Numbers 32 37

Numbers 32:37 kjv

And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim,

Numbers 32:37 nkjv

And the children of Reuben built Heshbon and Elealeh and Kirjathaim,

Numbers 32:37 niv

And the Reubenites rebuilt Heshbon, Elealeh and Kiriathaim,

Numbers 32:37 esv

And the people of Reuben built Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim,

Numbers 32:37 nlt

The descendants of Reuben built the towns of Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim,

Numbers 32 verses

Numbers 32 37 Meaning

Numbers 32:37 records three specific cities, Nebo, Baal-meon, and Sibmah, which the tribes of Reuben and Gad, having settled east of the Jordan, rebuilt and importantly, renamed. This renaming signifies a deliberate act to purge the pagan associations inherent in their original names and to consecrate the land under the authority and sovereignty of YHWH, marking the Israelite inheritance and their dedication to Him rather than to local deities. It is an act of purification and establishing a new identity for the land.

Numbers 32 37 Context

Numbers chapter 32 recounts the negotiations between the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh with Moses, Eleazar, and the other leaders concerning their desire to settle the conquered land east of the Jordan River. This rich pasture land, previously belonging to Sihon and Og, was ideal for their abundant livestock. Moses initially reprimanded them, fearing their request would discourage the other tribes, much like the prior incident at Kadesh-barnea. However, upon their vow to help conquer the land west of the Jordan before settling, Moses agreed. Verses 34-42 describe the fulfillment of their part: they fortified cities for their children and livestock, highlighting their commitment to preparing the land for their families. Numbers 32:37 is a specific detailing of some of the cities, like Nebo, Baal-meon, and Sibmah, which they rebuilt or repaired. The act of "changing their names" underscores the theological imperative to purify the land from idolatrous associations and to assert YHWH's sovereignty over pagan deities associated with these locations.

Numbers 32 37 Word analysis

• and Nebo (נְבוֹ - Nevo): A city name, but importantly also the name of a Babylonian/Moabite deity associated with prophecy and wisdom. It is also the name of the mountain from which Moses viewed the Promised Land (Deut 34:1). Its presence in this list, and its subsequent renaming, is a direct theological statement. Taking over and renaming a city bearing the name of a foreign god asserts YHWH's dominion over the land and its pagan past.
• and Baal-meon (בַּעַל מְעוֹן - Ba'al Me'on): Meaning "Baal of habitation" or "Lord of dwelling." Baal was a pervasive Canaanite storm god and fertility deity, the chief rival to YHWH in Israelite worship. The direct inclusion of "Baal" in the name necessitated its alteration. This was a critical step in establishing the exclusive worship of YHWH, rejecting the common syncretism of the time. Its original name pointed to a pagan deity having jurisdiction over that area, which Israel rejected.
• their names being changed (מוּסַבֹּת שֵׁם - musavvot shem): This Hebrew phrase (a Pual participle, often conveying a passive but active sense) indicates a deliberate, effected transformation. It implies not just a natural evolution of a name, but an intentional, divinely-sanctioned renaming by the Israelites. This action served several key purposes:
  • Polemics against Idolatry: To eradicate the memory and influence of pagan deities (Nebo, Baal). It's a statement that these foreign gods have no dominion in YHWH's land.
  • Assertion of Ownership: Renaming often accompanies conquest, asserting the new possessor's authority.
  • Purification and Dedication: Symbolically cleansing the land and dedicating it solely to YHWH and His people.
• and Sibmah (שִׂבְמָה - Sivmah): This city, unlike Nebo and Baal-meon, is not explicitly named after a pagan deity, although any name might have pagan roots for its original inhabitants. Sibmah was particularly famous for its vineyards, mentioned frequently in prophetic judgments against Moab (Isa 16:8-9, Jer 48:32) due to its abundance. Its inclusion emphasizes the overall process of occupying and claiming the fertile parts of the land.
• and gave names to the cities which they builded: This phrase reaffirms the proactive role of the tribes. They were not just occupying; they were actively rebuilding (perhaps fortifying or restoring after conquest) and then establishing a new order by assigning new names. The building signifies the establishment of settled life and an Israelite presence, and the naming seals this establishment under YHWH. The rebuilding implied transforming these cities into proper habitations and defenses for the Israelite population, suitable for their families and flocks.

Numbers 32 37 Bonus section

The practice of renaming places and people after significant events or a change in status is common throughout the Bible, reflecting a theological reality. From Abram becoming Abraham to Jacob becoming Israel, a new name signifies a new identity and a new covenantal relationship. Here, the "new name" for these cities symbolizes their transition from being territories under pagan spiritual influence to being parts of the holy inheritance of YHWH's people. This ongoing struggle against the influence of false gods and their ideologies continues in the Christian life, where believers are called to put off the old self and put on the new (Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:9-10), renaming their identity in Christ rather than their former masters or pagan associations. The vulnerability of these Transjordan tribes to later revert to such practices (e.g., idolatry in Hos 4:15, which might be linked to this region) underscores that initial cleansing is only the beginning of a perpetual spiritual battle for faithfulness.

Numbers 32 37 Commentary

Numbers 32:37 encapsulates a profound theological truth about Israel's mission and identity. The rebuilding and renaming of cities like Nebo and Baal-meon were not mere logistical acts; they were critical declarations of divine sovereignty and exclusivity. In a world permeated by polytheism, where place names often bore the names of local deities, the act of changing a city's name directly challenged the spiritual dominion of those gods. It was a clear and public commitment to YHWH alone, a tangible fulfillment of the command to dispossess nations and purify the land from their idolatrous practices (Deut 7:5; 12:2-3). This action serves as a foundational example of how God's people are to sanctify their spaces and lives, eliminating every vestige of what contradicts His will. Practically, this resonates with the believer's call to remove old, ungodly habits and thought patterns (symbolic "names") and to rebuild their lives according to Christ, taking on a "new name" or identity in Him.