Numbers 21:20 - and from Bamoth to the valley that is in the field of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looks down on the desert.

Generated Verse: Numbers 21:20

What does "Numbers 21:20" mean?


Numbers 21:20 is a descriptive verse that details the journey of the Israelites through the land of Moab during their wilderness wanderings. Let's break down the meaning:

"and from Bamoth": Bamoth (Hebrew: בָּמֹת, meaning "high places") was a location in Moab. The Israelites were moving from this location. High places were often associated with pagan worship.

"to the valley that is in the field of Moab": This refers to a specific valley within the broader agricultural region of Moab. The exact location of this valley is now unknown. The "field of Moab" would have been a cultivated or fertile area within Moab.

"to the top of Pisgah": Mount Pisgah was a mountain peak that was part of the Abarim mountain range. It was a significant vantage point.

"which looks down on the desert": This indicates that from the summit of Mount Pisgah, one could see a desert landscape (often assumed to be the desert regions near the Dead Sea). It emphasizes the elevated position of Pisgah and the expansive view it offered.

In essence, the verse is a geographical marker, tracing the movement of the Israelites from one place to another:

They traveled from Bamoth, through a valley in the fields of Moab, and finally reached the summit of Mount Pisgah.

Significance:

Journey and Progress: The verse highlights the continuous journey of the Israelites. They were moving towards the Promised Land, though they were not there yet. Each location mentioned was a step along the way.
View of the Promised Land: In the broader narrative, Mount Pisgah holds immense significance because it's where God allowed Moses to view the Promised Land before his death (Deuteronomy 34:1-4). While the verse in Numbers 21:20 doesn't explicitly mention the Promised Land, the later association of Pisgah with Moses' vision gives it added weight.
Geographical Detail: The verse provides specific place names, suggesting a historical grounding of the biblical narrative. While the precise locations might be debated, the detail gives a sense of realism to the account.

In summary, Numbers 21:20 is a snippet of travelogue, noting the progress of the Israelites as they moved through Moab, ultimately arriving at Mount Pisgah, a place that would later be associated with Moses' poignant view of the land he would never enter.

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