Category: Og

Numbers 32-34

10/6/2024

CHAPTER 32:
       The events recorded in this chapter are directly connected to the successful conquest of the Transjordan region that was recorded in Numbers 21:21-35, as seen in the map above, courtesy of Logos Bible Software.

       Verses 1-5: The tribes of Reuben and Gad come before Moses, Eleazar, and the other leaders of Israel to make a special request. The lands of the Transjordan are rich and fertile for the grazing of livestock. (v.3-4) They request that their people not cross over the Jordan River with the rest of the nation when the time comes to enter the promised land. (v.5) They would prefer to settle in the regions that are listed in verse 1 and 3, which is the land that was formerly occupied by the Amorites and the kingdom of Og. (Numbers 21:21-35, Deuteronomy 3:13, Joshua 13:17, 25-26, 2 Samuel 24:5)

        Verses 6-15: Moses is understandably upset by this request, and he responds rather harshly. While still within the borders of the promised land, God intends for the nation as a whole to conquer all the promised land first before settling any of it. That’s the central issue with this request, and Moses rightly points out to these men that it’s not fair to their fellow tribes for them to remain behind in a life of ease and comfort while the rest of the nation goes to war on the other side of the Jordan. Doing so will be a great discouragement to the other tribes. (v.6-7)
         Moses then compares this request to the lack of faith and courage displayed by their fathers thirty-eight years earlier when the twelve spies returned from their mission when the nation was camped at Kadesh-barnea. (v.8-13) Moses briefly summarizes God’s wrath and judgment against that generation because of their disobedience, and he warns the men of Reuben and Gad that they are in danger of committing the same sin. (v.14-15)

            Verses 16-32: The men reassure Moses three times that their soldiers will go to war with the rest of the nation for as long as is needed in order to conquer the promised land. (v.17-18, 27, 32) Moses reminds them that if they renege on this promise they will be sinning against the LORD, and He will punish them accordingly. “…be sure your sin will find you out…”. (v.23) (Genesis 4:7, 44:16, Joshua 7:1, Isaiah 59:12, Galatians 6:7) Part of that punishment will be that some of that land east of the Jordan will go to the other tribes and not Reuben or Gad. (v.30) Moses confirms this agreement with Eleazar and Joshua since he will not be around to see this agreement fulfilled.

            Verses 33-42: It’s not just Reuben and Gad that will inherit the land of the Transjordan. Half the tribe of Manasseh is also given some of that land (v.33), possibly because of the inheritance law that was changed when the daughters of Zelophehad presented their case in chapter 27. Further repercussions of that law are dealt with in chapter 36, which also probably affects Moses’ decision to include part of Manasseh in this agreement. (Deuteronomy 3:13-15, Joshua 13:29-31, 17:1-2) The two and a half tribes not only build new cities but also rename existing ones. (v.34-42)

