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Commentary on Numbers 21 verses 10–20
We have here an account of the several stages and removals of the children of Israel, till they came into the plains of Moab, out of which they at length passed over Jordan into Canaan, as we read in the beginning of Joshua. Natural motions are quicker the nearer they are to their centre. The Israelites were now drawing near to the promised rest, and now they set forward, as the expression is, Num 21:10. It were well if we would do thus in our way to heaven, rid ground in the latter end of our journey, and the nearer we come to heaven be so much the more active and abundant in the work of the Lord. Two things especially are observable in the brief account here given of these removals: -
1.The wonderful success which God blessed his people with, near the brooks of Arnon, Num 21:13-15. They had now compassed the land of Edom (which they were not to invade, nor so much as to disturb, Deu 2:4, Deu 2:5), and had come to the border of Moab. It is well that there are more ways than one to Canaan. The enemies of God's people may retard their passage, but cannot prevent their entrance into the promised rest. Care is taken to let us know that the Israelites in their march religiously observed the orders which God gave them to use no hostility against the Moabites (Deu 2:9), because they were the posterity of righteous Lot; therefore they pitched on the other side of Arnon (Num 21:13), that side which was now in the possession of the Amorites, one of the devoted nations, though formerly it had belonged to Moab, as appears here, Num 21:26, Num 21:27. This care of theirs not to offer violence to the Moabites is pleaded by Jephtha long afterwards, in his remonstrance against the Ammonites (Jdg 11:15, etc.), and turned to them for a testimony. What their achievements were, now that they pitched on the banks of the river Arnon, we are not particularly told, but are referred to the book of the wars of the Lord, perhaps that book which was begun with the history of the war with the Amalekites, Exo 17:14. Write it (said God) for a memorial in a book, to which were added all the other battles which Israel fought, in order, and, among the rest, their actions on the river Arnon, at Vaheb in Suphah (as our margin reads it) and other places on that river. Or, it shall be said (as some read it) in the rehearsal, or commemoration, of the wars of the Lord, what he did in the Red Sea, when he brought Israel out of Egypt, and what he did in the brooks of Arnon, just before he brought them into Canaan. Note, In celebrating the memorials of God's favours to us, it is good to observe the series of them, and how divine goodness and mercy have constantly followed us, even from the Red Sea to the brooks of Arnon. In every stage of our lives, nay, in every step, we should take notice of what God has wrought for us; what he did at such a time, and what in such a place, ought to be distinctly remembered.
2.The wonderful supply which God blessed his people with at Beer (Num 21:16), which signifies the well or fountain. It is said (Num 21:10) they pitched in Oboth, which signifies bottles, so called perhaps because there they filled their bottles with water, which should last them for some time; but by this time, we may suppose, it was with them as it was with Hagar (Gen 21:15), The water was spent in the bottle; yet we do not find that they murmured, and therefore God, in compassion to them, brought them to a well of water, to encourage them to wait on him in humble silence and expectation and to believe that he would graciously take cognizance of their wants, though they did not complain of them. In this world, we do at the best but pitch in Oboth, where our comforts lie in close and scanty vessels; when we come to heaven we shall remove to Beer, the well of life, the fountain of living waters. Hitherto we have found, when they were supplied with water, they asked it in unjust discontent, and God gave it in just displeasure; but here we find, (1.) That God gave it in love (Num 21:16): Gather the people together, to be witnesses of the wonder, and joint-sharers in the favour, and I will give them water. Before they prayed, God granted, and anticipated them with the blessings of his goodness. (2.) That they received it with joy and thankfulness, which made the mercy doubly sweet to them, Num 21:17. Then they sang this song, to the glory of God and the encouragement of one another, Spring up, O well! Thus they pray that it may spring up, for promised mercies must be fetched in by prayer; they triumph that it does spring up, and meet it with their joyful acclamations. With joy must we draw water out of the wells of salvation, Isa 11:3. As the brazen serpent was a figure of Christ, who is lifted up for our cure, so is this well a figure of the Spirit, who is poured forth for our comfort, and from whom flow to us rivers of living waters, Joh 7:38. Does this well spring up in our souls? We should sing to it; take the comfort to ourselves, and give the glory to God; stir up this gift, sing to it, Spring up, O well! thou fountain of gardens, to water my soul (Sol 4:15), plead the promise, which perhaps alludes to this story (Isa 41:17, Isa 41:18), I will make the wilderness wells of water. (3.) That whereas before the remembrance of the miracle was perpetuated in the names given to the places, which signified the people's strife and murmuring, now it was perpetuated in a song of praise, which preserved on record the manner in which it was done (Num 21:18): The princes digged the well, the seventy elders, it is probable, by direction of the lawgiver (that is, Moses, under God) with their staves; that is, with their staves they made holes in the soft and sandy ground, and God caused the water miraculously to spring up in the holes which they made. Thus the pious Israelites long afterwards, passing through the valley of Baca, a dry and thirsty place, made wells, and God by rain from heaven filled the pools, Psa 84:6. Observe, [1.] God promised to give them water, but the must open the ground to receive it, and give it vent. God's favours must be expected in the use of such means as lie within our power, but still the excellency of the power is of God. [2.] The nobles of Israel were forward to set their hands to this work, and used their staves, probable those that were the ensigns of their honour and power, for the public service, and it is upon record to their honour. And we may suppose that it was a great confirmation to them in their offices, and a great comfort to the people, that they were made use of by the divine power as instruments to this miraculous supply. By this it appeared that the spirit of Moses, who must shortly die, rested in some measure upon the nobles of Israel. Moses did not strike the ground himself, as formerly the rock, but gave them direction to do it, that their staves might share in the honour of his rod, and they might comfortably hope that when he should leave them yet God would not, but that they also in their generation should be public blessings, and might expect the divine presence with them as long as they acted by the direction of the lawgiver. For comfort must be looked for only in the way of duty; and, if we would share in divine joys, we must carefully follow the divine direction.
