Numbers 33:50
And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֧ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֧ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 10
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֛ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּעַֽרְבֹ֣ת
in the plains
H6160
בְּעַֽרְבֹ֣ת
in the plains
Strong's:
H6160
Word #:
5 of 10
a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea
מוֹאָ֑ב
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֑ב
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
6 of 10
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
This introduction prefaces God's commands in Numbers 33:51-56, 34-36 (land boundaries, tribal divisions, Levitical cities, refuge cities). The phrase "in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho" appears multiple times in Numbers 33-36, marking this location as the setting for Moses's final prophetic ministry. Within weeks, Moses would ascend Nebo, die, and Joshua would lead Israel across Jordan to besiege Jericho.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's specific geographical framing ("plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho") affirm that He works through concrete historical events, not merely abstract principles?
- What does Moses's reception of conquest instructions for a land he won't enter teach about faithful obedience even when you won't personally benefit from the results?
- How should the certainty of God's word ("the LORD spake") shape your confidence when standing at the threshold of daunting new assignments?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying (וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה בְּעַרְבֹת מוֹאָב עַל־יַרְדֵּן יְרֵחוֹ לֵאמֹר)—The divine name YHWH (יְהוָה, the covenant LORD) appears with the verb dabar (דִּבֵּר, "spoke"), introducing Moses's final legislative instructions. The geographical precision—arvot Moav al-Yarden Yericho ("plains of Moab by Jordan, Jericho")—anchors divine revelation in historical space. God's word comes not in mystical abstraction but in real places at real times to real people.
This verse introduces commands for Canaan conquest (vv. 51-56): drive out inhabitants, destroy idolatry, divide the land. The timing is critical—God speaks these instructions before Jordan crossing, equipping Israel with both promise and warning. Lemor (לֵאמֹר, "saying") opens the discourse, signaling that what follows carries Yahweh's full authority. Moses stands as mediator one final time, receiving words he'll deliver but won't see fulfilled. The pathos deepens: Moses hears conquest strategy for land he'll never enter.