They claimed and rebuilt these lands so that generations to come would dwell in a place dedicated to the LORD.
“and Nebo and Baal-meon—their names being changed—and Sibmah; and they gave other names to the cities which they built.” (v.38) In this verse, the Israelite tribe of Reuben is recorded building and renaming cities east of the Jordan River. These territories were gained after Israel’s victories over King Sihon of Heshbon and King Og of Bashan, and were divided amongst the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 32:1-25). Nebo, Baal-meon, and Sibmah were originally Moabite settlements in the region near the Dead Sea, and their acquisition gave the tribe of Reuben an opportunity to establish a strong presence in a land well-suited for their extensive livestock (Numbers 32:1). The act of “changing” their names likely reflected the Israelites’ desire to remove any pagan connotations tied to Baal worship and commit the land to the LORD’s service.
By stating that “they gave other names to the cities which they built” (v.38), the text shows the Reubenites’ deliberate action in reshaping these locales to fit their new covenant identity. Throughout Israel’s history, changing a city’s name was often a sign of renewed dedication or a shift away from former practices. Here, the alteration underscores a break from the area’s earlier connections to idolatrous worship, demonstrating Israel’s intention to honor their God rather than local deities. It also reveals the broader principle of consecrating possessions, including cities and lands, under the banner of the LORD.
Furthermore, building in these settlements was a fulfillment of the arrangement between Moses and these tribes: they received land east of the Jordan only if they promised to assist the other tribes in conquering the territory west of the Jordan (Numbers 32:1-25). Having honored their word, the Reubenites were free to establish a foothold that would serve as a permanent inheritance for their families. In doing so, they demonstrated faithfulness to the covenant and shaped their new environment in a way that expressed obedience to the God of Israel.
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Numbers 32:38 meaning
“and Nebo and Baal-meon—their names being changed—and Sibmah; and they gave other names to the cities which they built.” (v.38) In this verse, the Israelite tribe of Reuben is recorded building and renaming cities east of the Jordan River. These territories were gained after Israel’s victories over King Sihon of Heshbon and King Og of Bashan, and were divided amongst the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 32:1-25). Nebo, Baal-meon, and Sibmah were originally Moabite settlements in the region near the Dead Sea, and their acquisition gave the tribe of Reuben an opportunity to establish a strong presence in a land well-suited for their extensive livestock (Numbers 32:1). The act of “changing” their names likely reflected the Israelites’ desire to remove any pagan connotations tied to Baal worship and commit the land to the LORD’s service.
By stating that “they gave other names to the cities which they built” (v.38), the text shows the Reubenites’ deliberate action in reshaping these locales to fit their new covenant identity. Throughout Israel’s history, changing a city’s name was often a sign of renewed dedication or a shift away from former practices. Here, the alteration underscores a break from the area’s earlier connections to idolatrous worship, demonstrating Israel’s intention to honor their God rather than local deities. It also reveals the broader principle of consecrating possessions, including cities and lands, under the banner of the LORD.
Furthermore, building in these settlements was a fulfillment of the arrangement between Moses and these tribes: they received land east of the Jordan only if they promised to assist the other tribes in conquering the territory west of the Jordan (Numbers 32:1-25). Having honored their word, the Reubenites were free to establish a foothold that would serve as a permanent inheritance for their families. In doing so, they demonstrated faithfulness to the covenant and shaped their new environment in a way that expressed obedience to the God of Israel.