CHAPTER 33:
        This chapter is a travel summary of all the places where Israel camped since their exodus from Egypt. There’s a total of forty locations named in this passage, and with some of them is a mention of the important event that took place there. Their journey began in Rameses (Exodus 12:37), on the 15th day of the first month (Exodus 12:2, 13:4), the morning after the first Passover was held (v.3). Moses reaffirms in verse 4 that God’s judgment, the death of all the firstborn (Exodus 12:29), was on the Egyptians because of their belief and worship of false gods. (Exodus 12:12, 18:11, Isaiah 19:1)
         The miraculous crossing of the Red Sea is mentioned in verse 8, and verse 14 names the location where the LORD brought forth water from the rock the first time. (Exodus 17:1, 6) Kibroth-hattaavah, which is literally “The Graves of Craving”, is where God provided quail because the people complained about the manna. (v.16) (Numbers 11:34) They ate to the point of gluttony, thus incurring God’s wrath. Verses 18-36 are a list of campsites with no previous mention in the books of Exodus, Leviticus or Numbers. My study Bible suggests that verses 31-33 possibly relate to Deuteronomy 10:6-7, probably because of the name “jaakan” in both passages, as well as the mention of Aaron’s death in the Deuteronomy passage. Here in chapter 33, though, it’s recorded in verses 38-39 as taking place after the Israelites moved from those campsites to that of Kadesh at the base of Mount Hor, near the border of Edom. It’s likely, then, that the campsites listed in 31-35 are all in the same region near Kadesh.
           Though not recorded in chapter 20, Moses writes here in verse 39 that Aaron was 123 at the time of his death up on Mount Hor. He also records the day, month and year in verse 38.
           The victory against King Arad and his army is recalled in verse 40. (Numbers 21:1-3) Verses 41-47 is another list of campsites, only a few of which have been mentioned in the previous chapters, and verses 48-49 brings us to the current day, the aftermath of the victory over the Midianites and the request of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and part of Manasseh for the land west of the Jordan River. The warning given by the LORD to Moses in verses 50-56 relates directly to that request that was recorded in chapter 32, as well as the brief travel summary of Israel’s journey since the exodus from Egypt recorded here in chapter 33.
          As He did forty years earlier, God reminds the children of Israel of what they are to do to the peoples of Canaan once they cross into the promised land. The first command is to tear down their idols and destroy their places of pagan worship. (v.52) (Exodus 23:24, 33, 34:13, Deuteronomy 7:2, 5, 12:3, Judges 2:2, Psalm 106:34) They are to completely drive out all the inhabitants and fully possess the whole promised land before settling there permanently. (v.53) (Deuteronomy 11:31, Joshua 21:43) Verse 54 is a reminder of how they are to divide up the land. The size of the tribe determines the amount of land that each one gets. Verses 55-56 are both a reminder and a warning. Failure to obey the commands of verses 52-53 will cause the children of Israel much grief and suffering. (Joshua 23:13, Judges 2:3) But more than that, it will bring upon them the same wrath that has come upon those very nations whom God has already judged and condemned.
         As we already know, the Israelites failed to heed this warning, and it resulted in the Assyrian captivity of Israel and the Babylonian captivity of Judah. (Leviticus 26:31-33, Deuteronomy 28:64-66)

CHAPTER 34:
          Verses 1-15: God now instructs Moses on the precise borders of the promised land. (See map above, courtesy of Logos Bible Software.) The southern border is from the end of the Salt Sea (Dead Sea) along the Wilderness of Zin that borders Edom, including Kadesh-barnea, all the way to the Mediterranean Sea whose coast is the western border. (v.3-6) (Numbers 20:1, Joshua 15:1, Ezekiel 47:13, 19) The northern border begins near Mount Hor (not the one where Aaron died) and ends at Hazar-enan. (v.7-9) This border also includes Hamath. (Numbers 13:21, Joshua 13:5, 2 Kings 14:25) The eastern border begins at Hazar-enan and extends all the way past the Sea of Chinnereth (Sea of Galilee), following the Jordan River all the way to the Salt Sea. (v.10-12) These borders, however, do not include the land east of the Jordan River that has already been granted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. (v.13-15) (Numbers 32:33)
           Verses 16-29: Next, God commands Moses to select a leader of the ten tribes that will be settling the land west of the Jordan to assist Joshua and Eleazar when the time comes to actually divide up the land. (v.17-18) Once again, the tribe of Judah is mentioned first (v.19) and Caleb is named as its representative. He is the only leader mentioned here that is also named elsewhere in the Scriptures. The fact that God names these men specifically signifies the importance of this task. It’s also important to note that the tribe of Levi does not inherit any land, but instead will receive specific cities throughout the land. This will be addressed in more detail in the next chapter.

        According to Matthew Henry’s commentary, as well as other commentaries and online Biblical sources, the total area of the borders as described in this chapter is about 160 miles long and 50 miles wide, which doesn’t include the land east of the Jordan that is given to Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. That’s a massive area, but as I already noted in the previous chapter, Israel doesn’t fully conquer and settle all of this land. Their failure to completely drive out all of Canaan’s inhabitants causes them to forfeit most of the promised land, a consequence that it is, sadly, still in effect today. The land that the current nation of Israel now occupies is less than half of what God promised them here in Numbers.
          But a day is coming when all of this land will belong to the re-gathered nation of Israel; a day when Jesus Christ will sit on His throne in Jerusalem in the newly restored temple, and He will reign over all the earth. Israel will the preeminent nation, the one to whom all nations of the earth are subject, and the twelve tribes will each reside in their respective regions as described here in chapters 32 and 34. God’s chosen people will receive their full inheritance, amen!

