Numbers 21:20
And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon.
Original Language Analysis
וּמִבָּמ֗וֹת
And from Bamoth
H1120
וּמִבָּמ֗וֹת
And from Bamoth
Strong's:
H1120
Word #:
1 of 11
bamoth or bamoth-baal, a place east of the jordan
הַגַּיְא֙
in the valley
H1516
הַגַּיְא֙
in the valley
Strong's:
H1516
Word #:
2 of 11
a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
5 of 11
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
רֹ֖אשׁ
to the top
H7218
רֹ֖אשׁ
to the top
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
6 of 11
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וְנִשְׁקָ֖פָה
which looketh
H8259
וְנִשְׁקָ֖פָה
which looketh
Strong's:
H8259
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, to lean out (of a window), i.e., (by implication) peep or gaze (passively, be a spectacle)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Pisgah is part of the Abarim mountain range, with peaks rising over 2,600 feet above the Dead Sea. From this vantage, the Jordan Valley, Jericho, and Canaan's hill country were visible. Moses died on nearby Mount Nebo, making this region sacred to Israel's memory.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'Pisgah moments' has God given you—glimpses of promises not yet fully realized?
- How does seeing God's purposes from a distance prepare you for the obedience required to possess them?
- What transition is God preparing you for that requires faith to see before sight possesses?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
From Bamoth in the valley...to the top of Pisgah (פִּסְגָּה, Pisgah)—This mountain ridge overlooking the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley would become Moses' viewpoint for surveying the Promised Land before his death (Deuteronomy 34:1). Which looketh toward Jeshimon (הַיְשִׁימֹן, ha-yeshimon, "the wasteland") identifies the barren desert stretching toward Jericho.
Pisgah represents threshold vision—seeing the promise without yet possessing it. Israel camped where Moses would later stand and die. The geography prefigures coming transition: one generation's end, another's beginning. From Pisgah, faith sees what obedience will inherit.