King James Version
What Does Numbers 33:49 Mean?
“And they pitched by Jordan, from Bethjesimoth even unto Abelshittim in the plains of Moab. Abelshittim: or, the plains of Shittim”
Numbers 33:49 · KJV
Context
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,
51
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye are passed over Jordan into the land of Canaan;
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThey pitched by Jordan, from Beth-jesimoth even unto Abel-shittim in the plains of Moab (וַיַּחֲנוּ עַל־הַיַּרְדֵּן מִבֵּית הַיְשִׁמֹת עַד אָבֵל הַשִּׁטִּים בְּעַרְבֹת מוֹאָב)—This describes Israel's final, extended encampment before crossing Jordan. The Hebrew Yarden (יַרְדֵּן, "descender") separates wilderness wandering from Canaan conquest. Beth-jeshimoth (בֵּית הַיְשִׁמֹת, "house of the deserts/wastes") marks the southern end; Abel-shittim (אָבֵל הַשִּׁטִּים, "meadow of acacias") the northern—a massive camp stretching miles along Jordan's east bank.
Abel-shittim (shortened to Shittim in Numbers 25:1) was the site of Israel's catastrophic sin with Moabite women and Baal-peor (Numbers 25), resulting in 24,000 deaths by plague. Yet from this same camp, Israel will launch the conquest under Joshua. The juxtaposition is striking: greatest failure and greatest victory occupy the same geography. Shittim becomes both warning and hope—the place where a generation stumbled into idolatry and where the next generation stepped into inheritance. Grace doesn't erase sin's consequences but writes new chapters beyond them.
Abel-shittim (shortened to Shittim in Numbers 25:1) was the site of Israel's catastrophic sin with Moabite women and Baal-peor (Numbers 25), resulting in 24,000 deaths by plague. Yet from this same camp, Israel will launch the conquest under Joshua. The juxtaposition is striking: greatest failure and greatest victory occupy the same geography. Shittim becomes both warning and hope—the place where a generation stumbled into idolatry and where the next generation stepped into inheritance. Grace doesn't erase sin's consequences but writes new chapters beyond them.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The plains of Moab (עַרְבֹת מוֹאָב, arvot Moav) were the Jordan valley lowlands northeast of the Dead Sea, opposite Jericho. Israel camped here several months (circa early 1406 BC): Moses delivered Deuteronomy here, died on Nebo, Joshua assumed leadership, spies explored Jericho (Joshua 2), and Israel crossed Jordan (Joshua 3). Shittim means "acacias," desert trees whose wood was used for the Tabernacle.
Reflection Questions
- How does the dual legacy of Shittim—catastrophic sin yet launching point for conquest—encourage you when past failures haunt present opportunities?
- What does Israel's extended encampment "by Jordan" teach about waiting at the threshold of God's promises until His timing says "cross"?
- How might the "meadow of acacias" symbolize that even in spiritually dry places, God provides material (acacia wood for Tabernacle) to build what honors Him?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsוַיַּֽחֲנ֤וּ1 of 10
“And they 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
עַל2 of 10
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִבֵּ֣ית4 of 10
H0עַ֖ד6 of 10
H5704as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אָבֵ֣ל7 of 10
H0בְּעַֽרְבֹ֖ת9 of 10
“in the plains”
H6160a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea
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 33:49 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 33:49 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge