Numbers 33:45
And they departed from Iim, and pitched in Dibon-gad.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּסְע֖וּ
And they departed
H5265
וַיִּסְע֖וּ
And they departed
Strong's:
H5265
Word #:
1 of 5
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ
and pitched
H2583
וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ
and pitched
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
3 of 5
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
Historical Context
Dibon-gad was located about 4 miles north of the Arnon River in modern Jordan (Dhiban). After defeating Sihon king of the Amorites (Numbers 21:21-31), Israel controlled this region. The tribe of Gad requested and received this Transjordan territory (Numbers 32:1-5, 34), rebuilding Dibon as "Dibon-gad." Archaeological excavations confirm Bronze/Iron Age occupation.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of your life might God be calling you to speak with "future-tense faith," declaring His promises before they materialize?
- How does naming this place "Dibon-gad" before Gad possessed it challenge your tendency to wait for certainty before exercising faith?
- What inheritance has God promised you that requires naming and claiming by faith before you see physical fulfillment?
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Analysis & Commentary
They departed from Iim, and pitched in Dibon-gad (וַיִּסְעוּ מֵעִיִּם וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּדִיבֹן גָּד)—Iim is the shortened form of Ije-abarim (v. 44). Dibon-gad combines the Moabite city name Dibon ("wasting" or "pining") with the Israelite tribe Gad, suggesting this territory would soon belong to Gad's inheritance (Numbers 32:34). The name-pairing reveals prophetic confidence: Israel names camps with future-tense faith.
Dibon was a significant Moabite city (later mentioned on the Mesha Stele), yet Israel camps there with the certainty that Gad will rebuild it. This demonstrates the power of faith to see present reality through the lens of God's future promises. As Hebrews 11:1 defines: "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Israel's nomenclature declared victory before battle, inheritance before conquest.