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Numbers 21

9/4/2024

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            In the wake of the death of Aaron, the Israelites now prepare to embark on their official campaign to conquer the promised land. But God doesn’t direct Moses to lead the people north from Mount Hor, which was the route the twelve spies took in the chapter 13. Though the text doesn’t say so specifically, we can logically infer this because of the events and travel log that is recorded in this chapter, as well as the fact that Moses will not set foot in the promised land as decreed by the LORD in the previous chapter. Instead, the Israelites will start marching east towards Edom and Moab. But, because the king of Edom refused to allow the Israelites to pass through his land, the nation is forced to make the long trek south around Edom before heading north towards the promised land.

            Verses 1-3: Sometime after the thirty days of mourning the death of Aaron, but before they break camp to begin their march east towards Edom and Moab, the Israelites are attacked by Arad, a Canaanite king whose people dwell in the land near Mount Hor. (v.1) (Numbers 33:40, Joshua 12:14, Judges 1:16) His attack is successful, and he succeeds in capturing several Israelites. Moses and the people pray to the LORD, vowing to Him that, if He will give Israel the victory in their counter attack against Arad, they “…will utterly destroy their cities.” (v.2) (Deuteronomy 2:34) The phrase in this verses is “…vowed a vow unto the LORD…”, which is the same phrase used in Genesis 28:20 and Judges 11:30. A vow to God is a serious and solemn matter, something not to be done lightly or impulsively. This indicates not only Israel’s desire to seek God’s leading, but also their faith in His ability to deliver the enemy into their hands.
            God honors His people’s request, giving them victory over Arad and his armies. (v.3) Israel lays waste to all of their cities and successfully rescues their people. Moses renames the place Hormah, which means “utter destruction”.

            Verses 4-9: Now the children of Israel begin their long march south around the border of Edom. (v.4) So soon after a taste of God’s blessing through the victory over Arad and his people, the Israelites are quick to fall back into grumbling and complaining against the Lord and Moses. The word “discouraged” in this verse refers to impatience. The people had just experienced a thrilling victory, but now they face a long trek around Edom before they will see another battle and conquest, and they become impatient with God and His timing. This leads to the usual complaint against Moses: “Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?” (v.5) They go on to grumble about the lack of bread and water, but this time they also add a new grievance about the manna. (“…our soul loatheth this light bread.”)
            This ungratefulness is especially surprising given that the Israelites had just sacked the cities of Arad. Though the text doesn’t say so specifically, it’s seems a reasonable presumption that God would have allowed His people to take away food, supplies, and other such spoil before they burned those cities to the ground. On the other hand, God could have ordered Moses to destroy the cities completely, including all the wealth, food and other supplies, as part of their vow to Him for freeing the ones captured by Arad. That might be another reason the Israelites are so quick to complain about the manna. Whatever the case, the simple fact remains: they rebel against God yet again.
            Once more, God answers the people’s disobedience with swift and terrible judgment, this time in the form of deadly, fiery serpents that spread quickly throughout the camp. (v.6) Several Israelites are bitten and immediately die. (Deuteronomy 8:15, 1 Corinthians 10:9) This, of course, leads to contrition and repentance from the people who beseech Moses to intercede with God on their behalf. “…We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee…”. (v.7) (Leviticus 26:40, Numbers 11:2, Psalm 78:34, Isaiah 26:16, Hosea 5:15) It’s interesting to note here how quickly the Israelites recognize their sin and, rather than hardening their hearts in further rebellion (as they did following the judgment and punishment of Korah and his followers), the people acknowledge their sin and beg Moses to pray to the LORD for them. (Exodus 8:8, 1 Samuel 12:19, 1 Kings 13:6, Acts 8:24)
            In response to Moses’ intercession God instructs him to fashion a serpent from bronze and set it on a tall pole in the center of the camp. (v.8) (Isaiah 14:29, 30:6) Anyone that has been bitten and looks to the serpent will be healed. Jesus referenced this incident in His talk with Nicodemus, comparing it to His own forthcoming death on the cross. (John 3:14-15) Moses quickly obeys, and the people obey God’s command to look towards the bronze serpent to stay His wrath. (v.9) That sculpture remains in Israel’s possession well after their settlement in the promised land, eventually becoming a source of idolatry for the apostate nation of Judah. (2 Kings 18:4)

