King James Version

What Does Numbers 33:48 Mean?

Numbers 33:48 in the King James Version says “And they departed from the mountains of Abarim, and pitched in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they departed from the mountains of Abarim, and pitched in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.”

Numbers 33:48 · KJV

Context

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.

48

And they departed from the mountains of Abarim, and pitched in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.

49

And they pitched by Jordan, from Bethjesimoth even unto Abelshittim in the plains of Moab. Abelshittim: or, the plains of Shittim

50

And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they departed from the mountains of Abarim, and pitched in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.

This seemingly simple geographical notation carries profound significance as Israel's final encampment before entering the Promised Land. The mountains of Abarim (meaning "regions beyond" or "passages") include Mount Nebo, where Moses would soon view Canaan before his death (Deuteronomy 34:1). The movement from mountains to plains (araboth, desert steppes) represents descending to the threshold of promise.

The plains of Moab became Israel's staging ground for conquest and renewal—here they received final instructions, renewed covenant, mourned Moses, and prepared under Joshua's leadership. The phrase "by Jordan near Jericho" pinpoints their location at the border between wilderness wandering and inheritance. The Jordan River, soon to be miraculously crossed (Joshua 3), represented the final barrier between slavery's legacy and freedom's fulfillment. Every geographical marker in this verse speaks of transition, preparation, and the faithfulness of God who led His people through forty years to this exact spot at this exact time.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Numbers 33 provides a comprehensive itinerary of Israel's wilderness wanderings, listing forty-two encampments from Egypt to Moab. This final stop at Moab's plains (around 1406 BC) concluded a journey that began with the Exodus approximately forty years earlier. The plains of Moab stretched along the Jordan's eastern bank opposite Jericho, providing strategic access to Canaan's central highlands. Archaeological surveys confirm this region could support large encampments with access to water. This location witnessed crucial events: Balaam's attempted curse turned blessing (Numbers 22-24), Israel's sin with Moabite women (Numbers 25), the second census (Numbers 26), and Moses' farewell addresses (Deuteronomy). Ancient readers would have recognized these plains as sacred ground where the wilderness generation died and the conquest generation received their commission.

Reflection Questions

  1. What significance does God's precise record-keeping of Israel's journey have for understanding His faithfulness?
  2. How do 'threshold moments'—being on the edge of promised breakthrough—test and reveal our character?
  3. Why did God have Israel camp at the border rather than immediately entering Canaan, and what was accomplished in that waiting?
  4. How does this geographical transition from mountains to plains mirror spiritual transitions from vision to action?
  5. What 'Jordans' in your life represent the final barrier between where you are and where God is calling you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיִּסְע֖וּ1 of 9

“And they departed”

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

מֵֽהָרֵ֣י2 of 9

“from the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

הָֽעֲבָרִ֑ים3 of 9

“of Abarim”

H5682

abarim, a place in palestine

וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙4 of 9

“and pitched”

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

בְּעַֽרְבֹ֣ת5 of 9

“in the plains”

H6160

a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea

מוֹאָ֔ב6 of 9

“of Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

עַ֖ל7 of 9
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יַרְדֵּ֥ן8 of 9

“by Jordan”

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

יְרֵחֽוֹ׃9 of 9

“near Jericho”

H3405

jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine

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 33:48 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 33:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 22:1

Places in This Verse

AbarimMountain Range · Modern: Abarim · 31.75°N, 35.72°E5 verses across 3 books
Jericho 1Settlement · Modern: Tell es Sultan · 31.87°N, 35.44°E63 verses across 13 books
JordanRiver · Modern: Jordan River · 31.76°N, 35.56°E202 verses across 21 books
Moab 2Region · Modern: Tall el Hammam · 31.84°N, 35.67°E12 verses across 3 books
View all places in Numbers 33 →

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