Numbers 35:1

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

In the plains of Mo'av by the Yarden, across from Yericho, ADONAI said to Moshe,

Berean Standard Bible

Again the LORD spoke to Moses on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho:

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 35:1 serves as a pivotal introductory verse, precisely setting the geographical and chronological stage for a crucial block of divine instructions concerning the allocation of land for the Levites and the establishment of the Cities of Refuge. Positioned on the plains of Moab, directly across the Jordan River from Jericho, this verse signifies Israel's imminent transition from wilderness wandering to settled life in the Promised Land, underscoring the divine initiative behind the meticulous preparations for their future.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 35:1 introduces the final major legal section within the book of Numbers, immediately following the detailed instructions regarding land inheritance for the tribes (Numbers 26-27) and various cultic laws (Numbers 28-31). This verse marks a distinct shift from the wilderness narrative and the second census, signaling the imminence of the conquest and settlement of Canaan. The subsequent verses of [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for Levites and Cities of Refuge") outline the provision for the Levites, who received no tribal land inheritance, and the establishment of the six Cities of Refuge, crucial for the administration of justice concerning unintentional homicide. This section therefore acts as a legislative bridge, providing the necessary legal framework for the nation's life once they cross the Jordan, directly preceding Moses' final speeches in Deuteronomy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** After forty years of wilderness wandering, the generation that rebelled at Kadesh Barnea had died, and a new generation of Israelites stood poised on the eastern bank of the Jordan River. Their encampment "in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho" places them at the very threshold of the Promised Land, a location charged with historical and eschatological significance. Moses, now an old man, was receiving these final divine directives before his death and the transfer of leadership to Joshua. Culturally, the Israelites were transitioning from a nomadic, wilderness existence to a settled, agricultural society. This required a new set of laws concerning land ownership, tribal boundaries, and the administration of justice, particularly in a land that would soon be populated by diverse tribes. The concept of "cities of refuge" was a unique Israelite institution, reflecting God's concern for justice, the sanctity of life, and the prevention of blood feuds, distinguishing Israelite law from the often harsh legal codes of surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** The verse immediately highlights **Divine Authority and Guidance**, as "the LORD spake unto Moses," emphasizing that the detailed laws to follow are not human constructs but direct divine commands, establishing God's sovereignty over the land and its inhabitants. It also underscores **Preparation for Settlement**, as Israel stands on the brink of inheriting the land. The instructions for the Levites and Cities of Refuge are foundational for ensuring order, justice, and the continued presence of the priesthood among the tribes, reflecting God's meticulous planning for their future. Furthermore, the precise geographical marker, "in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho," emphasizes the **Geographical Significance** of this moment, marking it as the culmination of the wilderness journey and the immediate prelude to the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to give them the land, as first promised to Abraham in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH_):** This refers to the covenant name of God, Yahweh, emphasizing His personal, relational, and sovereign character. The use of YHWH here underscores that the instructions given are not merely human statutes but divine decrees from the God who has faithfully led Israel thus far and is now preparing them for their inheritance. It highlights the divine origin and authority of the laws that follow.
* **spake (Hebrew, דָּבַר, _dabar_):** This verb signifies a direct, authoritative, and intentional communication. It implies that God is actively revealing His will and providing specific guidance to Moses, who then mediates this divine word to the people. This is not a casual utterance but a deliberate impartation of law and instruction, essential for the proper functioning of the Israelite community in the Promised Land.
* **plains of Moab (Hebrew, עַרְבֹת מוֹאָב, _‘arbot Mo’ab_):** This precise geographical term refers to the arid, flat regions on the eastern side of the Jordan River, opposite the land of Canaan. It signifies a liminal space – the very edge of the wilderness journey and the threshold of the Promised Land. This detailed geographical marker emphasizes the exact historical and physical context in which these critical laws were delivered, highlighting the urgency and practicality of the divine instructions for their imminent entry and settlement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin and authority of the subsequent instructions. It is God Himself who initiates this communication, not Moses or any human authority. This formula is common throughout the Pentateuch, emphasizing that the laws and commands given to Israel are divinely revealed and therefore binding. Moses acts as the chosen mediator, receiving and transmitting God's word to the people.
* **"in the plains of Moab":** This phrase sets the geographical stage for the divine address. The "plains of Moab" refers to the low-lying, arid region east of the Jordan River, a significant location as it marks the end of Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering. It is the final encampment before crossing into Canaan, making the instructions given here particularly relevant for their imminent transition to settled life.
* **"by Jordan [near] Jericho, saying,":** This further specifies the exact location, pinpointing it to the immediate vicinity of the Jordan River and the prominent city of Jericho. This detail highlights the extreme proximity of the Israelites to the Promised Land and the strategic importance of Jericho, which would be the first city they would conquer. The phrase "saying" introduces the direct divine commands that follow in the rest of [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for Levites and Cities of Refuge"), indicating that the subsequent laws are the content of this divine speech.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 35:1 functions primarily as a **Framing Device**, introducing a new and significant block of legislation within the book of Numbers. It acts as a clear demarcation point, signaling a shift in focus from the wilderness journey to the practicalities of settling in the Promised Land. The verse also employs **Geographical Markers** with striking precision ("plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho"), which serves not merely as a location identifier but imbues the setting with profound symbolic weight. This specific geographical context emphasizes the immediacy of the instructions and their direct relevance to the imminent conquest and settlement. Furthermore, the recurring phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses" is a classic **Divine Speech Formula**, a consistent literary convention throughout the Pentateuch that underscores the divine origin and authoritative nature of the laws and commands that follow. This formula establishes the absolute authority of the instructions, grounding them in God's sovereign will rather than human invention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 35:1, though brief, is pregnant with theological significance, serving as the divine preface to laws that underscore God's meticulous care for His people and His unwavering commitment to establishing justice and order within their community. It reveals a God who is not only powerful enough to deliver His people from bondage and sustain them in the wilderness but also intimately concerned with the practical details of their daily life, their land tenure, and the administration of justice. The precise geographical setting emphasizes God's faithfulness in bringing Israel to the very threshold of the Promised Land, fulfilling His ancient covenant promises. The subsequent laws concerning the Levites and Cities of Refuge reveal God's concern for the sanctity of life, the prevention of blood vengeance, and the provision of a just legal system, reflecting His own righteous character. This verse sets the stage for understanding that the land of Canaan was not merely a physical inheritance but a sacred trust, to be governed by divine principles.

* [Deuteronomy 1:5](/deuteronomy/1-5 "Deuteronomy 1:5 - Moses' Speeches in Moab")
* [Joshua 3:1](/joshua/3-1 "Joshua 3:1 - Israel Crosses the Jordan River")
* [Numbers 26:3](/numbers/26-3 "Numbers 26:3 - Second Census in the Plains of Moab")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 35:1 offers a profound lesson in God's providential care and His meticulous planning for His people. As the Israelites stood on the cusp of a radical transition from nomadic life to settled existence, God did not leave them to figure things out on their own. Instead, He provided detailed, specific instructions, demonstrating His foresight and His desire for their flourishing. For believers today, this highlights the enduring principle that God is concerned with the practicalities of our lives, especially during times of transition or when embarking on new ventures. Just as He prepared Israel for the Promised Land, God provides guidance and wisdom for our own "promised lands"—new seasons, responsibilities, or challenges. This verse encourages us to actively seek divine instruction, whether through His Word, prayer, or the counsel of godly community, before stepping into new phases of life. It reminds us that God's plans are comprehensive, designed to establish justice, order, and spiritual well-being within our communities and personal lives, ensuring that our endeavors are built on His righteous foundations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous planning for Israel's entry into the Promised Land encourage you in times of transition or uncertainty in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently "on the brink" of a new phase, and how might you more intentionally seek God's specific guidance and instruction?**
* **Numbers 35:1 introduces laws concerning justice and order. How does this verse challenge you to consider God's concern for righteousness and fairness in your own community and interactions?**

### FAQ
**Why is the location so precisely mentioned in Numbers 35:1?**

Answer: The precise mention of "the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho" is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides an exact geographical and chronological anchor for the divine instructions that follow. This location signifies the very end of Israel's forty-year wilderness journey and their immediate proximity to the Promised Land. It is a liminal space, a threshold, emphasizing the urgency and practical relevance of the laws for their imminent entry and settlement. Secondly, it highlights God's faithfulness in bringing His people to the very border of the land He promised to their ancestors. The mention of Jericho specifically foreshadows the upcoming conquest, underscoring that these laws are given in preparation for their life *in* the land, not merely for their journey *to* it. This precision demonstrates the reality of God's historical interaction with His people and the tangible fulfillment of His covenant promises.

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

Answer: This phrase, a hallmark of the Pentateuch, carries immense significance. It immediately establishes the **divine authority** of the laws and instructions that follow. These are not humanly devised statutes or cultural norms, but direct commands from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This underscores that the subsequent detailed regulations concerning the Levites and Cities of Refuge are not arbitrary but are rooted in God's righteous character and His sovereign will for His people. It emphasizes that Moses is acting as a faithful mediator, receiving and transmitting God's infallible word. This divine communication ensures that the legal and social structures of Israel in the Promised Land would be founded on divine principles, setting them apart from surrounding nations and reflecting God's unique relationship with His chosen people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 35:1, with its precise geographical and chronological setting, introduces divine instructions for Israel's life in the Promised Land, foreshadowing the ultimate provisions God makes for His people in Christ. Just as the Israelites were on the threshold of their earthly inheritance, preparing for a settled life under divine law, so too are believers in Christ prepared for a spiritual inheritance and a life governed by the New Covenant. The meticulous details concerning the Levites' cities and the Cities of Refuge, introduced by this verse, point forward to Jesus Christ as our ultimate provision and refuge. The Levites, without a tribal land inheritance, were scattered among the tribes to serve as spiritual guides and upholders of God's law, prefiguring how the church, the body of Christ, is dispersed throughout the world to bear witness to God's truth and minister His grace. More profoundly, the Cities of Refuge, designed to protect those who unintentionally caused death, find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. He is our true [refuge from the avenger of blood](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - God's Unchanging Purpose"), the One to whom we flee for salvation from the penalty of sin, as highlighted in [Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - God's Unchanging Purpose"). The "LORD spake unto Moses" in the plains of Moab, giving laws for the land; in the New Testament, [God has spoken to us by His Son](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Has Spoken by His Son"), Jesus Christ, who is the Living Word and the fulfillment of all the Law and the Prophets ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Through Christ, we are granted access to a "heavenly country" ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - A Heavenly Country")), a spiritual inheritance far greater than any earthly land, secured by His perfect sacrifice and mediated by His eternal priesthood.

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 22:1

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

Numbers 31:12

And they brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil, unto Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and unto the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the camp at the plains of Moab, which [are] by Jordan [near] Jericho.

Numbers 33:50

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

Numbers 26:63

¶ These [are] they that were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho.

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.