Numbers 32:38

And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded.

And Nebo {H5015}, and Baalmeon {H1186},(their names {H8034} being changed {H4142},) and Shibmah {H7643}: and gave {H7121} other names {H8034}{H8034} unto the cities {H5892} which they builded {H1129}.

N'vo, Ba'al-M'on (these names have been changed) and Sivmah; they renamed the cities they built.

as well as Nebo and Baal-meon (whose names were changed), and Sibmah. And they renamed the cities they rebuilt.

and Nebo, and Baal-meon, (their names being changed,) and Sibmah: and they gave other names unto the cities which they builded.

Commentary

Numbers 32:38 details the specific cities rebuilt and renamed by the tribes of Reuben and Gad in the territory east of the Jordan River. This verse is part of the larger narrative concerning the settlement of the Israelite tribes after their wilderness wandering.

Context

This verse follows the crucial agreement made between Moses and the tribes of Reuben and Gad, joined by half the tribe of Manasseh. They requested to settle in the fertile lands east of the Jordan, which had already been conquered from Sihon and Og. Their request, initially met with hesitation by Moses, was granted on the condition that they would send their armed men across the Jordan to help the other tribes conquer the land of Canaan before returning to their inheritance. This verse specifically highlights their activity in establishing their claim by rebuilding and renaming cities like Nebo, Baalmeon, and Shibmah, asserting their new Israelite identity in the region.

Key Themes

  • Transformation and New Identity: The act of changing the names of these cities was highly symbolic. It signified a clear break from their pagan past and established an Israelite presence and identity in the land. This renaming was a declaration of God's ownership of the land and the people's consecration of it.
  • Erasing Pagan Influence: Many ancient city names, like those mentioned, often contained elements referencing local deities. "Baalmeon" directly incorporates "Baal," a prominent Canaanite storm and fertility god, while "Nebo" was the name of a Babylonian-Aramaean deity. By renaming these places, the Reubenites and Gadites were actively removing vestiges of idolatry, aligning with God's command to purge the land of pagan worship.
  • Settlement and Possession: This verse underscores the practical steps the tribes took to secure their inheritance and establish their presence in the region. Rebuilding and renaming were acts of taking possession and organizing their new territories, demonstrating their commitment to the land and their agreement with Moses.

Linguistic Insights

The parenthetical phrase "(their names being changed)" is a direct and important clarification within the KJV text. It emphasizes that the renaming was not incidental but a deliberate and significant act. The original names carried heavy connotations of pagan worship. For instance, Baalmeon literally means "Baal's dwelling" or "Baal of the dwelling," highlighting its association with the Canaanite deity Baal. Similarly, Nebo was the name of a Mesopotamian god of wisdom and writing, often worshipped in the region. Changing these names asserted a new spiritual and national allegiance.

Practical Application

The renaming of cities in Numbers 32:38 offers a powerful spiritual lesson for believers today. Just as these cities were transformed from places associated with paganism to ones under Israelite identity, so too are we called to experience spiritual transformation. This involves:

  • Renaming Our Lives: We are called to shed old identities and practices associated with sin and the world, and to embrace our new identity in Christ. This is a process of renewing our minds and aligning our lives with God's will.
  • Purging Idolatry: Like the Israelites removing pagan names, we must identify and remove "idols" from our lives – anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts and worship. This is a continuous process of sanctification.
  • Claiming Our Inheritance: As believers, we have an inheritance in Christ. This verse reminds us to actively take possession of the spiritual blessings and callings God has given us, establishing His kingdom in our spheres of influence and living out our faith with intentionality.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 46:1

    ¶ Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages [were] heavy loaden; [they are] a burden to the weary [beast].

  • Numbers 32:3

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

  • Joshua 23:7

    That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear [by them], neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:

  • Exodus 23:13

    And in all [things] that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

  • Psalms 16:4

    Their sorrows shall be multiplied [that] hasten [after] another [god]: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.

  • Genesis 26:18

    And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.

  • Numbers 22:41

    And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost [part] of the people.
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