King James Version
What Does Numbers 33:45 Mean?
“And they departed from Iim, and pitched in Dibongad.”
Numbers 33:45 · KJV
Context
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.
47
And they removed from Almondiblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThey departed from Iim, and pitched in Dibon-gad (וַיִּסְעוּ מֵעִיִּם וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּדִיבֹן גָּד)—Iim is the shortened form of Ije-abarim (v. 44). Dibon-gad combines the Moabite city name Dibon ("wasting" or "pining") with the Israelite tribe Gad, suggesting this territory would soon belong to Gad's inheritance (Numbers 32:34). The name-pairing reveals prophetic confidence: Israel names camps with future-tense faith.
Dibon was a significant Moabite city (later mentioned on the Mesha Stele), yet Israel camps there with the certainty that Gad will rebuild it. This demonstrates the power of faith to see present reality through the lens of God's future promises. As Hebrews 11:1 defines: "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Israel's nomenclature declared victory before battle, inheritance before conquest.
Dibon was a significant Moabite city (later mentioned on the Mesha Stele), yet Israel camps there with the certainty that Gad will rebuild it. This demonstrates the power of faith to see present reality through the lens of God's future promises. As Hebrews 11:1 defines: "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Israel's nomenclature declared victory before battle, inheritance before conquest.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Dibon-gad was located about 4 miles north of the Arnon River in modern Jordan (Dhiban). After defeating Sihon king of the Amorites (Numbers 21:21-31), Israel controlled this region. The tribe of Gad requested and received this Transjordan territory (Numbers 32:1-5, 34), rebuilding Dibon as "Dibon-gad." Archaeological excavations confirm Bronze/Iron Age occupation.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of your life might God be calling you to speak with "future-tense faith," declaring His promises before they materialize?
- How does naming this place "Dibon-gad" before Gad possessed it challenge your tendency to wait for certainty before exercising faith?
- What inheritance has God promised you that requires naming and claiming by faith before you see physical fulfillment?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 5 wordsוַיִּסְע֖וּ1 of 5
“And they departed”
H5265properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ3 of 5
“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
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 33:45 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.