Numbers 33 47

Numbers 33:47 kjv

And they removed from Almondiblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo.

Numbers 33:47 nkjv

They moved from Almon Diblathaim and camped in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo.

Numbers 33:47 niv

They left Almon Diblathaim and camped in the mountains of Abarim, near Nebo.

Numbers 33:47 esv

And they set out from Almon-diblathaim and camped in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo.

Numbers 33:47 nlt

They left Almon-diblathaim and camped in the mountains east of the river, near Mount Nebo.

Numbers 33 verses

Numbers 33 47 Meaning

Numbers 33:47 records a specific stage in the wilderness journey of the Israelites: "They journeyed from Almon-diblathaim and camped in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo." This verse pinpoints their penultimate encampment before entering the Plains of Moab, a critical threshold as they neared the Promised Land, signifying their movement to a key geographical location closely associated with Moses' final moments and the upcoming leadership transition.

Numbers 33 47 Context

Numbers chapter 33 serves as a meticulous record of Israel's 42 encampments and journeys from their departure from Egypt to their final camp in the plains of Moab by the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. This comprehensive itinerary emphasizes the divine direction of every single step of their forty-year wilderness sojourn. Each stop, though often brief and without further details, signifies a divinely ordered movement towards the Promised Land.

Verse 47 places the Israelites in the "mountains of Abarim, before Nebo." This specific location holds immense historical and prophetic significance as it directly precedes Moses' final acts as leader of Israel, including his farewell address (Deuteronomy) and his viewing of the Promised Land from Mount Nebo before his death, as recorded in Deuteronomy 32 and 34. This positioning marks a climactic and transitional moment for the nation, closing the wilderness period and preparing for the conquest of Canaan.

Numbers 33 47 Word analysis

• They journeyed (וַיִּסְעוּ, vayyis'u): The Hebrew verb is nasa' (נָסַע), meaning "to pull up stakes," "to set out," or "to journey." The Qal imperfect consecutive form used here typically denotes a sequential action in a narrative. It highlights the dynamic, guided movement of the Israelites, constantly shifting encampments as directed by the Lord's cloud by day and fire by night. This verb is foundational to understanding the mobile, transitional phase of Israel's national existence in the wilderness.
• from Almon-diblathaim (מֵעַלְמֹן דִּבְלָתָיְמָה, me'Almon Dibelathayemah):
  • me- (מֵ): Preposition "from," indicating origin of movement.
  • 'Almon (עַלְמֹן): Related to "hidden" or "concealed." This may refer to the nature of the place itself or its relative obscurity.
  • Diblathaim (דִּבְלָתָיִם): A dual form, possibly meaning "two fig cakes" or "two places of pressing/compressing." Its appearance in Jer 48:22 as "Beth-diblathaim" (house of Diblathaim) in the context of Moab confirms its location in or near Moabite territory, placing Israel east of the Jordan before their final descent to the plains. The dual form suggests a prominent feature like twin peaks or two associated settlements. Its inclusion signifies precise geographical memory.
• and camped (וַיַּחֲנוּ, vayyaḥanu): From the verb chanah (חָנָה), "to encamp," "to pitch a tent." Like "journeyed," this verb appears frequently in the itinerary, demonstrating the rhythmic and intentional alternation between travel and rest, each step governed by divine command and for divine purpose.
• in the mountains of Abarim (בְּהָרֵי הָעֲבָרִים, bəharey ha'Avarim):
  • bə- (בְּ): Preposition "in" or "among."
  • harey (הָרֵי): Construct form of har (הַר), "mountain" (plural).
  • ha'Avarim (הָעֲבָרִים): From 'abar (עָבַר), meaning "to pass over" or "to cross." Abarim therefore means "those on the other side" or "regions beyond." It describes a mountain range on the eastern side of the Dead Sea and Jordan River, overlooking the land of Canaan. This range represents a crucial geographical threshold, symbolizing the barrier between the wilderness and the Promised Land, and signifying that the Israelites were literally "across" or "beyond" the main wilderness, poised for entry.
• before Nebo (לִפְנֵי נְבֹו, lifney Nəvo):
  • lifney (לִפְנֵי): A prepositional phrase meaning "in the presence of," "before," or "in front of." It indicates immediate proximity and direct facing.
  • Nebo (נְבוֹ): A prominent peak within the Abarim range. It is famously the mountain from which Moses viewed the Promised Land and subsequently died. The name Nebo also resonates with the Babylonian deity Nabu (Nebo in Akkadian), a god of wisdom, writing, and prophecy. While purely coincidental in name, the choice of this specific mountain for Moses' death, guided by Yahweh, reinforces the sovereignty of Israel's God over all foreign deities, ensuring His divine plan unfolds without any subservience to pagan influence. This specific point on the map carries profound historical and theological weight for Israel.

Words-Group Analysis: "They journeyed from Almon-diblathaim and camped in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo." This concise sentence forms a sequential record of a crucial geographical shift. It demonstrates the purposeful and guided nature of Israel's travels. The move from the subtly named "Almon-diblathaim" to the "mountains of Abarim, before Nebo," places Israel at a highly visible and symbolic location, a direct point of transition. The exact specification of location underscores the meticulous oversight of God in every step of their wilderness journey, leading them precisely to the place appointed for Moses' departure and for their entrance into their promised inheritance. The divine hand is evident in leading them to the very spot where Moses' era would conclude, and Joshua's leadership would fully begin.

Numbers 33 47 Bonus section

The mention of "before Nebo" is significant for understanding the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua. While Moses ascends Nebo, Joshua would eventually lead the people across the Jordan into the Promised Land, highlighting the shift in an era. The careful recounting of each stop in Numbers 33 not only validates the historical reality of the Exodus and wanderings but also reinforces the overarching theme of God's covenant faithfulness and meticulous oversight over His people's entire journey, despite their frequent rebellions. The specificity of the location also grounds the divine narrative in real geographical spaces known to the ancient audience.

Numbers 33 47 Commentary

Numbers 33:47 captures a momentous transition in the epic journey of the Israelites. Having traversed the vast and often challenging wilderness for forty years, they have now reached the "mountains of Abarim, before Nebo." This is not just another anonymous stop on their itinerary; it is a divinely designated and profoundly significant landmark. It is here, from a peak in this range, that Moses would soon gaze upon the land he could not enter, and where he would lay down his earthly leadership and life.

This verse emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness and precise guidance. Every "journeyed" and "camped" in this chapter reaffirms that Israel's progress was not random but part of a meticulous divine plan. Their arrival at Nebo signals the imminent conclusion of the wilderness wandering phase and the opening of the promised inheritance. It underscores the culmination of patience, perseverance, and divine providence. It represents the close of one chapter and the preparatory steps for a new, transformative era under new leadership, firmly on the threshold of God's fulfilled promises.

Example: Consider it as reaching the final waypoint on a divinely provided map, with the promised destination visible on the horizon, signaling the culmination of a long trek and the beginning of a new conquest.