Numbers 22:1

KJV

¶ And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan [by] Jericho.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} set forward {H5265}, and pitched {H2583} in the plains {H6160} of Moab {H4124} on this side {H5676} Jordan {H3383} by Jericho {H3405}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the people of Isra'el traveled on and camped in the plains of Mo'av beyond the Yarden River, opposite Yericho.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the Israelites traveled on and camped in the plains of Moab near the Jordan, across from Jericho.

American Standard Version

And the children of Israel journeyed, and encamped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 22:1 marks a pivotal geographical and narrative transition in the Israelites' wilderness journey, positioning them on the eastern bank of the Jordan River in the plains of Moab, directly opposite Jericho. This verse signifies the culmination of their forty years of wandering and sets the immediate stage for the dramatic encounters with King Balak of Moab and the prophet Balaam, which dominate the subsequent chapters, as Israel stands poised at the threshold of the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the triumphant accounts of Israel's victories over the Amorite kings Sihon and Og in [Numbers 21](/numbers/21 "Numbers 21 - Victories over Sihon and Og"). Having secured territory east of the Jordan, Israel's arrival in the plains of Moab is the final major encampment before crossing into Canaan. Numbers 22:1 serves as a crucial narrative bridge, transitioning from the military conquests and wilderness journey accounts into the highly significant and extended narrative of Balak and Balaam (Numbers 22-24). This encounter with Moab and Midian, driven by fear of Israel's power, directly leads to the oracles of Balaam and, tragically, the sin at Peor detailed in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Peor"). The verse thus acts as a geographical and thematic prelude to the spiritual and moral challenges Israel faces on the very cusp of their inheritance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "plains of Moab" (Hebrew: _'arvot Mo'av_) refer to the fertile lowlands along the eastern side of the Jordan River, north of the Arnon River and south of the Jabbok River. This region was strategically important, bordering various peoples and serving as a natural corridor. Israel's encampment here, "on this side Jordan [by] Jericho," places them directly across from a major Canaanite stronghold, emphasizing their extreme proximity to the heart of the Promised Land. From the perspective of the biblical narrative, "on this side Jordan" (Hebrew: _be'ever ha-Yarden_) consistently refers to the east bank, where Moses and the Israelites were located before the crossing. The presence of such a large and powerful nation, fresh from defeating formidable kings, would have naturally instilled fear in the Moabites, leading King Balak to seek supernatural intervention against them, as described in [Numbers 22:2-6](/numbers/22-2 "Numbers 22:2-6 - Balak's Fear and Summons to Balaam"). This historical setting underscores the tension and anticipation surrounding Israel's imminent entry into Canaan.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 22:1 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Guidance and Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to leading His people to their promised inheritance, despite their past rebellion and the forty-year delay (cf. [Numbers 14:33-34](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33-34 - Forty Years of Wandering")). The continuous movement, "set forward," underscores God's active providence in their journey. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Proximity to the Promised Land**, serving as a vivid reminder of the imminent fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan (cf. [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). Pitching camp "by Jericho" signifies the doorstep to their destiny, a place of anticipation and preparation. Finally, this strategic location immediately foreshadows **Anticipation and Conflict**, setting the stage for the spiritual and physical challenges that await Israel, particularly the narrative of Balaam's oracles and the subsequent moral failures, which test their readiness for the land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **set forward (Hebrew, _nasa'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate, ordered movement, often used in the context of Israel's encampments and departures throughout the wilderness journey (e.g., [Numbers 10:11](/numbers/10-11 "Numbers 10:11 - Israel's Departure from Sinai")). It implies a divinely directed progression, not aimless wandering, reinforcing the theme of God's leadership and the purposeful nature of their journey towards the Promised Land.
* **plains of Moab (Hebrew, _'arvot Mo'av'_):** This specific geographical designation refers to the flat, fertile lowlands on the eastern side of the Jordan River, opposite the city of Jericho. It marks the final, significant staging ground for the Israelites before their crossing. The mention of "Moab" immediately hints at the impending conflict and interaction with the Moabite kingdom, which forms the narrative core of the subsequent chapters.
* **on this side Jordan (Hebrew, _be'ever ha-Yarden'_):** This phrase literally means "on the crossing/other side of the Jordan." When used by an author (like Moses) writing from the east bank, it refers to the east side of the river, distinguishing it from the land of Canaan proper. It clearly defines Israel's current position as being *before* the monumental crossing, emphasizing their status as a people poised at the very threshold of their long-awaited inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Israel set forward":** This opening clause highlights the ongoing, divinely directed movement of the Israelite nation. It signifies a purposeful progression, not random wandering, as they continue their journey towards the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. The verb "set forward" (Hebrew: _nasa'_) implies a breaking of camp and a continuation of their march, consistent with the detailed itinerary provided throughout Numbers.
* **"and pitched in the plains of Moab":** This specifies their new, significant encampment. The "plains of Moab" are the fertile lowlands on the eastern side of the Jordan River, marking the final major stop before entering Canaan. This location is strategically important, indicating the culmination of their wilderness journey and setting the scene for the interactions with the Moabites and Midianites.
* **"on this side Jordan [by] Jericho":** This further refines their exact position. "On this side Jordan" (from the perspective of the author/Israelites on the east bank) clarifies that they are still east of the river. The addition of "[by] Jericho" anchors their location relative to a prominent city within the Promised Land, emphasizing their extreme proximity to their inheritance and underscoring the anticipation and tension of their arrival at the very doorstep of Canaan.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 22:1 effectively employs **Geographical Anchoring** and **Foreshadowing**. The precise geographical details—"plains of Moab," "on this side Jordan," and "by Jericho"—serve to ground the narrative firmly in a tangible reality, allowing the reader to visualize Israel's exact position at a critical juncture. This meticulous geographical anchoring not only provides a sense of realism but also heightens the dramatic tension, as the reader understands Israel is literally on the verge of entering the Promised Land. Furthermore, the verse functions as powerful **Foreshadowing**. The mere mention of "Moab" immediately signals the impending conflict with King Balak and the subsequent narrative involving Balaam, which will test Israel's faith and obedience. The proximity to "Jericho" also subtly foreshadows the future military campaigns and the conquest of the land, beginning with that very city, as detailed in the book of Joshua.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 22:1 serves as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the relentless progress of His redemptive plan. Despite Israel's repeated failures, rebellions, and the forty-year delay, God meticulously guides them to the very threshold of their promised inheritance. This verse underscores the theme of divine providence, demonstrating that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, bringing His people to the place He has prepared for them. It is a powerful reminder that God is a covenant-keeping God who brings His promises to fruition, even if the path is long and fraught with challenges. The arrival at the plains of Moab is not just a geographical marker but a theological statement about the reliability of God's word and the certainty of His kingdom coming.

