Numbers 33:50

KJV

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} unto Moses {H4872} in the plains {H6160} of Moab {H4124} by Jordan {H3383} near Jericho {H3405}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI spoke to Moshe in the plains of Mo'av by the Yarden, across from Yericho. He said

Berean Standard Bible

On the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho, the LORD said to Moses,

American Standard Version

And Jehovah spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 33:50 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, precisely locating their final encampment in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River and opposite Jericho. This verse serves as a profound divine introduction, signaling the direct communication of Yahweh to Moses, thereby setting the stage for a crucial series of instructions regarding the conquest, settlement, and purification of the Promised Land. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing His people to the very threshold of their inheritance and His sovereign authority in guiding their transition from nomadic wandering to established nationhood, emphasizing that the divine word precedes and enables the fulfillment of divine promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 33:50 functions as a crucial hinge within the book of Numbers. It concludes the detailed historical record of Israel's forty-two encampments from their exodus from Egypt, a meticulous itinerary that underscores God's faithful leading and provision throughout their wilderness wanderings, as seen in [Numbers 33:1-49](/numbers/33-1-49 "Numbers 33:1-49 - Israel's Journey from Egypt to Moab"). Immediately following this verse, the narrative shifts abruptly from historical recounting to prescriptive law, introducing a new section of divine commands (Numbers 33:51-56) concerning the dispossessing of the land's inhabitants, the destruction of their idols, and the division of the land by lot. This transition highlights the imminent shift from a nomadic journey to a settled existence, preparing the nation for their new life in Canaan. The subsequent chapters (Numbers 34-36) continue with further instructions for the land's boundaries, cities of refuge, and laws concerning inheritance, all rooted in the divine directives initiated in this verse. Furthermore, this passage forms a vital bridge to the book of Deuteronomy, where Moses reiterates and expounds upon these laws and the history of Israel from the very same geographical location in the [plains of Moab](/deuteronomy/1-1 "Deuteronomy 1:1 - Moses' Address in Moab").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho" represent a highly strategic, geographically precise, and profoundly symbolic location. After forty years of wandering, this new generation of Israelites, born in the wilderness, stood on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, poised to enter the land promised by God to their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This was the final staging ground before the monumental crossing of the Jordan and the commencement of the conquest of Canaan, with Jericho, a formidable walled city, being the first target, as recounted in [Joshua 2:1-7](/joshua/2-1-7 "Joshua 2:1-7 - Rahab and the Spies in Jericho"). Culturally, the Israelites were transitioning from a nomadic, wilderness-dependent existence to a settled, agricultural society, a shift that necessitated new laws, a different form of governance, and a clear understanding of their responsibilities as God's covenant people in their new homeland. The mention of Moab also carries significant historical weight, as Israel had recently faced severe challenges and spiritual failures in this region, including the incident with Balaam and the grievous sin at Peor, detailed in [Numbers 22:1-6](/numbers/22-1-6 "Numbers 22:1-6 - Balaam and Balak") and [Numbers 25:1-9](/numbers/25-1-9 "Numbers 25:1-9 - The Sin at Peor"). This geographical specificity emphasizes the tangible reality of God's fulfillment of His promises and the imminent, momentous shift in Israel's national destiny, underscoring the spiritual vigilance required even on the cusp of blessing.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 33:50 is rich with theological significance, contributing to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Authority and Revelation**. The recurring and foundational phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses" is a declaration of God's direct, sovereign, and authoritative communication to His chosen mediator. This emphasizes that the subsequent commands are not human inventions but divine mandates, essential for the nation's success, purity, and continued covenant relationship in the Promised Land. Secondly, the verse highlights **Transition and Preparation**. The specific geographical marker signifies a critical turning point—the culmination of the wilderness journey and the beginning of a new era. It underscores the necessity of divine guidance and clear instructions before embarking on significant new phases, both for the nation and for individuals, ensuring they are adequately equipped for the challenges ahead. Finally, it powerfully exemplifies the **Fulfillment of Promise**. God is meticulously bringing His people to the very threshold of the land He swore to their forefathers, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, as first established in [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abram"). This verse serves as a tangible reminder that God's promises, though sometimes delayed and requiring human obedience, are always ultimately fulfilled according to His perfect timing and plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** The Hebrew verb דָּבַר (dâbar), here in the Hiphil imperfect form וַיְדַבֵּר (vaydabber), meaning "and he spoke," is a frequent and significant introductory formula in the Pentateuch, especially when God is initiating a command or revelation. It signifies a direct, intentional, and authoritative communication from God to Moses. This is not merely a casual conversation but a divine pronouncement, carrying the full weight of God's will and requiring immediate and absolute obedience. It emphasizes the divine origin and binding nature of the instructions that follow, setting the tone for the subsequent directives.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** The Hebrew name יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh), often transliterated as Yahweh, is the covenant name of God, signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal One." Its presence here identifies the speaker as the sovereign, faithful God who entered into covenant with Israel and has consistently led them throughout their wilderness journey. The use of this specific name reinforces the personal and relational nature of God's communication, highlighting His commitment to His promises and His active involvement in the destiny of His people as they stand on the brink of their inheritance.
* **Jericho (Hebrew, _Yᵉrîychôw'_):** The Hebrew יְרֵחוֹ (Yᵉrîychôw) refers to the ancient city of Jericho, situated on the western side of the Jordan River. Its mention in this verse, even before the Israelites have crossed the Jordan, is highly significant. It is the first major city the Israelites would encounter and conquer in Canaan, serving as a symbolic gateway to the Promised Land. Its inclusion in this geographical marker subtly but powerfully foreshadows the impending military campaign and the initial phase of the land's conquest, highlighting the immediate and formidable challenge that awaited Israel under God's explicit command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine initiative and supreme authority behind the subsequent instructions. It is not Moses' own wisdom or strategic plan, but a direct, authoritative revelation from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This formulaic introduction, prevalent throughout the Pentateuch, underscores the sacred, non-negotiable, and binding nature of the commands that follow, positioning Moses as the faithful and indispensable mediator of God's will to His people.
* **"in the plains of Moab":** This phrase precisely pinpoints the geographical location of this divine encounter. The plains of Moab, situated on the eastern side of the Jordan River, represent the culmination of Israel's long forty-year wilderness journey. It is the final staging ground before their entry into Canaan, signifying a momentous transition from a nomadic existence to the imminent fulfillment of God's promise of a settled land. This specificity grounds the divine word in a tangible, historical reality, emphasizing the precision of God's leading.
* **"by Jordan [near] Jericho, saying,":** This further refines the location, emphasizing the immediate proximity to the Jordan River, the natural barrier separating them from the Promised Land, and to Jericho, the first city destined for conquest. The phrase "saying" indicates that the verse serves as an introduction to a direct, detailed divine discourse that immediately follows. The mention of Jericho, even before the crossing, subtly but powerfully foreshadows the impending military campaign and the challenges and victories that await Israel as they begin to dispossess the land's inhabitants, all under God's explicit command and guidance.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 33:50 employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance and prepare the reader for the ensuing narrative. Firstly, it functions as a potent **Geographical Marker**, meticulously pinpointing Israel's exact location at a critical juncture. The naming of "plains of Moab," "Jordan," and "Jericho" serves not merely as cartographical data but imbues the setting with immense historical and theological weight, signifying the culmination of a long journey and the threshold of a new era. Secondly, the verse acts as a **Transitional Phrase**, effectively bridging the detailed itinerary of Israel's wanderings (Numbers 33:1-49) with the forthcoming divine instructions for conquest and settlement (Numbers 33:51ff). This structural shift signals a clear change in narrative focus from past journey to future action and responsibility. Thirdly, the opening "And the LORD spake unto Moses" is a **Formulaic Introduction**, a common and powerful literary device in the Pentateuch that immediately establishes divine authority and the revelatory nature of the ensuing discourse. It emphasizes that the commands are not human-derived but originate directly from God, demanding absolute obedience. Lastly, the mention of "Jericho" serves as a subtle yet powerful **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the imminent military campaigns and the formidable challenges Israel would face in dispossessing the land's inhabitants, with Jericho being the first formidable obstacle to be overcome by divine power and strategy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 33:50 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His active, sovereign involvement in the unfolding of His redemptive plan for His people. The divine initiative, "And the LORD spake unto Moses," highlights the continuous nature of God's revelation and His steadfast commitment to guiding His people through every phase of their journey, especially at critical junctures. As Israel stood on the precipice of their promised inheritance, God did not leave them to their own devices but provided precise, comprehensive instructions for how to enter, possess, and purify the land. This demonstrates a crucial theological principle: God's promises are always accompanied by His precepts, and His blessings require our obedient response. The meticulous geographical detail underscores the tangible reality of God's covenant fulfillment, reminding us that His word is not abstract but concretely manifested in history. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that even at the culmination of one journey, God's guidance is absolutely essential for navigating the challenges and opportunities of new beginnings, ensuring that His people remain aligned with His divine purposes and inherit the fullness of His blessings.

* [Deuteronomy 1:5](/deuteronomy/1-5 "Deuteronomy 1:5 - Moses Begins His Address in Moab")
* [Joshua 3:1](/joshua/3-1 "Joshua 3:1 - Israel Prepares to Cross the Jordan")
* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abram")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 33:50 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's faithfulness is constant, His word is authoritative, and His guidance is indispensable, especially during periods of significant transition. Just as Israel stood on the verge of a new era, poised to enter their promised inheritance, we too often find ourselves on the threshold of new seasons—new jobs, new relationships, new ministries, or new challenges. In these moments, the temptation might be to rely on our own strength, past experiences, or human wisdom. However, this verse powerfully calls us to pause, to listen intently, and to receive God's specific instructions. His commands are not burdensome restrictions but are the very roadmap for navigating unfamiliar territory successfully and living in alignment with His perfect will. Embracing God's directives, even when they seem daunting or require radical obedience, is an act of faith that trusts in His sovereign plan and His power to bring us through. It encourages us to seek His face diligently, immerse ourselves deeply in His Word, and allow His Holy Spirit to illuminate the path forward, knowing that He has faithfully led us thus far and will continue to guide us into the fullness of His purposes for our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's faithfulness in leading Israel to the edge of the Promised Land encourage me in my current transitions or waiting periods, especially when the path ahead seems uncertain?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I currently on the "threshold" of a new beginning, and how am I actively seeking God's specific instructions and guidance for what lies ahead, rather than relying on my own understanding?**
* **How does recognizing God's direct, authoritative communication to Moses in this verse affirm the ultimate authority and indispensable necessity of Scripture as my primary source of divine instruction and guidance today?**
* **What "idols" or "inhabitants" (e.g., sinful habits, worldly mindsets, ungodly influences) in my own life or sphere of influence might God be calling me to dispossess or remove before fully entering into a new season of blessing, spiritual growth, and purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why is the specific location of Israel's encampment so emphasized in this verse?**

Answer: The emphasis on "the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho" is crucial for several profound reasons. Firstly, it marks the definitive end of Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering, signifying the culmination of one major phase of their journey and the imminent beginning of another. This geographical precision underscores the tangible fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people to the land He swore to their ancestors, as first established in [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abram"). Secondly, this location is strategically and symbolically significant. It is the final staging ground before the momentous crossing of the Jordan River and the commencement of the conquest of Canaan, with Jericho being the first major city to be confronted and overcome, as detailed in [Joshua 3:1](/joshua/3-1 "Joshua 3:1 - Israel Prepares to Cross the Jordan"). The detailed location sets the precise historical and narrative context for the critical divine instructions that immediately follow, which are essential for the successful transition and righteous settlement of the nation in their new homeland.

**What is the significance of the phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful and foundational declaration of divine authority and direct revelation, serving as a recurring literary formula throughout the Pentateuch. It emphasizes that the subsequent commands and instructions are not human inventions, Moses' personal ideas, or cultural traditions, but originate directly from Yahweh, the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel. This formula establishes the divine origin and binding nature of the laws and decrees that follow, making them non-negotiable for the Israelites. It also highlights Moses' unique and indispensable role as God's chosen mediator, through whom God communicates His will to His people. For the Israelites, it meant that the commands carried ultimate authority, essential for their purity, success, and continued covenant relationship with God in the Promised Land, as reinforced in [Deuteronomy 4:1-2](/deuteronomy/4-1-2 "Deuteronomy 4:1-2 - Keep God's Commands").

**What kind of instructions follow this verse in the book of Numbers?**

Answer: Immediately following Numbers 33:50, the Lord delivers a series of critical and comprehensive instructions to Moses concerning the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. These include explicit commands to dispossess all the inhabitants of the land, destroy their carved images and molten idols, and demolish their high places, as detailed in [Numbers 33:51-52](/numbers/33-51-52 "Numbers 33:51-52 - Instructions for Dispossessing the Land"). Furthermore, God gives precise directives for the division of the land by lot among the tribes, emphasizing the severe consequences if they fail to drive out the inhabitants, warning that those remaining will become "pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides," as found in [Numbers 33:53-56](/numbers/33-53-56 "Numbers 33:53-56 - Consequences of Disobedience"). The subsequent chapters (Numbers 34-36) elaborate on the precise boundaries of the land, the appointment of leaders to oversee its division, the establishment of cities of refuge for unintentional homicide, and specific laws concerning the inheritance of daughters, all designed to ensure a righteous, orderly, and holy life for the nation in their new land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 33:50, with its vivid depiction of Israel poised at the threshold of the Promised Land, receiving crucial divine instruction, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical journey of Israel from the wilderness to their earthly inheritance beautifully prefigures the spiritual journey of humanity from the wilderness of sin, alienation, and spiritual wandering to the promised rest and eternal inheritance found in Christ (cf. [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Promise of Rest Remains")). Just as the Lord "spake unto Moses" to guide His people into Canaan, so God has spoken His final, most complete, and most glorious word to us in His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the Living Word made flesh (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") and [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Moses, the faithful mediator of the Old Covenant, points forward to Christ, the Mediator of a New and better Covenant, who leads His people not into an earthly land, but into the spiritual reality of God's kingdom and eternal life (cf. [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Ministry")). The "plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho" symbolize the critical point of decision and transition; for believers, this is found in repentance and faith in Christ, through whom we are spiritually transported from the dominion of darkness into the glorious kingdom of light (cf. [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). The instructions given to Israel for dispossessing the land's idolatrous inhabitants foreshadow the spiritual warfare believers engage in, empowered by Christ, to overcome sin, worldly influences, and the forces of evil in their lives and spheres of influence (cf. [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). Ultimately, the security, rest, and abundant life Israel sought in Canaan are fully and eternally realized in Christ, who invites all who are weary and burdened to find true rest for their souls in Him (cf. [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He is our true inheritance, our promised land, and the faithful leader who brings us into the fullness of God's eternal purposes.

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

Numbers 33:48

And they departed from the mountains of Abarim, and pitched in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho.

Numbers 33:49

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