Numbers Chapter 36 · Verse 13
These are the commandments and the judgments, which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses unto the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.
Original Language Analysis
הַמִּצְוֹ֞ת
These are the commandments
H4687
הַמִּצְוֹ֞ת
These are the commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
2 of 16
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֗ים
and the judgments
H4941
וְהַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֗ים
and the judgments
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֛ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּיַד
by the hand
H3027
בְּיַד
by the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
7 of 16
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
בְּנֵ֣י
unto the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 16
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 #:
11 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בְּעַֽרְבֹ֣ת
in the plains
H6160
בְּעַֽרְבֹ֣ת
in the plains
Strong's:
H6160
Word #:
12 of 16
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 #:
13 of 16
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
עַ֖ל
H5921
עַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Written at the end of Israel's wilderness period, this conclusion summarizes laws given at Moab after Sinai's earlier revelation. The location 'by Jordan near Jericho' is theologically significant - Israel stands on Canaan's threshold, laws fresh in mind before entering. Archaeological excavations near Jericho confirm this area was suitable for large encampments. Moses speaks these final words before his death (Deut 34), making this conclusion both ending and beginning - law given, land awaiting, leadership transitioning to Joshua.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you view Scripture's dual authorship - fully divine yet fully human - and what does this mean for biblical authority?
- As you stand on the threshold of new seasons, how do you ensure God's commands are fresh in your mind before proceeding?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse concludes Numbers: 'These are the commandments and the judgments, which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses unto the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.' The phrase emphasizes divine origin ('the LORD commanded') and human mediation ('by the hand of Moses'). The specific location - Moab's plains, poised to enter Canaan - marks a transitional moment. Forty years of wilderness wanderings culminate here; the next step is Jordan-crossing and conquest. This conclusion, like all Scripture, comes 'by the hand' of human authors under divine inspiration (2 Pet 1:21), ensuring both divine authority and human personality.