (וְנִשְׁקָ֖ף - v'nishkaf): From the root shakaf (שָׁקַף), which means "to look out," "overhang," or "oversee." In this Niphal form, it can mean "is visible from" or "overlooks." Applied to a border, it conveys that the border runs along or is positioned atop a prominent feature, or from it, one can overlook the adjacent territory. It depicts the position of the border as significant in its visibility or relation to the land.
• the border (בְּגְב֥וּל - b'gevul): "Border" is from the Hebrew gevul (גְּבוּל), meaning a fixed boundary, limit, or territory. It signifies a clearly defined division between one land and another. This is crucial for Israel's legal and territorial claims, as well as their compliance with God's commands regarding Moab.
• of Moab (מוֹאָֽב - Moav): The nation or land of Moab, descendants of Lot (Gen 19:37), situated east of the Dead Sea. Their territory was culturally and politically distinct, often in complex relations with Israel. The explicit mention confirms whose border is being defined.
• Words-Group Analysis:
  • "stream of the brooks" (נַחַל הָאֲרֻבֹּת - nachal ha'arubot): This phrase points to a specific hydrological feature—a wadi or river system composed of multiple channels, typical of desert landscapes, defining a natural geographic boundary.
  • "that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar": Describes the precise geographical course of the wadi leading directly to the significant city of Ar, providing an exact reference point.
  • "and lieth upon the border of Moab": Clearly defines that this geographical marker—the stream and its descent towards Ar—serves as a visible and recognizable boundary for the land of Moab.

Numbers 21 15 Bonus section

This verse, along with the preceding one (Num 21:14), offers a rare glimpse into the literary sources available to the ancient biblical writers, explicitly referencing "the Book of the Wars of the LORD." This suggests that portions of the Pentateuch, especially the historical and geographical sections, were compiled or derived from older, authoritative documents or oral traditions. The specificity of the geographical description concerning the "stream of the brooks" (nachal ha'arubot) and "Ar" as defining "the border of Moab" underscores the historical reliability and meticulous attention to detail within the narrative. Such precision would have been crucial for an audience intimately familiar with their ancestral lands and surrounding territories, reinforcing the authenticity of God's leading through defined historical spaces. This isn't just a list of places, but a divinely guided trajectory through known political landscapes, establishing both the sovereignty of God and the legitimate claims and paths of His people.

Numbers 21 15 Commentary

Numbers 21:15 functions as a vital geographical marker within the detailed itinerary of Israel's wilderness wanderings. Its precision, especially following the mention of "the Book of the Wars of the LORD," highlights its role as part of an authentic historical record validating Israel's passage and establishing ancient geopolitical boundaries. The description of "the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar" paints a clear picture of the physical landscape—a wadi system leading to the capital of Moab, Ar, which itself sat at the frontier of the Moabite territory. This not only chronicles Israel's adherence to God's command not to conquer Moabite land (Deut 2:9) but also serves as proof of their journey through divinely ordained routes. It underlines the Israelites' respect for established boundaries, a concept critical in ancient Near Eastern land ownership and tribal interactions, demonstrating God's sovereign hand not just in their deliverance but also in the very path they walked.