* [Numbers 14:33-34](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33-34 - The Forty-Year Delay")
* [Deuteronomy 2:7](/deuteronomy/2-7 "Deuteronomy 2:7 - God's Blessing in the Wilderness")
* [Joshua 3:1](/joshua/3-1 "Joshua 3:1 - Israel's Encampment Before Crossing the Jordan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 22:1 offers a powerful lesson in perseverance and the nature of God's faithfulness. Just as the Israelites, after decades of wandering, finally stood on the brink of their inheritance, we too often find ourselves on the cusp of significant breakthroughs, new seasons, or the fulfillment of long-held prayers. Yet, this verse reminds us that even at the threshold of blessing, challenges and adversaries often emerge. The plains of Moab, though a step closer to the Promised Land, immediately brought Israel into contact with new spiritual and physical conflicts. This teaches us the importance of vigilance and continued reliance on God, even when the finish line seems in sight. It encourages us to prepare spiritually for the opportunities and trials that accompany new beginnings, trusting that God's presence, which has led us thus far, will continue to guide us through every final step and into the fullness of His promises. Our journey with God is rarely without opposition, but His faithfulness ensures our ultimate arrival.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life are you currently on the "plains of Moab," poised at the edge of a new season or a promised breakthrough?**
* **What challenges or adversaries (internal or external) might you anticipate as you approach this new phase, and how can you spiritually prepare for them?**
* **How does the Israelites' journey to the edge of the Promised Land encourage you to trust in God's faithfulness to complete what He has started in your life?**
* **In what ways can you remain vigilant and reliant on God when you are on the verge of receiving a long-awaited blessing?**

### FAQ
**Why is the specific location mentioned in Numbers 22:1 so significant?**

Answer: The location—"the plains of Moab on this side Jordan [by] Jericho"—is profoundly significant because it marks the culmination of Israel's forty-year wilderness journey and places them directly at the threshold of the Promised Land. This is their final major encampment before the monumental crossing of the Jordan River into Canaan. The mention of "Jericho" specifically anchors their position opposite a key Canaanite city, emphasizing their extreme proximity to the land God promised to their ancestors (cf. [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise to Abraham")). This strategic location immediately sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, including the fear of King Balak, the Balaam narrative, and the subsequent preparations for conquest, highlighting both the fulfillment of God's promise and the imminent challenges.

**What does "on this side Jordan" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "on this side Jordan" (Hebrew: _be'ever ha-Yarden_) refers to the eastern bank of the Jordan River. When used by Moses, the author of Numbers, who was himself on the east bank at this point, it consistently points to their current geographical position *before* crossing into the land of Canaan. It distinguishes their location from the land that lies *beyond* the Jordan, which is the Promised Land itself. This clarifies that while they are at the very doorstep, they have not yet entered the land of inheritance, underscoring the anticipation and the finality of their wilderness journey.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 22:1, with its depiction of Israel poised at the threshold of the Promised Land, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The earthly inheritance of Canaan, achieved through God's faithful leading and the leadership of Joshua (whose name is the Hebrew equivalent of Jesus), foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and eternal rest believers receive in Christ. Just as Israel was led by God's presence (the pillar of cloud and fire) through the wilderness to their promised land, so too is Christ our ultimate guide and leader, who brings us into our spiritual inheritance (cf. [Hebrews 3:7-4:11](/hebrews/3-7 "Hebrews 3:7-4:11 - The Rest of God")). He is the true and greater Joshua, who leads His people not merely into a physical land, but into the kingdom of God and the abundant life, conquering sin and death on our behalf (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). The "plains of Moab" represent the final, challenging steps before entering God's full provision; similarly, our Christian walk, though guaranteed by Christ's finished work, often involves spiritual battles and tests before we fully experience the "rest" and glory promised to us in Him (cf. [Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")). Ultimately, Jesus is the one who opens the way for us to cross into the true and heavenly Promised Land, securing our eternal dwelling with God (cf. [John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")).

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

Joshua 3:16

That the waters which came down from above stood [and] rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that [is] beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, failed, [and] were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.

Numbers 32:19

For we will not inherit with them on yonder side Jordan, or forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side Jordan eastward.

Numbers 34:15

The two tribes and the half tribe have received their inheritance on this side Jordan [near] Jericho eastward, toward the sunrising.

Deuteronomy 1:5

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

Deuteronomy 34:1

¶ 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 3:8

And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that [was] on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;

Numbers 36:13

These [are] the commandments and the judgments, which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses unto the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho.