Numbers 33 49

Numbers 33:49 kjv

And they pitched by Jordan, from Bethjesimoth even unto Abelshittim in the plains of Moab.

Numbers 33:49 nkjv

They camped by the Jordan, from Beth Jesimoth as far as the Abel Acacia Grove in the plains of Moab.

Numbers 33:49 niv

There on the plains of Moab they camped along the Jordan from Beth Jeshimoth to Abel Shittim.

Numbers 33:49 esv

they camped by the Jordan from Beth-jeshimoth as far as Abel-shittim in the plains of Moab.

Numbers 33:49 nlt

Along the Jordan River they camped from Beth-jeshimoth as far as the meadows of Acacia on the plains of Moab.

Numbers 33 verses

Numbers 33 49 Meaning

The Israelites encamped along the Jordan River, their final staging area stretching from Beth Jeshimoth in the south to Abel Shittim in the north, all located within the expansive plains of Moab. This marked their last and forty-second wilderness campsite, positioning them directly at the threshold of the Promised Land.

Numbers 33 49 Context

Numbers 33 provides a chronological list of all the forty-two encampments of the Israelites from their departure from Egypt through the wilderness. This chapter functions as a historical summary and validation of God's leading. Verse 49 marks the final geographic point reached after four decades of wandering, representing the culmination of their desert journey and their positioning directly opposite the Promised Land across the Jordan River. It sets the immediate scene for Moses' farewell addresses and laws recounted in Deuteronomy, and the dramatic crossing into Canaan led by Joshua in the book of Joshua.

Numbers 33 49 Word analysis

• and pitched (וַיַּחֲנוּ - vayyaḥănū): From the verb ḥānāh, meaning "to encamp," "to pitch a tent." This signifies a temporary dwelling, a state of readiness, but also suggests rest after a long journey. It highlights their preparation and staging before a critical next move.

• by the Jordan (עַל־הַיַּרְדֵּן - al-ha-Yarden): Refers to the Jordan River, the most significant geographical feature marking the eastern border of the land promised to Israel. Its crossing would symbolize their transition from the wilderness and preparation into possession and fulfillment of God's promise. It was both a physical barrier and a theological divide.

• from Beth Jeshimoth (מִבֵּית הַיְשִׁמֹת - mi-Beit Ha-Yeshimoth): Meaning "House of Desolations." This town was located at the northeast corner of the Dead Sea. It specifies the southern extreme of their encampment, indicating the vast length of their settled area. The name "Desolations" may point to its arid, semi-desert surroundings.

• even unto Abel Shittim (עַד־אָבֵל הַשִּׁטִּים - ad-Abel Ha-Shittim): Meaning "Meadow of the Acacias," often shortened to "Shittim." Located further north in the plains of Moab. This point marks the northernmost extent of their sprawling camp. It is infamously remembered as the place where the Israelites committed grave sin with the Moabite women, engaging in idolatry and sexual immorality, leading to a plague (Num 25:1). The acacia tree was known for its thorny, resilient nature, often found in dry regions, and its wood was used for the Tabernacle furniture.

• in the plains of Moab (בְּעַרְבוֹת מוֹאָב - be'Arbot Mo'av): The lowlands, a relatively fertile and broad area along the Jordan River east of Canaan, belonging to Moab. This location served as a vast natural amphitheater for Moses to deliver his final addresses to Israel (Deuteronomy). While geographically advantageous for their immense camp, it was also the arena for moral and spiritual challenges for Israel.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "pitched by the Jordan, from Beth Jeshimoth even unto Abel Shittim": This phrase details the extensive geographical span of the Israelite camp. It conveys the sheer number of the people and their complete presence along the critical border with the Promised Land. This linear arrangement also sets the stage for a collective, unified advance.
  • "in the plains of Moab": This broad description grounds their specific location within a wider known territory. It denotes the culmination of their nomadic journey and introduces the backdrop for significant final instructions, warnings, and temptations before their long-awaited inheritance.

Numbers 33 49 Bonus section

• The meticulous detailing of the Israelites' itinerary in Numbers 33, culminating in verse 49, highlights the historical accuracy and divine precision inherent in the biblical narrative. It firmly grounds the account in tangible geography.
• The location of "Shittim" served as a "testing ground" or "proving ground" for the generation poised to enter Canaan, demonstrating the enduring need for spiritual vigilance even after physical deliverance.
• From these plains, Moses would ascend Mount Nebo to view the Promised Land he would not enter, imparting a solemn backdrop to this final campsite.
• The proximity to Jericho across the Jordan, and the subsequent events (crossing the Jordan, conquest of Jericho), emphasize that this "final stop" was merely the prelude to intensive action.
• The forty-two stages (inclusive of this final camp) reflect a divinely ordained period of preparation, purifying, and proving before inheriting the covenant promise.

Numbers 33 49 Commentary

Numbers 33:49 precisely records the Israelites' ultimate encampment point, serving as a critical transition between their arduous wilderness wanderings and their entry into the Promised Land. This meticulous detail underscores divine faithfulness in guiding them exactly to the promised threshold. Positioned along the Jordan in the spacious "plains of Moab," the camp stretching from Beth Jeshimoth to Abel Shittim, denotes a vast assembly ready for conquest. However, this strategically significant location also carried profound spiritual lessons, as it was in "Shittim" within the "plains of Moab" that Israel grievously succumbed to idolatry and immorality. The verse therefore is both a testament to divine leading and a subtle foreshadowing of the ongoing need for obedience even at the precipice of blessing.