Numbers 21:20

And from Bamoth [in] the valley, that [is] in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon.

And from Bamoth {H1120} in the valley {H1516}, that is in the country {H7704} of Moab {H4124}, to the top {H7218} of Pisgah {H6449}, which looketh {H8259} toward {H6440} Jeshimon {H3452}.

and from Bamot to the valley by the plain of Mo'av at the start of the Pisgah range, where it overlooks the desert.

and from Bamoth to the valley in Moab where the top of Pisgah overlooks the wasteland.

and from Bamoth to the valley that is in the field of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh down upon the desert.

Commentary

Numbers 21:20 provides a geographical marker in the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, pinpointing locations within the land east of the Jordan River, specifically near the territory of Moab. This verse is part of a descriptive passage detailing the stages of their encampment and conquest.

Context

This verse appears within a section of Numbers that recounts Israel's final stages of their wilderness wanderings, including their victories over Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan. Following a challenging period of complaining and divine judgment (the fiery serpents), God provides victory and guides them towards the Promised Land. Verses 18-20 are part of a poetic fragment, possibly a fragment of a travel song or a record of specific encampments, describing the route from the wilderness to the Arnon, and then through various significant locations leading up to the conquest of the Transjordan region. The mention of Pisgah here foreshadows its later significance as the place from which Moses would view the Promised Land before his death.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance: The meticulous detailing of geographical locations underscores God's precise leadership of Israel through challenging territories.
  • Journey and Progress: Each named place marks another step closer to their ultimate destination, symbolizing the progress in God's plan despite obstacles.
  • Geographical Significance: The verse highlights key landmarks that would become historically important, particularly Pisgah.

Linguistic Insights

  • Bamoth: The Hebrew word Bamoth (ื‘ึธึผืžื•ึนืช) literally means "high places" or "heights." In other biblical contexts, "high places" often refer to elevated sites used for worship, sometimes idolatrous. Here, it simply denotes a geographical location.
  • Pisgah: This name (ืคึดึผืกึฐื’ึธึผื”) refers to a specific peak within the Abarim mountain range. It means "a peak" or "summit," accurately describing its elevated position.
  • Jeshimon: The term Jeshimon (ื”ึทื™ึฐืฉึดืื™ืžื•ึนืŸ) translates to "the desert" or "the wilderness." It describes the desolate, barren landscape visible from Pisgah, emphasizing the contrast with the fertile land Israel was approaching.

Geographical Significance

This verse paints a picture of the terrain Israel traversed. Bamoth, possibly a plateau or high ground, is located in the valley within the country of Moab. The destination, the top of Pisgah, offered a commanding view. This peak is famously known as the vantage point from which Moses saw the entirety of the Promised Land just before his death, a pivotal moment in Israelite history. The reference to Pisgah "looking toward Jeshimon" (the wilderness) further emphasizes the contrast between the barren lands they had left and the fertile land they were about to inherit, symbolizing the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

Practical Application

While seemingly a dry geographical listing, Numbers 21:20 reminds us that God's plan unfolds in specific places and times. Just as He meticulously guided Israel through physical landscapes, He guides our lives through various stages and challenges. Each "Bamoth" (high place) and "valley" represents different experiences on our journey of faith. The "top of Pisgah" can symbolize moments of clarity or glimpses of God's ultimate promises, even if the full realization is yet to come. It encourages us to trust God's leading through every topographical feature of our lives, knowing He is taking us towards our intended destination, much like He brought Israel into the promised land, a theme echoed in the spiritual rest promised to God's people.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 23:28 (3 votes)

    And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon.

  • Numbers 23:14 (2 votes)

    And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on [every] altar.

  • Numbers 26:63 (2 votes)

    ยถ These [are] they that were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho.

  • Deuteronomy 1:5 (2 votes)

    On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law, saying,

  • Deuteronomy 34:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that [is] over against Jericho. And the LORD shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan,

  • Deuteronomy 4:49 (2 votes)

    And all the plain on this side Jordan eastward, even unto the sea of the plain, under the springs of Pisgah.

  • Numbers 33:49 (2 votes)

    And they pitched by Jordan, from Bethjesimoth [even] unto Abelshittim in the plains of Moab.