King James Version
What Does Numbers 33:50 Mean?
“And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying,”
Numbers 33:50 · KJV
Context
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;
52
Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying (וַיְדַבֵּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה בְּעַרְבֹת מוֹאָב עַל־יַרְדֵּן יְרֵחוֹ לֵאמֹר)—The divine name YHWH (יְהוָה, the covenant LORD) appears with the verb dabar (דִּבֵּר, "spoke"), introducing Moses's final legislative instructions. The geographical precision—arvot Moav al-Yarden Yericho ("plains of Moab by Jordan, Jericho")—anchors divine revelation in historical space. God's word comes not in mystical abstraction but in real places at real times to real people.
This verse introduces commands for Canaan conquest (vv. 51-56): drive out inhabitants, destroy idolatry, divide the land. The timing is critical—God speaks these instructions before Jordan crossing, equipping Israel with both promise and warning. Lemor (לֵאמֹר, "saying") opens the discourse, signaling that what follows carries Yahweh's full authority. Moses stands as mediator one final time, receiving words he'll deliver but won't see fulfilled. The pathos deepens: Moses hears conquest strategy for land he'll never enter.
This verse introduces commands for Canaan conquest (vv. 51-56): drive out inhabitants, destroy idolatry, divide the land. The timing is critical—God speaks these instructions before Jordan crossing, equipping Israel with both promise and warning. Lemor (לֵאמֹר, "saying") opens the discourse, signaling that what follows carries Yahweh's full authority. Moses stands as mediator one final time, receiving words he'll deliver but won't see fulfilled. The pathos deepens: Moses hears conquest strategy for land he'll never enter.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This introduction prefaces God's commands in Numbers 33:51-56, 34-36 (land boundaries, tribal divisions, Levitical cities, refuge cities). The phrase "in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho" appears multiple times in Numbers 33-36, marking this location as the setting for Moses's final prophetic ministry. Within weeks, Moses would ascend Nebo, die, and Joshua would lead Israel across Jordan to besiege Jericho.
Reflection Questions
- How does God's specific geographical framing ("plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho") affirm that He works through concrete historical events, not merely abstract principles?
- What does Moses's reception of conquest instructions for a land he won't enter teach about faithful obedience even when you won't personally benefit from the results?
- How should the certainty of God's word ("the LORD spake") shape your confidence when standing at the threshold of daunting new assignments?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsוַיְדַבֵּ֧ר1 of 10
“spake”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֛ה2 of 10
“And the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּעַֽרְבֹ֣ת5 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
עַל7 of 10
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
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 33:50 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 33:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge