King James Version
What Does Numbers 21:15 Mean?
“And at the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth upon the border of Moab. lieth: Heb. leaneth”
Numbers 21:15 · KJV
Context
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.
14
Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon, What: or, Vaheb in Suphah
15
And at the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth upon the border of Moab. lieth: Heb. leaneth
16
And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.
17
Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it: Spring: Heb. Ascend sing: or, answer
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAt the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar—This verse continues the poetic fragment from the Book of the Wars. Ar (עָר) was Moab's chief city, and these wadis marked territorial boundaries. Lieth upon the border of Moab reiterates Israel's careful navigation of international boundaries under divine supervision.
The repetition of geographical precision throughout these verses serves theological purpose: God's promises involve real estate, actual locations, historical fulfillment. Biblical faith is not spiritualized abstraction but incarnational—concerned with land, borders, cities, mountains. Redemption includes geography.
The repetition of geographical precision throughout these verses serves theological purpose: God's promises involve real estate, actual locations, historical fulfillment. Biblical faith is not spiritualized abstraction but incarnational—concerned with land, borders, cities, mountains. Redemption includes geography.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ar was a fortified Moabite city, possibly near modern Ar-Rabba. The 'brooks' (נְחָלִים, nechalim) were seasonal wadis cutting through the plateau, essential for settlements in this semi-arid region. Control of these water sources meant political power.
Reflection Questions
- How does the Bible's emphasis on actual geography challenge overly spiritualized interpretations of God's promises?
- What physical, tangible aspects of God's kingdom work are you tempted to minimize or allegorize away?
- Where do you see God's redemptive purposes intersecting with material, geographical, embodied reality?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsהַנְּחָלִ֔ים2 of 9
“of the brooks”
H5158a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר3 of 9
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נָטָ֖ה4 of 9
“that goeth down”
H5186to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
לְשֶׁ֣בֶת5 of 9
“to the dwelling”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
לִגְב֥וּל8 of 9
“upon the border”
H1366properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
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 21:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 21:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge