Numbers 33:49 - They encamped by the Jordan, from Beth Jeshimoth even to Abel Shittim in the plains of Moab.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Numbers 33:49" mean?
This verse from Numbers 33:49 describes the final Israelite encampment before they crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land. Let's break it down:
"They encamped by the Jordan": This refers to the Israelites setting up their camp near the Jordan River. They were ready to cross over into Canaan.
"from Beth Jeshimoth even to Abel Shittim": This specifies the geographical extent of their encampment. It stretches from a place called Beth Jeshimoth to another called Abel Shittim.
Beth Jeshimoth was located northeast of the Dead Sea, likely on the eastern bank of the Jordan.
Abel Shittim (also called Shittim in other verses) was situated further east and slightly south of Beth Jeshimoth, still in the plains of Moab.
"in the plains of Moab": This gives the general location - the relatively flat area east of the Jordan River, which was historically part of the territory of Moab. Although Moab had been defeated in battle, this area was still referred to by its historical name.
In essence, the verse means:
The Israelites set up a large camp in the plains of Moab, along the eastern bank of the Jordan River, spanning the area between the towns of Beth Jeshimoth and Abel Shittim. This was their final staging ground before entering the Promised Land.
Significance:
Preparation: This encampment was the culmination of their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. They were now poised to fulfill God's promise to Abraham to give his descendants this land.
Tension: This location is also significant because it was here that the Israelites, while waiting to cross the Jordan, were tempted into idolatry and sexual immorality with the Moabite women (as recounted in Numbers 25). This highlights the vulnerability even after long periods of obedience and the constant need for vigilance.
Historical Marker: The verse provides a specific geographical marker in the Israelites' journey, helping to reconstruct the narrative of their exodus and entry into Canaan.
Numbers 33:49 - They encamped by the Jordan, from Beth Jeshimoth even to Abel Shittim in the plains of Moab.
What does "Numbers 33:49" mean?
This verse from Numbers 33:49 describes the final Israelite encampment before they crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land. Let's break it down:
"They encamped by the Jordan": This refers to the Israelites setting up their camp near the Jordan River. They were ready to cross over into Canaan.
"from Beth Jeshimoth even to Abel Shittim": This specifies the geographical extent of their encampment. It stretches from a place called Beth Jeshimoth to another called Abel Shittim.
Beth Jeshimoth was located northeast of the Dead Sea, likely on the eastern bank of the Jordan.
Abel Shittim (also called Shittim in other verses) was situated further east and slightly south of Beth Jeshimoth, still in the plains of Moab.
"in the plains of Moab": This gives the general location - the relatively flat area east of the Jordan River, which was historically part of the territory of Moab. Although Moab had been defeated in battle, this area was still referred to by its historical name.
In essence, the verse means:
The Israelites set up a large camp in the plains of Moab, along the eastern bank of the Jordan River, spanning the area between the towns of Beth Jeshimoth and Abel Shittim. This was their final staging ground before entering the Promised Land.
Significance:
Preparation: This encampment was the culmination of their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. They were now poised to fulfill God's promise to Abraham to give his descendants this land.
Tension: This location is also significant because it was here that the Israelites, while waiting to cross the Jordan, were tempted into idolatry and sexual immorality with the Moabite women (as recounted in Numbers 25). This highlights the vulnerability even after long periods of obedience and the constant need for vigilance.
Historical Marker: The verse provides a specific geographical marker in the Israelites' journey, helping to reconstruct the narrative of their exodus and entry into Canaan.