King James Version
What Does Numbers 21:19 Mean?
“And from Mattanah to Nahaliel: and from Nahaliel to Bamoth:”
Numbers 21:19 · KJV
Context
17
Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it: Spring: Heb. Ascend sing: or, answer
18
The princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it, by the direction of the lawgiver, with their staves. And from the wilderness they went to Mattanah:
19
And from Mattanah to Nahaliel: and from Nahaliel to Bamoth:
20
And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon. country: Heb. field Pisgah: or, the hill Jeshimon: or, the wilderness
21
And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryFrom Mattanah to Nahaliel: and from Nahaliel to Bamoth—These three place names form a wordplay pregnant with meaning: Mattanah (מַתָּנָה, "gift"), Nahaliel (נַחֲלִיאֵל, "valley of God"), and Bamoth (בָּמוֹת, "high places"). The progression maps spiritual ascent: from God's gift, through God's valley, to elevated worship. Whether intentional naming or Moses' theological reading of geography, the sequence preaches.
Israel's physical journey became parabolic. God's gifts lead through valleys (testing, formation) to heights (victory, worship). The toponyms suggest every encampment taught covenant truth—geography as pedagogy.
Israel's physical journey became parabolic. God's gifts lead through valleys (testing, formation) to heights (victory, worship). The toponyms suggest every encampment taught covenant truth—geography as pedagogy.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
These locations were in the Moabite highlands north of the Arnon. Bamoth appears elsewhere as Bamoth-baal (Numbers 22:41), suggesting Canaanite high-place worship that Israel would later confront. The journey brought them progressively higher, both geographically and toward conflict with Canaanite religion.
Reflection Questions
- What gifts from God have led you through valleys toward higher purposes you didn't initially see?
- How does physical journey sometimes mirror spiritual progression in your walk with God?
- Where might God be using geography, circumstances, or ordinary details to teach you theological truth?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 4 wordsStudy 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 21:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.