Numbers 33:47

KJV

And they removed from Almondiblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they removed {H5265} from Almondiblathaim {H5963}, and pitched {H2583} in the mountains {H2022} of Abarim {H5682}, before {H6440} Nebo {H5015}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They moved on from Almon-Divlatayim and camped in the 'Avarim Range, in front of N'vo.

Berean Standard Bible

They set out from Almon-diblathaim and camped in the mountains of Abarim facing Nebo.

American Standard Version

And they journeyed from Almon-diblathaim, and encamped in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 33:47 meticulously records a specific waypoint in the Israelites' forty-year wilderness journey, detailing their transition from Almondiblathaim to an encampment in the mountains of Abarim, specifically positioned before Mount Nebo. This verse is an integral part of the comprehensive itinerary presented in Numbers 33, which chronicles every encampment from their exodus from Egypt to their arrival on the plains of Moab, signifying their imminent entry into the Promised Land under divine guidance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 33:47 is embedded within a unique and highly detailed itinerary of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, spanning from their departure from Rameses (Numbers 33:3) to their arrival on the plains of Moab by the Jordan near Jericho (Numbers 33:48-49). This chapter serves as a historical record, meticulously listing forty-two distinct encampments, each representing a stage in their journey. The precision of this list, including the names of obscure locations, underscores the historical veracity and divine oversight of their movements. Verses 45-49 detail the final stages of their journey before entering the Promised Land, with verse 47 marking a critical geographical transition as they approach the significant landmark of Mount Nebo, a prelude to the events of [Deuteronomy 34](/deuteronomy/34 "Deuteronomy 34 - Moses' Death and Burial"). The entire chapter acts as a summary of God's faithful leading, even through periods of rebellion and judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The wilderness journey of the Israelites was a foundational event in their national identity, shaping their understanding of God's covenant faithfulness and their dependence on His provision. Historically, the "mountains of Abarim" refer to a mountain range east of the Jordan River, stretching from the Arnon River in the south to Mount Gilead in the north. Mount Nebo is a prominent peak within this range. The journey was not merely a physical trek but a period of spiritual formation, testing, and purification for the nascent nation. Culturally, the detailed record of encampments would have served as a powerful reminder of their nomadic origins and God's miraculous preservation of a vast population in a harsh desert environment. The proximity to Moab and the Jordan River at this stage indicates their position on the eastern border of the land promised to Abraham, ready to cross into Canaan, fulfilling centuries-old promises.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of Numbers 33, contributes significantly to several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Guidance and Providence**. The meticulous listing of each "removal" and "pitching" underscores that the Israelites' journey was not random but precisely orchestrated by God, demonstrating His constant care and leadership over His people, even in the wilderness (cf. [Nehemiah 9:19](/nehemiah/9-19 "Nehemiah 9:19 - God's Sustaining Presence in the Wilderness")). Secondly, the mention of "before Nebo" emphasizes the theme of **Approaching the Promise**. Mount Nebo is famously the peak from which Moses was allowed to view the Promised Land before his death ([Deuteronomy 34:1](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1 - Moses Views the Promised Land")). This signifies that the long journey is nearing its completion, and the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to give them the land (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Covenant with Abraham")) is imminent. Lastly, the sheer length and detail of the itinerary speak to the theme of **Perseverance and Patience**. It reminds readers of the endurance required of the Israelites and the importance of steadfastness in following God's path, even when the journey is long and trials abound, as seen in their forty years of wandering due to disobedience ([Numbers 14:33](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33 - Forty Years of Wandering")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Almondiblathaim (Hebrew, _'Almon Diblathayim'_):** This name, meaning "concealed place of two fig cakes" or "hiding place of the two fig-cakes," is a rare geographical marker, appearing only here in the biblical narrative. Its specific meaning is debated, but it likely refers to a location characterized by fig trees or a particular type of offering. The precise location is unknown, but its inclusion emphasizes the meticulous detail of the itinerary, demonstrating God's awareness of every step of their journey, even through obscure places.
* **Abarim (Hebrew, _'Abarim'_):** Meaning "regions beyond" or "crossings," Abarim refers to a mountain range east of the Jordan River, running north to south. It served as a significant geographical barrier and landmark. The Israelites' encampment "in the mountains of Abarim" indicates their approach to the eastern border of the Promised Land, signifying a critical stage in their journey from the wilderness into settled territory.
* **Nebo (Hebrew, _'Nebo'_):** This is a prominent mountain peak within the Abarim range, famously known as the place from which Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death ([Deuteronomy 34:1](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1 - Moses Views the Promised Land")). Its mention here is highly significant, marking the final major geographical point before the Israelites' entry into Canaan. It symbolizes the culmination of the wilderness journey and the threshold of the fulfillment of God's promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they removed from Almondiblathaim":** This clause signifies the continuation of the Israelites' journey, emphasizing their ongoing movement under divine direction. "Removed" (נָסַע, _nasa'_) is a recurring verb in Numbers 33, highlighting the nomadic nature of their existence and God's command for them to continually advance. The departure from Almondiblathaim marks the end of one stage and the beginning of the next, even if the previous location is obscure to modern readers.
* **"and pitched in the mountains of Abarim":** This indicates their new encampment, providing a broader geographical context for their location. "Pitched" (חָנָה, _hanah_) signifies setting up camp, a temporary dwelling. The "mountains of Abarim" suggest a more rugged, elevated terrain, contrasting with previous desert plains, and strategically placing them on the eastern edge of the Jordan valley, directly opposite Canaan.
* **"before Nebo":** This precise specification narrows down their location within the Abarim range, placing them directly in front of Mount Nebo. This detail is crucial for its theological and narrative significance, as it foreshadows Moses' final ascent and view of the Promised Land from this very peak. It marks the final, most significant waypoint before the transition of leadership and the crossing into Canaan.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 33:47, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Itinerary** or **Chronological Listing**. The meticulous, almost exhaustive, cataloging of each stopping point emphasizes the historical accuracy and divine ordering of the Israelites' journey. This detailed record serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in leading His people every step of the way. Furthermore, the mention of "Nebo" functions as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**, subtly pointing ahead to the pivotal events of Moses' final moments and his panoramic view of the Promised Land from that very mountain, as described in [Deuteronomy 34](/deuteronomy/34 "Deuteronomy 34 - Moses' Death and Burial"). The seemingly mundane geographical markers are imbued with **Symbolism**, representing stages of spiritual progress, divine guidance, and the culmination of a long journey towards a promised destiny. The very act of "removing" and "pitching" can be seen as **Repetition** that underscores the transient nature of their wilderness existence and their constant reliance on God's direction for the next step.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 33:47, though a seemingly simple geographical marker, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous and unwavering providence over His people. The detailed record of every "removal" and "pitching" underscores that the Israelites' journey was not random or chaotic, but precisely orchestrated by divine wisdom. This highlights the theme of God's faithfulness in leading His covenant people, even through decades of wandering and disobedience. The approach to Nebo signifies the culmination of a long period of testing and the imminent fulfillment of God's ancient promises regarding the land. It teaches us that God's plans unfold according to His perfect timing, even when the journey seems long or arduous, and that He faithfully brings His people to their appointed destinations.

