Numbers 33:49

KJV

And they pitched by Jordan, from Bethjesimoth [even] unto Abelshittim in the plains of Moab.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they pitched {H2583} by Jordan {H3383}, from Bethjesimoth {H1020} even unto Abelshittim {H63} in the plains {H6160} of Moab {H4124}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their camp by the Yarden extended from Beit-HaYeshimot all the way to Avel-HaSheetim in the plains of Mo'av.

Berean Standard Bible

And there on the plains of Moab they camped by the Jordan, from Beth-jeshimoth to Abel-shittim.

American Standard Version

And they encamped by the Jordan, from Beth-jeshimoth even unto Abel-shittim in the plains of Moab.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 33:49 meticulously records the final, expansive encampment of the Israelites in the plains of Moab, marking their strategic position on the eastern bank of the Jordan River. This verse provides precise geographical boundaries—from Bethjesimoth to Abelshittim—underscoring their arrival at the very threshold of the Promised Land after forty years of wilderness wandering. It serves as a climactic point in the wilderness itinerary, signifying the culmination of divine faithfulness and the imminent fulfillment of God's covenant promises to His people, poised on the brink of their inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 33 is a unique and pivotal chapter within the Pentateuch, serving as a comprehensive itinerary that meticulously lists forty-two distinct stages of the Israelites' forty-year journey from Egypt to the plains of Moab. Each entry marks a place where the Israelites encamped, providing a divine record of their pilgrimage. Numbers 33:49 represents the penultimate stage in this exhaustive list, immediately preceding the detailed instructions for conquering and dividing the land in [Numbers 33:50-56](/numbers/33-50-56 "Numbers 33:50-56 - Instructions for Conquering the Land"). This meticulous record underscores God's sovereign guidance and meticulous care for His people throughout their long and arduous pilgrimage, highlighting that every step, even the seemingly insignificant geographical details, was part of His divine plan leading them to their promised inheritance. The precise naming of the final encampment's boundaries emphasizes the culmination of this divinely orchestrated journey.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "plains of Moab" (Hebrew: עַרְבֹת מוֹאָב, _Arvot Mo'av_) refers to the fertile lowlands situated on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, directly opposite the city of Jericho. This region served as a critical and strategic staging ground for the Israelites before their entry into Canaan. Historically, it offered a relatively hospitable environment after decades in the harsh wilderness and provided direct access to the Jordan River, the final natural barrier to the Promised Land. Culturally, this area was profoundly significant as the site of the infamous incident with Baal-Peor, where many Israelites fell into idolatry and immorality with the Moabite women, resulting in a devastating plague ([Numbers 25:1-9](/numbers/25-1-9 "Numbers 25:1-9 - The Sin at Baal-Peor")). It was also from these plains that Moses delivered his final, foundational addresses to the new generation of Israelites, recorded in the book of Deuteronomy, before his death and the subsequent leadership of Joshua ([Deuteronomy 1](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy 1 - Moses' First Address")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though primarily a geographical detail, is deeply embedded in the overarching themes of the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness and Guidance**, demonstrating that despite Israel's frequent rebellion and unbelief, God meticulously led them to the very brink of the land He promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the [Abrahamic Covenant](/genesis/15 "Genesis 15 - God's Covenant with Abraham"). The encampment also signifies a crucial period of **Transition and Preparation**. The wilderness generation had largely passed away, and a new generation, poised for conquest, stood ready. This time in Moab involved final preparations, including a second census to count the new generation ([Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census")), renewed covenant instructions, and the appointment of leaders for the land's distribution ([Numbers 34](/numbers/34 "Numbers 34 - Boundaries of the Land")). Ultimately, Numbers 33:49 speaks to the **Imminent Fulfillment of Promise**, as the Israelites were literally within sight of their long-awaited inheritance, poised to enter and claim the land flowing with milk and honey, as first described in [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pitched (Hebrew, _chânâh'_):** This primitive root (H2583) properly means "to incline," and by implication, "to decline" (as in the slanting rays of evening). More specifically, it refers to "to pitch a tent" or generally "to encamp" for abode or siege. In Numbers 33:49, it signifies the Israelites' act of setting up their vast camp, indicating a settled, albeit temporary, dwelling for the entire community. This word emphasizes the deliberate and organized nature of their final stop before the conquest, not a mere passing through.
* **Bethjesimoth (Hebrew, _Bêyth ha-Yshîy-môwth'_):** (H1020) Meaning "house of the deserts" or "house of the wastelands," this place name likely indicates a location at the edge of the wilderness proper. Its inclusion as the western boundary of their camp suggests the Israelites had just emerged from the more desolate regions of their journey, marking a transition from barren lands towards the more fertile Jordan Valley. It highlights the vastness of their encampment, stretching from the more arid areas towards the river.
* **Abelshittim (Hebrew, _ʼÂbêl hash-Shiṭṭîym'_):** (H63) Often simply referred to as Shittim, this name translates to "meadow of the acacias" or "meadow of the shittim trees." The acacia tree (Hebrew: שִׁטָּה, _shittah_) was common in the region and highly valued for its durable wood, specifically prescribed for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings ([Exodus 25:10](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10 - The Ark of the Covenant")). The name suggests a more verdant and habitable area, indicating the eastern extent of their camp, closer to the Jordan River and the cultivated lands, providing a stark contrast to Bethjesimoth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they pitched by Jordan":** This opening phrase establishes the immediate proximity of the vast Israelite camp to the Jordan River, which served as the natural barrier between their current location and the Promised Land. The verb "pitched" denotes their setting up of camp, indicating a settled, albeit temporary, dwelling for the entire community, signifying a strategic and intentional halt.
* **"from Bethjesimoth":** This specifies the westernmost point or starting boundary of their extensive encampment. As "House of Deserts," Bethjesimoth implies their emergence from the deeper wilderness, marking the transition from barren lands to more hospitable terrain, signifying the vast breadth of their final staging ground.
* **"even unto Abelshittim in the plains of Moab":** This defines the easternmost extent of their camp, stretching towards the Jordan River. "Abelshittim," meaning "Meadow of Acacias," signifies a more fertile and verdant area, indicating the breadth and strategic positioning of their final staging ground. The inclusion of "in the plains of Moab" provides the broader geographical context, emphasizing that this entire encampment occurred within this significant and well-known territory, a place of both past sin and future preparation.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 33:49 employs several literary devices to convey its significance within the broader narrative. The most prominent is **Itinerary/List**, as the verse is part of a meticulous record of all forty-two stopping places. This detailed listing serves to underscore the historical veracity of the journey and God's precise, unwavering guidance over four decades. There is also significant **Geographical Precision**, with the naming of specific boundaries (Bethjesimoth, Abelshittim) and the broader region (plains of Moab). This precision grounds the narrative in a tangible reality, making the journey and the impending conquest concrete and verifiable. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful form of **Symbolism**, where the "plains of Moab" and the proximity to the Jordan River symbolize a **Threshold**—the critical juncture between the long wilderness journey and the imminent inheritance of the Promised Land. It represents a point of culmination, transition, and the profound anticipation of divine promise, marking the end of one era and the beginning of another.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 33:49, while seemingly a mere geographical entry, carries profound theological weight. It stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the ultimate fulfillment of His covenant promises, even after decades of Israel's rebellion, unbelief, and wandering. The Israelites' arrival at the plains of Moab, on the very doorstep of Canaan, signifies the culmination of a divine pilgrimage and the imminent realization of the land promise made to Abraham. It highlights that God's purposes are never thwarted by human failure, and His people, though imperfect, are always guided by His sovereign hand towards their appointed destiny. This final encampment serves as a powerful reminder that God brings His people through every wilderness experience to the threshold of His promised blessings, preparing them for the new season He has ordained, demonstrating His steadfast love and commitment to His covenant.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Covenant of Land")
* [Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - The Command to Enter the Land")
* [Joshua 1:3-4](/joshua/1-3-4 "Joshua 1:3-4 - God's Promise to Joshua")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 33:49 invites us to reflect on our own spiritual journeys, recognizing that life often involves periods of "wilderness" and "plains of Moab"—times of waiting, preparation, and transition before entering new seasons or receiving promised blessings. Just as the Israelites were brought to the brink of their inheritance, God faithfully guides us through our challenges, leading us to the threshold of His purposes for our lives. This verse encourages us to trust in His meticulous guidance, even when the path seems long or unclear, knowing that every step is part of His sovereign plan. It calls us to embrace periods of preparation with patience and anticipation, understanding that these "staging grounds" are crucial for spiritual growth and readiness, shaping us for what lies ahead. Ultimately, Numbers 33:49 inspires profound hope, reminding us that God's promises are sure and His faithfulness will always bring us to our destined inheritance, whether it be a new calling, a breakthrough, or the ultimate eternal rest in His presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do you currently find yourself on your spiritual journey—in a "wilderness" phase, a "plains of Moab" transition, or on the brink of a new "Promised Land"?**
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's guidance for Israel in Numbers 33 encourage your trust in His leading in your own life, even in seemingly insignificant details?**
* **What "preparations" might God be calling you to undertake during your current season, as you anticipate the fulfillment of His promises?**
* **How can you cultivate a spirit of patient anticipation and confident expectation, knowing that God is faithfully bringing you to your appointed destination?**

