From there they set out and camped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness that extends from the border of the Amorites, for the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse subtly reveals that the Arnon River wasn't just a natural boundary, but a political and territorial one, specifically marking the edge of land the Amorites had conquered from the Moabites. This detail is crucial because it explains why Israel could later engage in battle with the Amorites there without violating God's command not to fight the Moabites.
From there they set out and camped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness that extends from the border of the Amorites, for the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following their miraculous healing from the deadly snake bites, the Israelites journeyed onward and camped by the Arnon River. This river served as the boundary between the land of Moab and the territory recently conquered by the Amorite king Sihon. By setting up camp here, the Israelites were entering the wilderness region that bordered the Amorite lands, setting the stage for their confrontation with Sihon.
Ever feel like the lines keep moving? Israel's journey teaches us about God's faithfulness even when earthly boundaries change.
As Israel journeys, they arrive at the Arnon River. This river serves as a crucial marker, described as the border between Moab and the Amorites.
A Matter of Ownership
What's fascinating is that this border wasn't static. The commentaries point out that while the Arnon was formerly the border of Moab, the Amorites had recently conquered the land north of it. This detail is key. It helps explain why God could instruct Israel to take the land of the Amorites, even though it seemed to border Moab, without violating His command not to attack the Moabites themselves.
God's Providence in Geography
This wasn't just a geographical note; it was a testament to God's providence. He had already, in His wisdom, arranged the political and territorial landscape so that Israel could proceed on their path without infringing on His specific commands regarding the Moabites and Ammonites. The land they were about to conquer was Amorite territory, wrested from Moab, making it permissible for Israel to take.
The wilderness isn't just empty space; it's where God meets His people in their deepest needs and reveals His power.
The Arnon River is situated within a wilderness region. This isn't the first time Israel has encountered the wilderness on their journey, nor will it be the last.
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More Than Just Scenery
The wilderness represents a place stripped of comforts, where human sufficiency is exposed and dependence on God becomes paramount. It's a place of testing, as seen in the earlier murmuring and the subsequent plague of fiery serpents (referenced in the broader context of Numbers 21).
God's Provision Amidst Hardship
However, the wilderness is also where God continually proves Himself. Following the conquest of the Amorites, the narrative quickly moves to God providing water at a well ('Beer'). This pattern highlights a core theological truth: even in the most desolate circumstances, God is actively present, providing for His people and leading them towards the promised land.
The 'wilderness that comes out of the territory of the Amorites' signifies a challenging but ultimately navigable path God has prepared.
Understand the original words
Emori · Hebrew Noun
A powerful and prominent Canaanite people group inhabiting the mountainous regions east of the Jordan; they represent the enemies of God’s people that were to be conquered during the conquest of the Promised Land.
This verse is situated right after a pivotal military victory. The Israelites had just conquered Sihon, the Amorite king who had seized land that once belonged to Moab. By camping by the Arnon, they were entering territory recently acquired by conquest, which clarifies God's command not to fight against Moab, as this land was no longer theirs.
c. 1400 BC
Israel's Sojourn in Egypt
The Israelites had been in Egypt for 400 years, a period marked by slavery and oppression, before God's intervention through Moses.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
Led by Moses, the Israelites departed from Egypt after God's mighty acts, beginning their journey toward the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
After the Exodus, the Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness as a consequence of their disobedience and lack of faith.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Conquest of Sihon's Kingdom
The Israelites defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites, who had taken territory from the Moabites, including the land east of the Arnon River.
c. 1406 BC
Encampment by the Arnon River
Following their victory over Sihon, the Israelites set up camp on the north side of the Arnon River, a significant geographical and political boundary.
This passage recounts Jephthah defending Israel's right to the land east of the Arnon, explaining how the Amorites, not the Moabites, had taken it from them, echoing the territorial context of Numbers 21:13.
Deuteronomy 2:24-25Moses recounts how Israel was to avoid conflict with Moab but to take Sihon's land, which was north of the Arnon, aligning with the geographical and political situation described in Numbers 21:13.
Numbers 21:21-24Immediately following this verse, Israel confronts Sihon, the Amorite king, who ruled the very territory on the north side of the Arnon that Israel now occupied, providing the direct consequence of their encampment.
Jeremiah 48:20This prophetic passage mentions the Arnon as the boundary of Moab, highlighting its enduring significance as a border river, just as it is described in Numbers 21:13.
gillNumbers 21:13: "From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which is in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites."
From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon,.... A river on the borders of Moab: which is in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites; according to Jarchi, they went round the land of Moab, all to the south and east, and came not into th…
calvinNumbers 21:4-20: "And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way."
And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.
Itaque loquutus est populus contra Deum et Mosen, Ut quid ascendere nos fecistis ex Aegypto, ut more…
This verse subtly reveals that the Arnon River wasn't just a natural boundary, but a political and territorial one, specifically marking the edge of land the Amorites had conquered from the Moabites. This detail is crucial because it explains why Israel could later engage in battle with the Amorites there without violating God's command not to fight the Moabites.
Following their miraculous healing from the deadly snake bites, the Israelites journeyed onward and camped by the Arnon River. This river served as the boundary between the land of Moab and the territory recently conquered by the Amorite king Sihon. By setting up camp here, the Israelites were entering the wilderness region that bordered the Amorite lands, setting the stage for their confrontation with Sihon.
Following their miraculous healing from the deadly snake bites, the Israelites journeyed onward and camped by the Arnon River. This river served as the boundary between the land of Moab and the territory recently conquered by the Amorite king Sihon. By setting up camp here, the Israelites were entering the wilderness region that bordered the Amorite lands, setting the stage for their confrontation with Sihon.
"From there they set out and camped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness that extends from the border of the Amorites, for the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites." — This verse subtly reveals that the Arnon River wasn't just a natural boundary, but a political and territorial one, specifically marking the edge of land the Amorites had conquered from the Moabites.…
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Last reviewed October 2026