This verse from Deuteronomy 4:49 describes a geographical location. Let's break it down:
"and all the Arabah beyond the Jordan eastward": The Arabah is a deep valley that runs south of the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. In this context, "beyond the Jordan eastward" means the eastern side of the Jordan River within the Arabah valley.
"even to the sea of the Arabah": The Sea of the Arabah refers to the Dead Sea. So the northern extent of the area being described reaches to the Dead Sea.
"under the slopes of Pisgah": Mount Pisgah is a mountain from which Moses viewed the Promised Land. Its slopes would overlook the northern part of the Arabah.
In simpler terms, the verse is defining a region: It is the eastern side of the Jordan River within the Arabah valley, extending northward to the Dead Sea, and lying below the slopes of Mount Pisgah. It is essentially specifying a section of the Transjordan region (land east of the Jordan River).
Significance:
Geographical Marker: The verse is giving a specific location to help readers understand where certain events or places mentioned in Deuteronomy are situated.
Historical Context: It indicates the territory that was conquered and occupied by the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.
Symbolic Importance: The mention of Mount Pisgah is particularly significant because it was from this mountain that Moses, although forbidden to enter the Promised Land himself, was granted a vision of it. This location carries a strong association with the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham.
This verse from Deuteronomy 4:49 describes a geographical location. Let's break it down:
"and all the Arabah beyond the Jordan eastward": The Arabah is a deep valley that runs south of the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. In this context, "beyond the Jordan eastward" means the eastern side of the Jordan River within the Arabah valley.
"even to the sea of the Arabah": The Sea of the Arabah refers to the Dead Sea. So the northern extent of the area being described reaches to the Dead Sea.
"under the slopes of Pisgah": Mount Pisgah is a mountain from which Moses viewed the Promised Land. Its slopes would overlook the northern part of the Arabah.
In simpler terms, the verse is defining a region: It is the eastern side of the Jordan River within the Arabah valley, extending northward to the Dead Sea, and lying below the slopes of Mount Pisgah. It is essentially specifying a section of the Transjordan region (land east of the Jordan River).
Significance:
Geographical Marker: The verse is giving a specific location to help readers understand where certain events or places mentioned in Deuteronomy are situated.
Historical Context: It indicates the territory that was conquered and occupied by the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.
Symbolic Importance: The mention of Mount Pisgah is particularly significant because it was from this mountain that Moses, although forbidden to enter the Promised Land himself, was granted a vision of it. This location carries a strong association with the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham.