Numbers 22:1

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

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} set forward {H5265}, and pitched {H2583} in the plains {H6160} of Moab {H4124} on this side {H5676} Jordan {H3383} by Jericho {H3405}.

Then the people of Isra'el traveled on and camped in the plains of Mo'av beyond the Yarden River, opposite Yericho.

Then the Israelites traveled on and camped in the plains of Moab near the Jordan, across from Jericho.

And the children of Israel journeyed, and encamped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho.

Commentary

Numbers 22:1 marks a significant geographical and narrative transition in the journey of the children of Israel. After decades of wilderness wandering, they arrive at a critical staging ground, poised on the brink of entering the Promised Land. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, particularly the encounters with Balak and Balaam, which dominate the subsequent chapters of Numbers.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse places the Israelites at the very edge of the Promised Land, specifically in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River. This location is strategically important, as it puts them directly opposite Jericho, a major Canaanite city. Their encampment here signifies the culmination of their forty-year wilderness journey, detailed throughout the book of Numbers. Having recently defeated the Amorite kings Sihon and Og (Numbers 21:21-35), their presence in Moab would have been seen as a significant threat by the local inhabitants, leading directly to the events involving King Balak of Moab and the prophet Balaam. The phrase "on this side Jordan" refers to the east bank, indicating they are positioned immediately before the monumental crossing into Canaan, which is fully described in the book of Joshua.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Guidance and Progress: The continued movement of Israel, "set forward," highlights God's faithfulness in leading His people towards their promised inheritance, despite their past failures and delays. It underscores the theme of divine providence in their journey.
  • Proximity to the Promised Land: Pitching camp "by Jericho" signifies the imminent fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan. This is the doorstep to their destiny, a place of anticipation and preparation for the next phase of their history.
  • Anticipation and Conflict: The location in the plains of Moab immediately foreshadows the conflicts and spiritual challenges that arise with the Moabites and Midianites, particularly the significant narrative of Balaam's oracles and the subsequent sin at Peor (Numbers 25).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "on this side Jordan" (Hebrew: be’ever ha-Yarden) literally means "on the crossing/other side of the Jordan." When viewed from the perspective of someone already in Canaan, it would refer to the east bank. Since Moses, the author of Numbers, is on the east bank at this point, the phrase consistently points to their current position *before* crossing, opposite the land they are about to enter. The specific mention of "Jericho" (Hebrew: Yericho) anchors their position relative to a prominent city within the Promised Land, emphasizing their extreme proximity to their long-awaited inheritance.

Related Scriptures

  • The wilderness journey and God's leading through it: Numbers 14:33-34.
  • The immediate events following this encampment, involving Balak and Balaam: Numbers 22:2-6.
  • The actual crossing of the Jordan into the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership: Joshua 3:1-17.

Practical Application

Numbers 22:1 reminds us that even when we are on the verge of breakthrough or entering a new season, challenges often arise. The Israelites' arrival in the plains of Moab, though a major step closer to their inheritance, immediately brought them into contact with new adversaries and temptations. This teaches us to remain vigilant and reliant on God as we approach significant milestones in our own lives. It encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness to complete what He has started, even when the final steps are fraught with difficulty or require us to confront fears (like the inhabitants of Jericho). Just as Israel was prepared for the next phase, we too should prepare spiritually for the opportunities and trials that come with new beginnings, knowing that God's presence continues to lead us.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 3:16 (2 votes)

    That the waters which came down from above stood [and] rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that [is] beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, failed, [and] were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.

  • Numbers 32:19 (2 votes)

    For we will not inherit with them on yonder side Jordan, or forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side Jordan eastward.

  • Numbers 34:15 (2 votes)

    The two tribes and the half tribe have received their inheritance on this side Jordan [near] Jericho eastward, toward the sunrising.

  • Deuteronomy 1:5 (2 votes)

    On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law, saying,

  • Deuteronomy 34:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that [is] over against Jericho. And the LORD shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan,

  • Deuteronomy 3:8 (2 votes)

    And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that [was] on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;

  • Numbers 36:13 (2 votes)

    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.