Numbers 32:38

Authorized King James Version

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And Nebo, and Baal-meon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded.

Original Language Analysis

וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 1 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נְב֞וֹ And Nebo H5015
נְב֞וֹ And Nebo
Strong's: H5015
Word #: 2 of 16
nebo, the name of a babylonian deity
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּ֧עַל H0
בַּ֧עַל
Strong's: H0
Word #: 4 of 16
מְע֛וֹן and Baalmeon H1186
מְע֛וֹן and Baalmeon
Strong's: H1186
Word #: 5 of 16
baal-meon, a place east of the jordan
מֽוּסַבֹּ֥ת H5437
מֽוּסַבֹּ֥ת
Strong's: H5437
Word #: 6 of 16
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
שְׁמ֥וֹת their names H8034
שְׁמ֥וֹת their names
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 7 of 16
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 8 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שִׂבְמָ֑ה and Shibmah H7643
שִׂבְמָ֑ה and Shibmah
Strong's: H7643
Word #: 9 of 16
sebam or sibmah, a place in moab
וַיִּקְרְא֣וּ and gave H7121
וַיִּקְרְא֣וּ and gave
Strong's: H7121
Word #: 10 of 16
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
שְׁמ֥וֹת their names H8034
שְׁמ֥וֹת their names
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 11 of 16
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 12 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁמ֥וֹת their names H8034
שְׁמ֥וֹת their names
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 13 of 16
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
הֶֽעָרִ֖ים unto the cities H5892
הֶֽעָרִ֖ים unto the cities
Strong's: H5892
Word #: 14 of 16
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 15 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בָּנֽוּ׃ which they builded H1129
בָּנֽוּ׃ which they builded
Strong's: H1129
Word #: 16 of 16
to build (literally and figuratively)

Analysis & Commentary

Verse 38 continues the geographical details of tribal settlements—These verses enumerate specific cities and territories assigned to Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh in Transjordan. The detailed place names (many now archaeologically identified) demonstrate historical reliability of biblical records and emphasize that spiritual inheritance has concrete, real-world manifestation.

The extensive geographical detail teaches that God's covenant faithfulness operates in space-time history, not mythological abstraction. Christianity is fundamentally historical religion—God acts in real places at real times among real people. Luka's Gospel emphasizes this: 'In the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar... the word of God came to John' (Luke 3:1-2)—biblical faith is anchored in datable, locatable historical events.

Historical Context

These Transjordan cities became important in later Israelite history—some served as Levitical cities, others as refuge cities. Ramoth-gilead (v.{v}) became significant battleground where King Ahab died (1 Kings 22). Archaeological excavations at sites like Heshbon, Dibon, and others confirm occupation during this period, validating biblical historical claims.

Questions for Reflection

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