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SUMMARY
Numbers 21:20 precisely charts a segment of the Israelites' wilderness journey, marking their progression from Bamoth, a location situated in a valley within the territory of Moab, to the elevated summit of Pisgah, which offers a commanding vista towards the desolate Jeshimon wilderness. This verse is integral to the broader narrative of Israel's strategic movements and initial conquests in the Transjordan, serving as a testament to God's meticulous guidance and the tangible fulfillment of His covenant promises as His people advanced toward the Promised Land.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Numbers 21:20 is situated within a crucial transitional phase of Israel's journey, immediately following their decisive victories over Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan (Numbers 21:21-35). The preceding verses (Numbers 21:16-19) describe the miraculous provision of water at Beer and include the "Song of the Well," a poetic celebration of God's sustaining presence. Verse 20 seamlessly continues this geographical itinerary, detailing the specific route taken from the wilderness encampments into the Transjordanian highlands. This meticulous mapping of their progress, from Bamoth to Pisgah, serves to underscore the historical veracity of the narrative and God's precise orchestration of their movements. Furthermore, the mention of Pisgah here is a significant literary device, subtly foreshadowing its profound importance as the vantage point from which Moses would later view the Promised Land before his death, marking the culmination of his earthly leadership.
Historical & Cultural Context: The events of Numbers 21 unfold during the late Bronze Age, as the generation that had wandered for forty years was now poised to enter Canaan from its eastern flank. The "country of Moab" refers to the region east of the Dead Sea, inhabited by a people with whom Israel shared a distant kinship through Lot but often experienced strained relations. "Bamoth," meaning "high places," likely denotes a specific elevated plateau or ridge, though in other contexts, such sites were often associated with pagan worship. Here, it functions purely as a geographical landmark, indicating a waypoint in the Israelites' journey. Pisgah is a prominent peak within the Abarim mountain range, renowned for its expansive panoramic views, making it a natural strategic point. "Jeshimon," translating to "wilderness" or "desolation," accurately describes the arid, barren landscape characteristic of the Transjordanian desert, providing a stark contrast to the fertile lands of Canaan that lay ahead. Such detailed geographical descriptors were vital in ancient travel accounts, serving as verifiable markers of authenticity and demonstrating the reality of the divine leading.
