Numbers 21:32
And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 12
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
לְרַגֵּ֣ל
to spy out
H7270
לְרַגֵּ֣ל
to spy out
Strong's:
H7270
Word #:
3 of 12
to walk along; but only in specifically, applications, to reconnoiter, to be a tale-bearer (i.e., slander); to lead about
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַֽיִּלְכְּד֖וּ
and they took
H3920
וַֽיִּלְכְּד֖וּ
and they took
Strong's:
H3920
Word #:
6 of 12
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
בְּנֹתֶ֑יהָ
the villages
H1323
בְּנֹתֶ֑יהָ
the villages
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
7 of 12
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וַיּ֖יֹרֶשׁ
thereof and drove out
H3423
וַיּ֖יֹרֶשׁ
thereof and drove out
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
8 of 12
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Jeremiah 48:32O vine of Sibmah, I will weep for thee with the weeping of Jazer: thy plants are gone over the sea, they reach even to the sea of Jazer: the spoiler is fallen upon thy summer fruits and upon thy vintage.Numbers 32:1Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;Numbers 32:35And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah,
Historical Context
Jaazer was in Gilead, later assigned to Gad (Numbers 32:35) and given to the Levites (Joshua 21:39). Its location controlled key routes between the Transjordan plateau and the Jordan Valley. The city appears in Moabite records (Mesha Stele) and prophetic oracles (Isaiah 16:8-9, Jeremiah 48:32).
Questions for Reflection
- What differences exist between wise reconnaissance and fearful hesitation in your spiritual battles?
- How has spiritual maturity changed your response to challenging opportunities from fear to faith-filled action?
- Where might God be calling you to spy out territory He intends you to possess rather than just survey?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer (יַעְזֵר, Ya'azer)—Unlike the fearful spying at Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 13-14), this reconnaissance preceded immediate conquest. And they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there—The contrast is stark: same action (spying), opposite outcomes (faith vs. fear). The new generation acts on intelligence rather than shrinking from it.
Jaazer demonstrates matured faith. The wilderness taught Israel to trust God's promises enough to act decisively. Reconnaissance isn't lack of faith—it's faithful preparation. Wisdom gathers information; faith acts on it despite risks.