King James Version
What Does Numbers 21:11 Mean?
“And they journeyed from Oboth, and pitched at Ijeabarim, in the wilderness which is before Moab, toward the sunrising . Ijeabarim: or, heaps of Abarim”
Numbers 21:11 · KJV
Context
9
And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
10
And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in Oboth.
11
And they journeyed from Oboth, and pitched at Ijeabarim, in the wilderness which is before Moab, toward the sunrising . Ijeabarim: or, heaps of Abarim
12
From thence they removed, and pitched in the valley of Zared.
13
From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which is in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThey journeyed from Oboth, and pitched at Ije-abarim (עִיֵּי הָעֲבָרִים, iyye ha-abarim, "ruins of the regions beyond")—Israel's encampment names marked their progress toward Canaan. In the wilderness which is before Moab, toward the sunrising locates them east of the Dead Sea, approaching Transjordan from the southern route. Each encampment testified to God's faithfulness through decades of wandering.
The geographic precision reflects Moses' firsthand account—these weren't mythic wanderings but historical movements through real terrain. Deuteronomy 2:1-8 expands this narrative, showing God's sovereign direction even through seemingly aimless desert circuits.
The geographic precision reflects Moses' firsthand account—these weren't mythic wanderings but historical movements through real terrain. Deuteronomy 2:1-8 expands this narrative, showing God's sovereign direction even through seemingly aimless desert circuits.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This occurred in the 40th year after the Exodus (c. 1406 BC), as Israel circumnavigated Edom and Moab to approach Canaan from the east. Ije-abarim was in the mountain range overlooking Moab's plateau, marking the final phase of wilderness wandering.
Reflection Questions
- How does God's detailed preservation of Israel's journey encourage you in seasons that feel aimless or directionless?
- What 'encampments' in your spiritual journey mark God's faithfulness through difficult transitions?
- How does the geographic precision of Scripture validate its historical trustworthiness for you?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsוַיִּסְע֖וּ1 of 12
“And they journeyed”
H5265properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
וַֽיַּחֲנ֞וּ3 of 12
“and pitched”
H2583properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
בְּעִיֵּ֣י4 of 12
H0בַּמִּדְבָּר֙6 of 12
“in the wilderness”
H4057a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
אֲשֶׁר֙7 of 12
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל8 of 12
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פְּנֵ֣י9 of 12
“which is before”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃12 of 12
H8121the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 21:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.