King James Version
What Does Numbers 33:44 Mean?
“And they departed from Oboth, and pitched in Ijeabarim, in the border of Moab. Ijeabarim: or, heaps of Abarim”
Numbers 33:44 · KJV
Context
42
And they departed from Zalmonah, and pitched in Punon.
43
And they departed from Punon, and pitched in Oboth.
44
And they departed from Oboth, and pitched in Ijeabarim, in the border of Moab. Ijeabarim: or, heaps of Abarim
45
And they departed from Iim, and pitched in Dibongad.
46
And they removed from Dibongad, and encamped in Almondiblathaim.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThey departed from Oboth, and pitched in Ije-abarim, in the border of Moab (וַיִּסְעוּ מֵאֹבֹת וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּעִיֵּי הָעֲבָרִים בִּגְבוּל מוֹאָב)—Iye ha-Abarim means "ruins of the regions beyond" or "heaps of the passages," marking Israel's arrival at Moab's eastern frontier. The term gevul (גְּבוּל, "border," "boundary") is theologically loaded: Israel has reached the edge of the wilderness and stands at the threshold of inheritance.
This is more than geography—it's covenant theology. For forty years Israel wandered outside the Promised Land due to unbelief (Numbers 14). Now a new generation stands at the border, poised to enter by faith what their fathers forfeited by fear. The Abarim mountain range (including Nebo where Moses will die, Deuteronomy 34:1) dominates the horizon, visible evidence that promise is near but not yet possessed.
This is more than geography—it's covenant theology. For forty years Israel wandered outside the Promised Land due to unbelief (Numbers 14). Now a new generation stands at the border, poised to enter by faith what their fathers forfeited by fear. The Abarim mountain range (including Nebo where Moses will die, Deuteronomy 34:1) dominates the horizon, visible evidence that promise is near but not yet possessed.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Ije-abarim (also called Iyim, v. 45) was located in the mountains east of Moab, likely modern-day Mahay in Jordan. The "border of Moab" indicates Israel respected Moab's territorial integrity per God's command (Deuteronomy 2:9), though they would camp in Moab's plains by Jordan. This was probably late 1406 BC, months before Canaan's conquest.
Reflection Questions
- When you stand at the "border" of God's promises for your life, what keeps you from stepping forward in faith?
- How does the wilderness generation's failure at Kadesh-barnea warn you about the consequences of hesitating at the threshold of obedience?
- What "ruins of the regions beyond" might God be calling you to leave behind as you approach new territory in your walk with Him?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsוַיִּסְע֖וּ1 of 7
“And they departed”
H5265properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
וַֽיַּחֲנ֛וּ3 of 7
“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
בְּעִיֵּ֥י4 of 7
H0בִּגְב֥וּל6 of 7
“in 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 33:44 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 33:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge