The Hebrew word ʻĂbârîym, represented by H5682, refers to a place in Palestine known as Abarim, meaning "regions beyond". It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses, primarily identifying a specific mountain range that plays a key role at the end of Israel's wilderness journey.
Biblically, H5682 consistently denotes a mountain or range of mountains. It is the location where the LORD H3068 commands Moses H4872 to ascend H5927 in order to see H7200 the land H776 of Israel H3478 which he had been given H5414 but would not enter (Numbers 27:12, Deuteronomy 32:49). The texts specify that Mount Nebo H5015 is part of the Abarim H5682 range and that it is located in the land H776 of Moab H4124 Deuteronomy 32:49. The travel logs in Numbers further place the "mountains H2022 of Abarim H5682" as a campsite for the children H1121 of Israel H3478 just before they pitched H2583 in the plains H6160 of Moab H4124 by the Jordan H3383 Numbers 33:47-48.
Several related words help clarify the context and significance of Abarim's role in the narrative:
- H2022 har (a mountain or range of hills): This word is used directly with ʻĂbârîym, identifying it as "mount H2022 Abarim" Numbers 27:12 or the "mountains H2022 of Abarim" Numbers 33:47.
- H5265 nâçaʻ (to start on a journey): This describes the movement of the Israelites as they "departed H5265 from the mountains H2022 of Abarim" during their journey toward the promised land Numbers 33:48.
- H2583 chânâh (to encamp): This verb details the action of the Israelites as they "pitched H2583 in the mountains H2022 of Abarim" Numbers 33:47, marking it as a significant stopping point.
- H272 ʼăchuzzâh (a possession): From the Abarim range, Moses was to behold the land of Canaan H3667 which God would give to Israel H3478 as a "possession H272" Deuteronomy 32:49.
The theological significance of H5682 is concentrated in its role as a place of divine appointment and transition.
- A Point of Unfulfilled Promise: The Abarim range serves as the poignant location where Moses H4872 is granted a vision of the promised land H776 but is simultaneously denied entry. The LORD H3068 commands him to "Get thee up H5927 into this mountain H2022 Abarim...and behold H7200 the land H776 of Canaan H3667" Deuteronomy 32:49.
- A Landmark of Transition: As a stopping point in Israel's journey, Abarim marks a significant transition. The Israelites encamp H2583 there before moving to their final staging area in the plains H6160 of Moab H4124 opposite Jericho H3405, signifying the end of their wilderness wanderings and the culmination of Moses' leadership Numbers 33:47-48.
- Site of Divine Command: The occurrences of H5682 are directly tied to the command of the LORD H3068. It is not a place stumbled upon, but a destination ordained by God for Moses to ascend H5927 and witness the fulfillment of God's gift H5414 to the children H1121 of Israel H3478 Numbers 27:12.
In summary, H5682 is not merely a geographical marker but a place of profound biblical significance. As the "mountains of Abarim," it is the divinely appointed vantage point from which Moses views the promised inheritance of Israel H3478. It represents a critical threshold in the nation's journey and stands as a symbol of seeing a promise fulfilled from afar, marking the end of one era of leadership and the beginning of another.
TRV