Numbers 21:13

KJV

From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which [is] in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon [is] the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.

KJV (with Strong's)

From thence they removed {H5265}, and pitched {H2583} on the other side {H5676} of Arnon {H769}, which is in the wilderness {H4057} that cometh out {H3318} of the coasts {H1366} of the Amorites {H567}: for Arnon {H769} is the border {H1366} of Moab {H4124}, between Moab {H4124} and the Amorites {H567}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From there they traveled and camped on the other side of the Arnon, in the desert; this river comes out of the territory of the Emori; for the Arnon is the boundary between Mo'av and the Emori.

Berean Standard Bible

From there they moved on and camped on the other side of the Arnon, in the wilderness that extends into the Amorite territory. Now the Arnon is the border between the Moabites and the Amorites.

American Standard Version

From thence they journeyed, and encamped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness, that cometh out of the border of the Amorites: for the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 21:13 meticulously records a pivotal geographical movement of the Israelites during their wilderness journey, detailing their encampment "on the other side of Arnon." This verse precisely identifies the Arnon River as a crucial natural boundary, delineating the territories of Moab and the Amorites, thereby establishing the strategic location of Israel's encampment at a significant frontier in the Transjordan region.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical phase of Israel's wilderness wanderings, immediately following their departure from Mount Hor and their circuitous route around Edom. The preceding verses in [Numbers 21](/numbers/21 "Numbers 21 - Israel's Journey and Encounters") narrate the harrowing episode of the fiery serpents and the divine provision of healing through the [bronze serpent](/numbers/21-9 "Numbers 21:9 - The Bronze Serpent"). As the narrative progresses, Israel is moving closer to the promised land, but not yet directly engaging the major kingdoms that lie in their path. Their arrival at the Arnon River marks a transition from the southern desert regions into the more settled, albeit contested, lands of Transjordan. This geographical detail sets the stage for the subsequent confrontations with [Sihon, king of the Amorites](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21 - Israel's Encounter with Sihon"), and Og of Bashan, which are recounted later in [Numbers 21](/numbers/21 "Numbers 21 - Israel's Journey and Encounters"). The precise mapping of their journey underscores the divine guidance orchestrating their movements toward their ultimate destination.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Arnon River (Wadi Mujib in modern Jordan) is a deep, formidable gorge that empties into the Dead Sea. In the ancient Near East, such natural features frequently served as significant territorial boundaries, offering strategic defensive advantages. For Israel, navigating the Transjordan region meant encountering established kingdoms with their own defined borders and spheres of influence. Moab, a descendant of Lot, occupied territory east of the Dead Sea, while the Amorites, a powerful Semitic people, had expanded their dominion north of the Arnon, pushing against Moabite territory. The Israelites were under divine instruction not to provoke or take land from Moab or Edom, as these nations were considered kin or had divinely appointed territories ([Deuteronomy 2:9](/deuteronomy/2-9 "Deuteronomy 2:9 - God's Command Not to Distress Moab") and [Deuteronomy 2:19](/deuteronomy/2-19 "Deuteronomy 2:19 - God's Command Not to Distress Ammon")). Therefore, pitching on the "other side of Arnon" was a deliberate and strategic move, placing them at the border of Amorite territory, which was not under the same divine protection from Israelite conquest. This highlights the careful adherence to divine directives even in logistical movements.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 21:13 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Guidance and Providence**, demonstrating that even the seemingly mundane geographical movements of Israel were meticulously orchestrated by God. Every encampment and departure was part of a larger divine itinerary, leading them towards the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant regarding the [Promised Land](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Significance of Borders and Territorial Sovereignty** in the ancient world. The Arnon's explicit identification as a border underscores the importance of defined territories and the respect for established boundaries, even as God prepares His people to conquer lands that He has appointed for them. This careful delineation also serves to justify Israel's subsequent actions against the Amorites, as they were encroaching upon territory that was divinely designated for conquest, unlike that of Moab. Lastly, this movement signifies **Preparation for Conquest**, positioning Israel at a crucial strategic point on the frontier of lands they were destined to contend for and ultimately possess, particularly the Amorite kingdom that stood between them and the Jordan River.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Arnon (Hebrew, _ʼArnon_ אַרְנוֹן):** This proper noun refers to a significant wadi or river in Transjordan, known for its deep gorge. Its repeated mention and explicit identification as a border emphasize its geographical and strategic importance. It served as a natural, formidable barrier, making it a clear and recognized demarcation line between territories in the ancient world.
* **Coasts (Hebrew, _gevul_ גְּבוּל):** While the KJV translates this as "coasts," the Hebrew word *gevul* more accurately means "border," "boundary," "territory," or "region." Its use here reinforces the idea of clearly defined geographical and political divisions. The phrase "cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites" means it originates from or defines the territory of the Amorites, indicating their dominion extended to this river.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon":** This clause describes the immediate action of the Israelites. "Thence" refers to their previous encampment (likely Oboth, as per [Numbers 21:10](/numbers/21-10 "Numbers 21:10 - Israel's Journey to Oboth")). Their "removal" signifies a continuation of their divinely guided journey, and "pitched" indicates establishing a new, temporary camp. The phrase "on the other side of Arnon" is crucial, indicating they crossed this significant geographical feature, placing them in a new strategic location relative to the various kingdoms of the region.
* **"which [is] in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites":** This part of the verse provides further geographical precision. The Arnon River is located within a wilderness area, but specifically one that is part of or emerges from the territory controlled by the Amorites. This clarifies that Israel is now on the Amorite side of the border, not the Moabite side, and is entering land directly under Amorite influence.
* **"for Arnon [is] the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites":** This final clause serves as an explanatory note, providing the definitive reason for the Arnon's significance. It explicitly states that the Arnon River functioned as the established boundary between the territory of Moab to the south and the territory of the Amorites to the north. This detail is vital for understanding the subsequent narrative, as it delineates the legal and political landscape of Israel's impending interactions with these nations.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 21:13 is **Geographical Precision**. The verse meticulously details the exact location of Israel's encampment in relation to a prominent natural landmark, the Arnon River. This serves not merely as a navigational note but as a crucial **Boundary Marker**, establishing the legal and political context for future events. The **Repetition** of "Arnon" emphasizes its importance as a fixed and recognized boundary. Furthermore, the verse employs **Explanatory Clarification** ("for Arnon is the border...") to ensure the reader fully grasps the strategic significance of this particular location, setting the stage for the subsequent narrative of conquest and highlighting the divine orchestration of Israel's movements within a complex geopolitical landscape.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 21:13, though seemingly a dry geographical detail, is imbued with profound theological significance. It underscores God's meticulous providence and sovereign control over the minute details of Israel's journey, demonstrating that every step, every encampment, and every boundary crossed was part of His overarching plan for His people. The precise identification of the Arnon as a border between Moab and the Amorites highlights God's respect for established territorial boundaries, even as He prepares to grant Israel new lands. This verse serves as a crucial setup for the impending conflict with the Amorites, indicating that Israel's actions against King Sihon were not arbitrary aggression but divinely sanctioned conquest of territory that was not under the same protective covenant as Moab. It teaches us that God's plans are often executed with strategic precision, even when we may only perceive the immediate, seemingly mundane steps.