            Verses 10-20: The Israelites resume their march towards the promised land, and these verses give a brief travel itinerary, starting at Oboth (v.10) and ending with Pisgah (v.20). Verse 14 mentions “…the book of the wars of the Lord…”, which, according to my study Bible, is “…a collection of war songs dealing with Israel’s struggle for the possession of Canaan.” This, along with verse 15, suggests that there is another battle here that is won by Israel. It’s been a long time since their last victory song. (Exodus 15) “This book is similar to the “Book of Jashar” (Joshua 10:13, 2 Samuel 1:18) but is not extant. These extrabiblical sources are not inspired but contain information that biblical writers used when composing their inspired texts, similar to what Luke did when he consulted material in the crafting of his gospel (Luke 1:1–4).” (The Moody Bible Commentary)
            God performs another miracle at Beer, providing water for the people from a well that is dug by the elders of Israel with their rods. (v.16-18) (Judges 9:21) This causes the Israelites to compose another song of joy, celebrating God’s provision and providence. (v.17-18) Verse 20 describes the mountain of Pigsah as providing a view of Jeshimon, a site that will come into play soon with the account of Balaam and the Moabite King Balak. (Numbers 23:28)

            Verses 21-31: As with Edom, Moses sends out messengers to Sihon, king of the Amorites, asking for safe passage of Israel through their land. (v.21-22) He promises the king that the Israelites will not depart from the king’s highway, nor will they eat of any of the crops or drink the water of their wells. Unfortunately for Sihon, he and his people are as stubborn as the Edomites, and he not only refuses Moses’ request but also gathers his armies and goes to war against Israel at Jahaz. (v.23) (Deuteronomy 29:7) God gives his chosen people the victory over the Amorites, and Israel takes possession of all their land from Arnon to Jabbok, all the way to the border of Ammon. (v.24) (Numbers 32:33, Deuteronomy 1:4, 2:32-33, 3:2, 6, 4:46, 31:4, Joshua 2:10, 9:10, 12:1-2, Judges 11:19-20, Nehemiah 9:22, Psalm 135:10-11, 136:18-20, Amos 2:9-10) The destruction of the Amorites is so complete that even Sihon’s capital city of Heshbon is captured and sacked. (v.25)
          Verses 27-30 is a song of victory that was sung by the Amorites when they conquered the Moabites. Now it’s used by the Israelites to taunt the Amorites. Some of the cities and places in these verses are mentioned throughout the OT: Moab, Ar, Chemosh, Dibon, and Medeba. (Numbers 32:3, 34, Deuteronomy 2:9, 18, Judges 11:24, 1 Kings 11:33, 2 Kings 23:13, Isaiah 15:1-2, Jeremiah 48:18, 22, 46) Most of those cross references highlight the idolatry of the Amorites and the Moabites, hence the reason they are brought up again by Isaiah and Jeremiah. Despite the victories of Israel over these heathen nations now, their failure to completely follow God’s command to utterly destroy these nations in the promised land will lead to Israel’s downfall and eventual judgment by God.

            Verses 32-35: The final section of this chapter details another victory for Israel, this time against Og, the king of Bashan. After capturing Jaazer (v.32) and driving out the Amorites dwelling there, Moses and the Israelites turn their sights on Bashan. (v.33) (Numbers 32:1, 35, Deuteronomy 3:1, 29:7, Jeremiah 48:32) God tells Moses not to be afraid “…for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land…”. (v.34) (Deuteronomy 3:2) The Israelites obey the word of the LORD, utterly destroying Og and all his people, thus taking possession of all his land. (v.35) (Deuteronomy 3:3-4, 29:7, Joshua 13:12)

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The Book Of NUMBERS

Numbers 32-34

Numbers 21

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