### FAQ
**Why is this specific geographical detail so important in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: This geographical detail is crucial because it marks the culmination of the Israelites' forty-year wilderness journey and their final, strategic position before entering the Promised Land. Numbers 33:49 pinpoints their exact location on the eastern bank of the Jordan, signaling that the long period of wandering is over and the moment of inheritance is at hand. It underscores the historical accuracy of the narrative and God's meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises to bring His people to the land He swore to give them, as seen in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abram") and [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - The Boundaries of the Promised Land").

**What is the broader significance of the "plains of Moab" in the Israelite narrative?**

Answer: The "plains of Moab" were far more than just a stopping point; they were a pivotal staging ground for the Israelites. This region was where the infamous sin of Baal-Peor occurred, leading to a severe plague and a renewed emphasis on purity and faithfulness, as detailed in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor"). It was also the place where Moses delivered his powerful farewell speeches, recorded in the entire book of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy 1 - Moses' Explanation of the Law"), re-establishing the covenant and providing crucial instructions for life in the Promised Land. Thus, the plains of Moab represent a place of both moral failure and spiritual renewal, a final testing and preparation before the conquest.

**How does this verse relate to the overall theme of God's faithfulness in the book of Numbers?**

Answer: Numbers 33:49 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness despite Israel's repeated rebellion and unbelief throughout their wilderness journey. The book of Numbers is largely a record of Israel's failures and God's persistent grace. Their arrival at the plains of Moab, exactly as prophesied and guided by God, demonstrates that His divine purpose and covenant promises are ultimately unstoppable. It highlights that God, not Israel's merit, was the driving force behind their successful arrival at the threshold of the Promised Land, reinforcing the theme of His steadfast love and commitment to His people, as affirmed in [Numbers 14:18](/numbers/14-18 "Numbers 14:18 - God's Patience and Mercy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 33:49, describing Israel's arrival at the threshold of the earthly Promised Land, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual journey of believers towards their heavenly inheritance. The wilderness wandering of Israel, marked by trials, divine provisions, and meticulous guidance, serves as a powerful type for the Christian's earthly pilgrimage. Just as Joshua led Israel across the Jordan into Canaan, Jesus Christ, our greater Joshua (a Greek form of the name), leads us into the true and eternal rest that the earthly land only foreshadowed ([Hebrews 4:8](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8 - Joshua Did Not Give Them Rest")). The "plains of Moab" symbolize that crucial period of transition and preparation before entering God's ultimate promises. In Christ, we are already given access to a spiritual "Promised Land"—the new covenant life of grace and the promise of eternal life with God, for we are already "seated with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" ([Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places")). Our journey, though still in a "wilderness" world, is marked by the certainty of arrival, not by our own merit or faithfulness, but by the perfect faithfulness of Christ, who has secured our inheritance through His atoning work and resurrection ([Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Sharing in the Inheritance of the Saints")). He is the one who brings us safely to the true "Sabbath rest" that remains for the people of God, a rest that transcends any earthly territory and culminates in His glorious presence ([Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The 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.

Cross-References

Exodus 25:5

And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,

Ezekiel 25:9

Therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from his cities [which are] on his frontiers, the glory of the country, Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and Kiriathaim,

Joshua 13:20

And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah, and Bethjeshimoth,

Exodus 25:10

¶ And they shall make an ark [of] shittim wood: two cubits and a half [shall be] the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.

Numbers 25:1

¶ And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.

Numbers 25:9

And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.

Exodus 25:23

¶ Thou shalt also make a table [of] shittim wood: two cubits [shall be] the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.