Numbers 33:50 describes God speaking to Moses in the plains of Moab, near the Jordan across from Jericho, as He prepares Israel to enter the Promised Land.
Then the LORD spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan opposite Jericho, saying, (Numbers 33:50), is the opening statement that sets the stage for these instructions. In this verse, we find Israel’s leader Moses still on the eastern side of the Jordan River, just before the Israelites enter the Promised Land. The territory known as the plains of Moab is near the Dead Sea region, directly across from Jericho. Moab itself was named after a son of Lot (Genesis 19:37) and was located east of the Dead Sea; during Israel’s wilderness journeys, they camped here in preparation for conquering Canaan (Numbers 33:48-49). Jericho dates back to at least 8,000 B.C. and is often considered one of the oldest walled cities in the world, situated strategically near the Jordan River—this is the very city Israel would soon capture under Joshua’s leadership (Joshua 5-6).
Then the LORD spoke to Moses. Moses, who was leading the nation, ministered from about 1446 B.C. until his death around 1406 B.C. During these final days of his life, he was still faithfully relaying God’s commands to the Israelites. By referencing the LORD spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab, the scripture emphasizes both Moses’s submission to God’s authority and Israel’s readiness to step over into the land God had long promised Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:1-3). The mention that this location was opposite Jericho highlights both the geographical and spiritual significance of the imminent conquest.
This verse introduces the directions for conquering Canaan’s inhabitants and for how Israel was to divide and settle the land (Numbers 33:51-56). The fact that these instructions come directly from the LORD underscores their importance and ensures Israel that God Himself was guiding them. After they divine these details, Joshua will become the leader to see God’s commands carried out.
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Numbers 33:50 meaning
Then the LORD spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan opposite Jericho, saying, (Numbers 33:50), is the opening statement that sets the stage for these instructions. In this verse, we find Israel’s leader Moses still on the eastern side of the Jordan River, just before the Israelites enter the Promised Land. The territory known as the plains of Moab is near the Dead Sea region, directly across from Jericho. Moab itself was named after a son of Lot (Genesis 19:37) and was located east of the Dead Sea; during Israel’s wilderness journeys, they camped here in preparation for conquering Canaan (Numbers 33:48-49). Jericho dates back to at least 8,000 B.C. and is often considered one of the oldest walled cities in the world, situated strategically near the Jordan River—this is the very city Israel would soon capture under Joshua’s leadership (Joshua 5-6).
Then the LORD spoke to Moses. Moses, who was leading the nation, ministered from about 1446 B.C. until his death around 1406 B.C. During these final days of his life, he was still faithfully relaying God’s commands to the Israelites. By referencing the LORD spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab, the scripture emphasizes both Moses’s submission to God’s authority and Israel’s readiness to step over into the land God had long promised Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:1-3). The mention that this location was opposite Jericho highlights both the geographical and spiritual significance of the imminent conquest.
This verse introduces the directions for conquering Canaan’s inhabitants and for how Israel was to divide and settle the land (Numbers 33:51-56). The fact that these instructions come directly from the LORD underscores their importance and ensures Israel that God Himself was guiding them. After they divine these details, Joshua will become the leader to see God’s commands carried out.