Numbers 21:13
From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which is in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.
Original Language Analysis
מִשָּׁם֮
H8033
מִשָּׁם֮
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
1 of 18
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
נָסָעוּ֒
From thence they removed
H5265
נָסָעוּ֒
From thence they removed
Strong's:
H5265
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
וַֽיַּחֲנ֗וּ
and pitched
H2583
וַֽיַּחֲנ֗וּ
and pitched
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
מֵעֵ֤בֶר
on the other side
H5676
מֵעֵ֤בֶר
on the other side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
אַרְנוֹן֙
for Arnon
H769
אַרְנוֹן֙
for Arnon
Strong's:
H769
Word #:
5 of 18
the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר
which is in the wilderness
H4057
בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר
which is in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
7 of 18
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
הַיֹּצֵ֖א
that cometh out
H3318
הַיֹּצֵ֖א
that cometh out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
8 of 18
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
גְּב֣וּל
is the border
H1366
גְּב֣וּל
is the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
הָֽאֱמֹרִֽי׃
and the Amorites
H567
הָֽאֱמֹרִֽי׃
and the Amorites
Strong's:
H567
Word #:
10 of 18
an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אַרְנוֹן֙
for Arnon
H769
אַרְנוֹן֙
for Arnon
Strong's:
H769
Word #:
12 of 18
the arnon, a river east of the jordan, also its territory
גְּב֣וּל
is the border
H1366
גְּב֣וּל
is the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
מוֹאָ֖ב
between Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֖ב
between Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
14 of 18
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
בֵּ֥ין
H996
בֵּ֥ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
15 of 18
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
מוֹאָ֖ב
between Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֖ב
between Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
16 of 18
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
Cross References
Numbers 22:36And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost coast.Judges 11:18Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of Moab: for Arnon was the border of Moab.
Historical Context
The Arnon River (modern Wadi Mujib) empties into the Dead Sea's east shore. In the late Bronze Age, this region was contested between Moab and Amorite kingdoms. Israel's route navigated complex geopolitics under divine direction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Israel's respect for boundaries God established for others inform Christian engagement with secular authority?
- Where might God be calling you to advance His purposes while honoring legitimate claims of others?
- What does this passage teach about navigating 'no-man's-land' situations ethically and faithfully?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Pitched on the other side of Arnon (אַרְנוֹן, Arnon)—This gorge, cut 1,700 feet deep into Moab's plateau, formed the border between Moab and the Amorites. Israel carefully avoided Moabite territory (Deuteronomy 2:9) but camped in no-man's-land north of Arnon. Which cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites clarifies that this wilderness belonged to neither kingdom—Israel could traverse it without violating kinship obligations to Lot's descendants.
God's instructions respected tribal boundaries while advancing His purpose. The specificity demonstrates covenant faithfulness: Israel honored Moab's heritage while claiming only what God designated for conquest.