This verse reminds us that the final approach to God’s promises can often be as crucial and formative as the arrival itself.
In Numbers 33:47, Israel’s journey continues through the wilderness during the final stages of their forty-year exodus from Egypt. The verse explains, “They journeyed from Almon-diblathaim and camped in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo” (v.47). Here, we see a clear statement that the Israelites, under Moses’ leadership, moved from one campsite to another, inching closer to the Promised Land. During Moses’ lifetime (born c. 1526 BC, died c. 1406 BC), he led the Israelites through numerous encampments that God ordained, and this passage marks one of those final stops before they were officially at the doorstep of Canaan. This timeline sets the stage for Israel’s impending entry, which would occur under the next generation of Hebrews led by Joshua (Joshua 1:1-2).
The geographical details in this verse hold significant meaning. “They journeyed from Almon-diblathaim and camped in the mountains of Abarim” (v.47) points us to a location east of the Jordan River, in the region of Moab. The name “Abarim” refers to a mountain range that faces the western side of the Jordan, symbolizing how close the people of Israel were to fulfilling the covenant promise given to Abraham centuries earlier (Genesis 12:7). The city mentioned, Almon-diblathaim, implies a station within the plains of Moab, though its exact location has been lost to history. Nevertheless, its mention documents the progression of the Israelites' travels, emphasizing the diligent record-keeping that would help future generations appreciate the detailed steps God took to guide them.
Finally, the verse highlights the Israelites’ resting place “before Nebo” (v.47). Mount Nebo sits at the eastern edge of the Promised Land, and it is famously known as the place where Moses would glimpse the territory God promised to the patriarchs before his death (Deuteronomy 34:1). This reference underlines the significance of that geographic vantage point—Moses would see the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham, though he himself would not enter. The faithful movement of Israel at God’s command ties into the overarching biblical narrative that leads ultimately to Jesus Christ, who would provide salvation and rest for all who believe in Him (Matthew 11:28).
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Numbers 33:47 meaning
In Numbers 33:47, Israel’s journey continues through the wilderness during the final stages of their forty-year exodus from Egypt. The verse explains, “They journeyed from Almon-diblathaim and camped in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo” (v.47). Here, we see a clear statement that the Israelites, under Moses’ leadership, moved from one campsite to another, inching closer to the Promised Land. During Moses’ lifetime (born c. 1526 BC, died c. 1406 BC), he led the Israelites through numerous encampments that God ordained, and this passage marks one of those final stops before they were officially at the doorstep of Canaan. This timeline sets the stage for Israel’s impending entry, which would occur under the next generation of Hebrews led by Joshua (Joshua 1:1-2).
The geographical details in this verse hold significant meaning. “They journeyed from Almon-diblathaim and camped in the mountains of Abarim” (v.47) points us to a location east of the Jordan River, in the region of Moab. The name “Abarim” refers to a mountain range that faces the western side of the Jordan, symbolizing how close the people of Israel were to fulfilling the covenant promise given to Abraham centuries earlier (Genesis 12:7). The city mentioned, Almon-diblathaim, implies a station within the plains of Moab, though its exact location has been lost to history. Nevertheless, its mention documents the progression of the Israelites' travels, emphasizing the diligent record-keeping that would help future generations appreciate the detailed steps God took to guide them.
Finally, the verse highlights the Israelites’ resting place “before Nebo” (v.47). Mount Nebo sits at the eastern edge of the Promised Land, and it is famously known as the place where Moses would glimpse the territory God promised to the patriarchs before his death (Deuteronomy 34:1). This reference underlines the significance of that geographic vantage point—Moses would see the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham, though he himself would not enter. The faithful movement of Israel at God’s command ties into the overarching biblical narrative that leads ultimately to Jesus Christ, who would provide salvation and rest for all who believe in Him (Matthew 11:28).