* [Deuteronomy 34:1-4](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1-4 - Moses Views the Promised Land from Nebo")
* [Numbers 14:33-34](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33-34 - Forty Years of Wilderness Wandering")
* [Joshua 3:17](/joshua/3-17 "Joshua 3:17 - The Israelites Cross the Jordan River")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 33:47 invites us to reflect on our own spiritual journeys, which are often marked by various stages, transitions, and periods of waiting. Just as God faithfully led Israel through the wilderness, guiding them from one obscure location to another, He guides believers today, leading us through life's "removals" and "pitchings"—the changes, challenges, and advancements that shape our paths. This verse encourages us to recognize God's sovereign hand in every detail of our lives, trusting that even when we feel like we are in an "Almondiblathaim" (an unknown or difficult place), He is leading us towards our divinely appointed destination. The proximity to Mount Nebo symbolizes being on the cusp of a significant fulfillment or a new beginning in our own lives, reminding us to remain faithful and expectant, knowing that God's promises are sure and His timing is perfect, even when the final destination is just out of immediate reach. It is a call to persevere, to trust in God's constant presence, and to anticipate the fulfillment of His purposes in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's guidance for Israel in the wilderness encourage you in your own journey of faith?**
* **What "Almondiblathaim" (obscure or challenging stages) have you experienced, and how did God demonstrate His faithfulness in those times?**
* **In what ways are you currently "before Nebo," on the cusp of a significant transition or the fulfillment of a promise in your life? How are you preparing for it?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a seemingly minor geographical detail included in the Bible?**

Answer: The inclusion of such precise geographical details, like the move from Almondiblathaim to the mountains of Abarim before Nebo, serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores the historical veracity of the biblical narrative, demonstrating that these were real events involving real people in real places. This meticulous record provides a tangible itinerary of God's leading. Secondly, it highlights God's omnipresence and meticulous care; He was intimately involved in every step of His people's journey, even in the most obscure locations. Finally, these waypoints often carry symbolic or prophetic significance, as seen with Mount Nebo, which foreshadows Moses' final view of the Promised Land in [Deuteronomy 34:1-4](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1-4 - Moses Views the Promised Land").

**What is the significance of "Nebo" in this context?**

Answer: Mount Nebo is profoundly significant because it is the mountain from which Moses, after leading the Israelites for forty years, was permitted to view the Promised Land before his death, as recorded in [Deuteronomy 34:1-4](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1-4 - Moses Views the Promised Land from Nebo"). Therefore, the Israelites' encampment "before Nebo" in Numbers 33:47 marks the literal and symbolic threshold of the Promised Land. It signifies the culmination of their long wilderness journey, the imminent fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua as they prepare to enter Canaan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 33:47, detailing the Israelites' approach to Nebo and the Promised Land, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The wilderness journey of Israel, with its trials and divine guidance, serves as a powerful type for the Christian life—a pilgrimage of faith towards an ultimate, heavenly inheritance. Just as the Israelites were led by God's presence (the pillar of cloud and fire), believers are guided by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ. The Promised Land, which Moses could only view from Nebo but not enter, foreshadows a better rest that Christ provides. Moses, representing the Law, could not bring the people into the full inheritance; that task fell to Joshua (whose name is the Hebrew equivalent of Jesus). This points to Jesus Christ as our true Joshua, the one who leads us into the ultimate spiritual rest and inheritance that the Law could not provide ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - Jesus, Our True Rest")). From the "mountains of Abarim before Nebo," Israel stood at the cusp of an earthly inheritance; through Christ, we stand at the threshold of a heavenly one, having been granted access to the presence of God and the promise of eternal life ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Us")). Our journey, though marked by earthly "removals" and "pitchings," ultimately leads to the New Jerusalem, the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - Abraham Looked for a City")). Christ himself is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise, leading us not to a physical land, but to eternal communion with God, the true and final rest for the people of God ([Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - A Sabbath Rest for the People of God")).

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.