Key Themes: This verse, though brief, contributes significantly to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Guidance and Providence. The meticulous detailing of Israel's route, from one specific location to another, emphasizes God's active, precise, and unwavering leadership over His people through challenging and often unfamiliar terrain. Every encampment and movement is part of His sovereign design. Secondly, the theme of Journey and Progress is clearly depicted; each named location signifies another tangible step closer to their ultimate destination—the Promised Land. Despite periods of rebellion and delay, God consistently propels His people forward, demonstrating His unyielding faithfulness to His covenant promises. Thirdly, Geographical Significance is paramount, as these landmarks are not mere points on a map but places imbued with historical and theological weight. Pisgah, in particular, becomes indelibly linked with Moses' final moments and the culmination of the wilderness generation's journey. Finally, the contrast between the desolate "Jeshimon" and the anticipated fertile land subtly reinforces the theme of Covenant Fulfillment and the transition from hardship to divine blessing.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Numbers 21:20 masterfully employs Topographical Description, meticulously detailing the physical landmarks of Israel's journey. This precise naming of places like Bamoth, Moab, Pisgah, and Jeshimon lends historical verisimilitude to the narrative, grounding the divine account in real-world geography and making the journey tangible for the reader. Beyond mere mapping, the verse utilizes powerful Foreshadowing, particularly with the mention of Pisgah. For readers familiar with the later events in Deuteronomy, Pisgah immediately evokes the profound scene of Moses viewing the Promised Land before his death (Deuteronomy 34:1-4), imbuing this seemingly simple geographical note with deep theological and emotional significance. Furthermore, there is an implicit Contrast at play: the view from Pisgah "toward Jeshimon" highlights the desolate wilderness that Israel has endured, setting it against the backdrop of the fertile land of Canaan that lies just beyond. This contrast symbolizes the transition from hardship and barrenness to the imminent fulfillment of God's promises and the inheritance of blessing.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple geographical verse, Numbers 21:20, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous and sovereign guidance over His people. It reveals that God's plan unfolds not in abstract terms, but in concrete, historical, and geographical realities. Just as He precisely directed Israel's physical movements through valleys and over mountains, He orchestrates the details of human history and individual lives. Every "Bamoth" and "Pisgah" on our journey, whether a high point of clarity or a challenging transition, is under His watchful eye, moving us toward His ultimate purposes. The detailed naming of places underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant, demonstrating that He truly leads His people from the wilderness to the promised inheritance, ensuring His word is fulfilled with perfect precision.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 21:20, though a geographical listing, offers profound insights for our spiritual journey. It reminds us that God's guidance is not vague but precise, leading us through specific "valleys" (Bamoth in the valley) and to particular "peaks" (the top of Pisgah) in our lives. Just as Israel moved from the wilderness (Jeshimon) towards the promised land, our faith journey involves progression through various seasons – times of barrenness, challenging transitions, and moments of clear vision. We are called to trust God's leading through every topographical feature of our existence, knowing that He is meticulously orchestrating our steps. The "top of Pisgah" can symbolize those moments of spiritual clarity, glimpses of God's faithfulness, or even prophetic insights into His future promises, which sustain us even when the full realization is yet to come. This verse encourages us to look back and see God's hand in every detail of our past, and to look forward with confidence in His continued, faithful guidance towards our ultimate, eternal destination. It teaches us that even the mundane details of our path are part of a divine itinerary.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is such a specific geographical listing included in the Bible?
Answer: The inclusion of precise geographical details like those in Numbers 21:20 serves several important purposes. Firstly, it underscores the historical authenticity and reality of the events described. The Bible is not a collection of abstract myths but a record of God's interaction with real people in real places. These details would have been meaningful to the original audience, who were familiar with the region, providing verifiable evidence of the journey. Secondly, it highlights God's meticulous Providence. Every step of Israel's journey was guided by God, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises to bring them into the land He swore to their ancestors. It shows that God is intimately involved in the tangible details of His people's lives and their history, fulfilling His word precisely as promised (e.g., Joshua 1:3).
What is the significance of Pisgah beyond just a geographical point?
Answer: Pisgah holds immense theological and symbolic significance primarily because it is the mountain from which Moses, at the end of his life, was granted a panoramic view of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 3:27; Deuteronomy 34:1-4). Although Moses was forbidden from entering the land due to his disobedience, God graciously allowed him this final, breathtaking vision. Thus, Pisgah becomes a symbol of glimpsing God's promises even when full realization is just out of reach in this life. It represents the culmination of a long journey, the faithfulness of God in bringing His people to the threshold of their inheritance, and the bittersweet reality of human limitations in the face of divine decree. It speaks to God's grace in providing a vision of what is to come, even if we do not personally enter into its full earthly manifestation.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 21:20, with its detailed mapping of Israel's journey towards the Promised Land, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly journey of Israel, meticulously guided by God through wilderness and towards a physical inheritance, serves as a profound type for the spiritual journey of humanity, led by Christ to a heavenly inheritance. Jesus is the ultimate "Way" (as proclaimed in John 14:6), who meticulously guides His people from the "Jeshimon" of sin and spiritual barrenness into the glorious freedom and spiritual rest found in Him. The Promised Land, a place of rest and abundance, foreshadows the true "Sabbath rest" that remains for the people of God in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-11). Just as Moses viewed the land from Pisgah, believers in Christ are granted a spiritual vision of their heavenly inheritance, even while still on their earthly pilgrimage. Through His death and resurrection, Christ has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13), seating us with Him in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). Thus, the geographical precision of Numbers 21:20 ultimately points to the precise and perfect plan of God in Christ, who ensures His people reach their true and eternal destination, not merely a land, but a relationship with the Living God.