King James Version
What Does Numbers 21:31 Mean?
“Thus Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorites.”
Numbers 21:31 · KJV
Context
29
Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.
30
We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even unto Dibon, and we have laid them waste even unto Nophah, which reacheth unto Medeba.
31
Thus Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorites.
32
And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there.
33
And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThus Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorites (וַיֵּשֶׁב יִשְׂרָאֵל, va-yeshev Yisrael)—The verb yashav means "to dwell, settle, inhabit"—not temporary camping but possession. This simple statement marks epochal transition: from wanderers to landowners, from nomads to settlers. Israel's 40-year wilderness sojourn ended not in Canaan proper but in Transjordan conquest.
The understated announcement carries theological weight. God's promises begin fulfillment, not in spectacular Jordan-crossing, but in quiet occupation of conquered territory. Faithfulness often arrives without fanfare—obedience simply finds itself home.
The understated announcement carries theological weight. God's promises begin fulfillment, not in spectacular Jordan-crossing, but in quiet occupation of conquered territory. Faithfulness often arrives without fanfare—obedience simply finds itself home.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The Transjordan territory became the inheritance of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh (Numbers 32, Joshua 13). Though east of the Jordan, it was legally and theologically part of the Promised Land. These tribes built cities, established families, and remained Israelite despite geographical separation from Canaan proper.
Reflection Questions
- What quiet occupations of promises in your life went unnoticed because they lacked dramatic fulfillment?
- How does God's faithfulness often arrive through ordinary settlement rather than spectacular events?
- Where might you already be 'dwelling' in God's promises without recognizing the significance of simple obedience?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 4 wordsוַיֵּ֙שֶׁב֙1 of 4
“dwelt”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל2 of 4
“Thus Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
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 21:31 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 21:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge