Numbers 21:32

KJV

And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that [were] there.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} sent {H7971} to spy out {H7270} Jaazer {H3270}, and they took {H3920} the villages {H1323} thereof, and drove out {H3423}{H3423} the Amorites {H567} that were there.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe sent men to reconnoiter Ya'zer; they captured its towns and drove out the Emori who were there.

Berean Standard Bible

After Moses had sent spies to Jazer, Israel captured its villages and drove out the Amorites who were there.

American Standard Version

And Moses sent to spy out Jazer; and they took the towns thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 21:32 succinctly records a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey: the strategic reconnaissance and subsequent military conquest of Jaazer and its surrounding villages from the Amorites. This action, led by Moses, represents a further tangible step in the divine fulfillment of God's promise to grant Israel possession of the land, demonstrating His active presence and enabling power as they systematically secured the Transjordanian territory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Israel's military engagements in the Transjordan region, specifically following their decisive victory over Sihon, king of the Amorites, as detailed in [Numbers 21:21-31](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-31 - Defeat of Sihon"). The conquest of Jaazer immediately precedes the account of the defeat of Og, king of Bashan, in [Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - Defeat of Og"). Together, these accounts form a continuous narrative of Israel's expansion east of the Jordan River, establishing their foothold before the main invasion of Canaan. This sequence highlights the systematic and divinely directed nature of their advance, moving from one strategic victory to the next, solidifying their control over the region.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amorites (`’Ěmōrî`) were a prominent and powerful Semitic people group, frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as significant inhabitants of Canaan and the Transjordan prior to the Israelite conquest. Their presence in Jaazer, a city located in the fertile region of Gilead (modern-day Jordan), underscores the strategic importance of this area for its agricultural resources and access to trade routes. The practice of "spying out" (`tur`) was a common military reconnaissance tactic in the ancient Near East, used to assess enemy strength, terrain, and strategic vulnerabilities before launching an attack. The "driving out" (`yarash`) of the inhabitants was a divinely mandated act of dispossession, reflecting God's judgment on the prevailing idolatry and moral corruption of the Canaanite nations, while simultaneously fulfilling His promise of land to Israel, as outlined in the covenant with Abraham in [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham").
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 21:32 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it exemplifies the **Divine Fulfillment of Promise**, showcasing God's faithfulness in enabling Israel to inherit the land He had sworn to their ancestors. Every successful conquest, including that of Jaazer, served as tangible evidence of His covenant keeping. Secondly, it highlights **Strategic Conquest and Divine Guidance**, demonstrating that while God grants victory, He also utilizes human agency, planning, and military action. Moses's decision to "spy out" Jaazer indicates a divinely guided, yet humanly executed, strategy for securing territory. Lastly, the act of "drove out the Amorites" underscores the theme of **Dispossession and Divine Judgment**, a recurring motif throughout the conquest narratives. This act was not merely territorial acquisition but a righteous judgment against the wickedness of the existing inhabitants, clearing the way for God's chosen people to establish a holy nation in the promised land, as commanded in passages like [Deuteronomy 2:24](/deuteronomy/2-24 "Deuteronomy 2:24 - Command to begin the conquest of the Amorite land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jaazer (Hebrew, _Ya‘zēr'_):** The name of the city, often interpreted to mean "he will help" or "helpful." While the text itself does not explicitly link the name to the action, the etymology subtly resonates with the divine assistance Israel received in taking the city, and the land's potential to provide sustenance and strategic advantage. Its capture was indeed "helpful" to Israel's advance.
* **Amorites (Hebrew, _’Ěmōrî'_):** A significant and widespread Semitic people group, frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as pre-Israelite inhabitants of Canaan and Transjordan. Their consistent portrayal as an obstacle to Israel's inheritance underscores their role as targets of divine judgment and dispossession. Their removal was integral to the fulfillment of God's land promise.
* **Drove out (Hebrew, _yarash'_):** This verb carries a rich semantic range, meaning "to take possession of," "to dispossess," "to inherit," or "to drive out." In this context, it signifies a forceful and complete removal of the existing inhabitants by Israel, leading to their subsequent occupation and inheritance of the land. It emphasizes the active, divinely empowered nature of the conquest and the transfer of ownership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer":** This clause reveals Moses's leadership and strategic foresight. It indicates that the conquest was not a random or impulsive act, but a calculated military operation involving reconnaissance. This "spying out" was a practical step to assess the territory and its inhabitants, demonstrating human responsibility in conjunction with divine command and enablement.
* **"and they took the villages thereof":** This phrase emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the conquest. It was not merely the capture of the central city of Jaazer, but also its surrounding dependencies and agricultural areas. This ensured complete control over the region, securing resources and eliminating pockets of resistance, which was crucial for establishing a stable presence.
* **"and drove out the Amorites that [were] there":** This final clause highlights the ultimate objective and outcome: the dispossession of the indigenous Amorite population. This act was a direct fulfillment of God's command to clear the land for Israel, serving as both a judgment against the Amorites' wickedness and a means of providing an inheritance for His chosen people. It underscores the theme of divine judgment and the establishment of Israel in the promised land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Narrative Progression** is evident as the verse advances the ongoing story of Israel's conquest of the Transjordan, building on previous victories and setting the stage for future ones. The precise detailing of "spying out," "taking," and "driving out" provides a sense of **Verisimilitude**, making the account feel historically grounded and realistic. The act of "driving out the Amorites" serves as a powerful **Repetition of Theme**, echoing God's consistent command throughout the Pentateuch for Israel to dispossess the inhabitants of the promised land. This action also functions as **Foreshadowing**, pointing forward to the larger, more extensive conquest of Canaan proper under Joshua, where similar military tactics and divine mandates would be employed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 21:32 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His active involvement in the history of His people. It demonstrates that the inheritance of the promised land was not merely a passive gift but an active process requiring Israel's obedient participation, guided and empowered by God. This specific conquest in Jaazer serves as another concrete example of God's judgment against the nations whose iniquity had reached its full measure, and His provision of a homeland for Israel, fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant. It underscores the concept of a "holy war" where God fights for His people and executes His righteous judgments through them, establishing His kingdom on earth.

* [Deuteronomy 2:24](/deuteronomy/2-24 "Deuteronomy 2:24 - Command to begin the conquest")
* [Joshua 13:25](/joshua/13-25 "Joshua 13:25 - Jaazer allotted to Gad")
* [Psalm 44:2](/psalm/44-2 "Psalm 44:2 - God driving out nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 21:32 offers profound insights into the nature of faith, obedience, and divine partnership in our own lives. Just as Israel was called to actively "spy out" and "drive out" the inhabitants of the land, believers today are called to engage proactively in their spiritual journey and in the advancement of God's kingdom. This involves a discerning spirit to "spy out" the spiritual challenges, temptations, and strongholds in our lives and communities (e.g., sin, apathy, injustice). It also demands decisive action to "take" ground for Christ, claiming areas for His influence and "driving out" those spiritual obstacles, negative influences, or sinful patterns that hinder our walk with God. This verse reminds us that God's promises of victory and inheritance do not negate human responsibility but rather invite our active participation, trusting in His enabling power to accomplish what we cannot do alone. It's a call to courageous, Spirit-led engagement in the spiritual battles we face, knowing that the ultimate victory belongs to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of faith and action in my own life?**
* **What "territories" (areas of my life, habits, or community) might God be calling me to "spy out" and "take" for His kingdom?**
* **What spiritual "Amorites" (obstacles, sins, or negative influences) do I need to discern and "drive out" with God's help?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command Israel to "drive out" the inhabitants, including the Amorites?**

Answer: God commanded Israel to "drive out" the inhabitants of Canaan, including the Amorites, primarily for two interconnected reasons: divine judgment and the preservation of Israel's holiness. The Canaanite nations had reached a profound level of moral depravity, engaging in widespread idolatry, child sacrifice, and sexual immorality, which God had patiently endured for centuries (cf. [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites")). The "driving out" was thus an act of righteous judgment against their wickedness. Furthermore, it was essential to prevent Israel from being corrupted by these pagan practices. God intended Israel to be a holy nation, set apart to Him, and the presence of idolatrous nations within their midst posed a constant threat to their covenant fidelity (cf. [Deuteronomy 7:1-6](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-6 - Command to Destroy Nations")). The dispossession was therefore a necessary measure to establish a pure worship and a distinct identity for God's chosen people in the land He promised them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical conquest of Jaazer and the dispossession of the Amorites in Numbers 21:32 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual conquest achieved by Jesus Christ. Just as Moses led Israel into a physical inheritance, Jesus, the true [Joshua](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1 - God's commission to Joshua"), leads His people into a far greater spiritual inheritance: the kingdom of God and eternal life. The "driving out" of the Amorites foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over the spiritual enemies that hold humanity captive—sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Believers, united with Christ, are now enabled to "drive out" the spiritual "Amorites" of sin and temptation from their own lives, not through physical warfare, but through the power of the [Holy Spirit](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit") and by putting on the "whole armor of God" ([Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - The Armor of God")). The promised land, secured through physical conquest, becomes a type of the new creation and the heavenly places where believers are blessed in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")), inheriting spiritual blessings and a secure dwelling place through His ultimate and complete victory.

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

Jeremiah 48:32

O vine of Sibmah, I will weep for thee with the weeping of Jazer: thy plants are gone over the sea, they reach [even] to the sea of Jazer: the spoiler is fallen upon thy summer fruits and upon thy vintage.

Numbers 32:1

¶ Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place [was] a place for cattle;

Numbers 32:35

And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah,

Numbers 32:3

Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,

Isaiah 16:8

For the fields of Heshbon languish, [and] the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come [even] unto Jazer, they wandered [through] the wilderness: her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea.

Isaiah 16:9

Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.