This verse describes God addressing Moses in a pivotal location, marking both the end of Israel’s desert wandering and the beginning of their entry into the Promised Land.
In this passage, we find the Israelites gathered on the eastern side of the Jordan River: “Then the LORD spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan opposite Jericho, saying,” (Numbers 35:1). Though it is a short verse, the setting is packed with meaning. The plains of Moab lie east of the Jordan River in the region of ancient Moab, a territory known for its rolling hills and proximity to Canaan. Being confronted with Jericho in the distance would have given the Israelites, under Moses’ leadership, a powerful visual of the Promised Land that they were about to enter. Moses, who lived from approximately 1526 BC to 1406 BC, stands here as the mediator between God and the people, still faithfully delivering God’s commands.
The verse underscores the intimate communication between God and Moses: “…Then the LORD spoke to Moses…” (Numbers 35:1). Throughout his life, Moses functioned as the chosen instrument for divine revelation, from his call at the burning bush (Exodus 3) all the way through the wilderness journeys. This revered leader paved the way for the next generation to receive their inheritance, prefiguring how Jesus would later lead believers to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises (John 14:2-3). The mention of Jericho, located near the lower region of the Jordan to the west, further emphasizes God’s faithfulness in guiding His people to specific places that will shape their identity and story.
Finally, this single verse also sets the stage for the laws that will follow. God speaks in a particular context, the plains of Moab, as He prepares Israel for its future life in the land. “…by the Jordan opposite Jericho…” (Numbers 35:1) highlights the significance of location and the transition from wandering to settling. Just as God offered guidance to the Israelites, He continues to guide believers today through Jesus Christ.
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Numbers 35:1 meaning
In this passage, we find the Israelites gathered on the eastern side of the Jordan River: “Then the LORD spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan opposite Jericho, saying,” (Numbers 35:1). Though it is a short verse, the setting is packed with meaning. The plains of Moab lie east of the Jordan River in the region of ancient Moab, a territory known for its rolling hills and proximity to Canaan. Being confronted with Jericho in the distance would have given the Israelites, under Moses’ leadership, a powerful visual of the Promised Land that they were about to enter. Moses, who lived from approximately 1526 BC to 1406 BC, stands here as the mediator between God and the people, still faithfully delivering God’s commands.
The verse underscores the intimate communication between God and Moses: “…Then the LORD spoke to Moses…” (Numbers 35:1). Throughout his life, Moses functioned as the chosen instrument for divine revelation, from his call at the burning bush (Exodus 3) all the way through the wilderness journeys. This revered leader paved the way for the next generation to receive their inheritance, prefiguring how Jesus would later lead believers to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises (John 14:2-3). The mention of Jericho, located near the lower region of the Jordan to the west, further emphasizes God’s faithfulness in guiding His people to specific places that will shape their identity and story.
Finally, this single verse also sets the stage for the laws that will follow. God speaks in a particular context, the plains of Moab, as He prepares Israel for its future life in the land. “…by the Jordan opposite Jericho…” (Numbers 35:1) highlights the significance of location and the transition from wandering to settling. Just as God offered guidance to the Israelites, He continues to guide believers today through Jesus Christ.