Numbers 22:1
And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּסְע֖וּ
set forward
H5265
וַיִּסְע֖וּ
set forward
Strong's:
H5265
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
בְּנֵ֣י
And the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 9
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙
and pitched
H2583
וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙
and pitched
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
4 of 9
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
בְּעַֽרְב֣וֹת
in the plains
H6160
בְּעַֽרְב֣וֹת
in the plains
Strong's:
H6160
Word #:
5 of 9
a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
6 of 9
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
מֵעֵ֖בֶר
on this side
H5676
מֵעֵ֖בֶר
on this side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
Historical Context
The plains of Moab, opposite Jericho, became Israel's final wilderness encampment before entering Canaan. From here they would later cross Jordan into the Promised Land, making this location strategically and spiritually significant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does positioning yourself at the threshold of God's promises invite spiritual opposition?
- What spiritual warfare intensifies when you're close to receiving God's promised blessings?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Israel camped 'in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho,' poised to enter Canaan after 40 years' wandering. This positioning alarmed Moab's king Balak, who witnessed Israel's recent victories. The phrase 'on this side Jordan' (east bank) indicated they stood at Canaan's threshold, setting the stage for Balaam's narrative—when military power failed, spiritual warfare through curse was attempted.