* [Deuteronomy 2:24](/deuteronomy/2-24 "Deuteronomy 2:24 - God Commands Israel to Begin Conquest of Sihon's Land")
* [Judges 11:18](/judges/11-18 "Judges 11:18 - Jephthah's Account of Israel's Respect for Moabite Borders")
* [Psalm 78:54-55](/psalm/78-54 "Psalm 78:54-55 - God Brings Israel to His Holy Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 21:13 invites us to consider the significance of "borders" in our own lives—both the physical and spiritual boundaries that define our existence and the strategic points where God positions us. Just as God meticulously guided Israel's journey, leading them to specific frontiers for specific purposes, so too does He guide our paths. This verse reminds us that even seemingly insignificant geographical or circumstantial details in our lives are often part of God's larger, providential design. It encourages us to trust in His sovereignty, recognizing that He leads us not randomly, but with purpose, sometimes to the edge of new challenges or opportunities. Understanding our "Arnon" moments—those points where we stand at a threshold, facing new territories or challenges—can deepen our faith in God's precise and purposeful leading, preparing us for what lies ahead and reminding us that His plan unfolds with divine precision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life do you sense God leading you to a "border" or a new, perhaps challenging, territory?**
* **How does understanding God's meticulous guidance of Israel's journey encourage you to trust His providence in the seemingly mundane details of your own life?**
* **What "boundaries" (physical, relational, spiritual) are you called to respect or navigate with wisdom, reflecting God's order?**

### FAQ
**Why is the Arnon River so important in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: The Arnon River is crucial because it served as a prominent natural boundary in the ancient Near East, specifically delineating the territories of Moab to the south and the Amorites to the north. Its explicit mention in [Numbers 21:13](/numbers/21-13 "Numbers 21:13 - Israel's Encampment at the Arnon") and other passages establishes a key geographical marker for Israel's wilderness journey and subsequent conquests. It highlights God's precise guidance in leading Israel to specific strategic locations, setting the stage for their divinely sanctioned engagement with the Amorites, whose land was appointed for Israel's possession, unlike that of Moab ([Deuteronomy 2:24](/deuteronomy/2-24 "Deuteronomy 2:24 - God Commands Israel to Begin Conquest of Sihon's Land")).

**Did Israel cross other significant rivers or boundaries during their wilderness journey?**

Answer: Yes, the Arnon was one of several significant geographical features Israel encountered and crossed. The most famous and symbolically important crossing was the [Jordan River](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - The Crossing of the Jordan River") under Joshua, which marked their entry into the Promised Land itself. Prior to that, they navigated various wadis and desert expanses, often defined by natural borders. The detailed accounts of their journey in Numbers and Deuteronomy emphasize the precision of their movements, always under divine direction, as they traversed territories and respected or conquered boundaries according to God's specific commands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 21:13, with its focus on precise geographical movement and the crossing of a significant border, foreshadows the ultimate journey and boundary-crossing accomplished by Jesus Christ. Just as Israel was led by divine providence to the edge of a new inheritance, so too was Christ strategically positioned by the Father to fulfill His redemptive mission. The Arnon, a boundary between old territories and new conquests, can be seen as a type of the spiritual boundary that Christ crossed. He stepped out of the eternal glory of heaven to enter the wilderness of human existence, taking on flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and ultimately crossing the ultimate boundary of death itself to conquer sin and open the way to a new inheritance for His people ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus' Victory Over Death")). His journey culminated not in a geographical land, but in the establishment of a spiritual kingdom, where believers, through Him, cross from darkness to light ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")) and from death to life ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Passing from Death to Life")). The precision of Israel's journey, guided by God, points to the perfect, divinely orchestrated plan of salvation found in Christ, who is our true "Promised Land" and the one who leads us across every spiritual frontier into eternal rest and inheritance ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 22:36

¶ And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which [is] in the border of Arnon, which [is] in the utmost coast.

Judges 11:18

Then they went along through the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, but came not within the border of Moab: for Arnon [was] the border of Moab.

Jeremiah 48:20

Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled,

Deuteronomy 2:24

¶ Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess [it], and contend with him in battle.

Numbers 21:14

Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon,

Isaiah 16:2

For it shall be, [that], as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, [so] the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon.