Numbers 21:20
and from Bamoth to the valley lying in the region of Moab by the top of Pisgah that looks down on the desert.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The text describes a journey "from Bamoth to the valley... by the top of Pisgah." This is a subtle detail – it's not just a place called "the top of Pisgah," but specifically "the top of Pisgah that looks down on the desert." This specific vantage point emphasizes that their journey is bringing them to a place from which they can survey the land and the wilderness ahead.
After facing the fiery serpents and God’s provision of a bronze serpent for healing, the Israelites continue their journey, moving from Bamoth to a valley in Moab, near the prominent Pisgah mountain range. This location marks a significant point as they are now on the borders of the Promised Land, having already conquered Amorite territory. The narrative is building towards their arrival on the plains of Moab, directly across the Jordan River from Jericho.
Ever feel like you're just moving from one spot to another without a clear destination? The Israelites' journey was filled with these shifts, but each location held significance.
This verse marks a transition in the Israelites' journey, moving from 'Bamoth' (meaning 'high places' or 'shrines') to the 'top of Pisgah.' While Bamoth might suggest places of worship or elevated observation, Pisgah offers a strategic viewpoint. It's not just about reaching a higher elevation; it's about gaining a vantage point. This shift from general 'high places' to the specific, commanding view from Pisgah signifies a move from abstract worship or observation to a place where the promised land is in sight. This highlights how spiritual journeys often involve moving from general devotion to focused anticipation and strategic preparation for what lies ahead.
The landscape Israel traveled through wasn't empty. It was a place with a history, a present owner, and a stark contrast to what lay beyond.
The verse places this journey 'in the region of Moab' and describes Pisgah as looking 'toward Jeshimon' (the desert/waste). This geographic context is crucial. They are traveling through land claimed by Moab, a nation with a complicated relationship with Israel, hinting at potential conflict or divine protection needed for passage. Simultaneously, the view from Pisgah is directed towards the 'Jeshimon'—a barren, desolate land. This contrast is powerful. They are moving from a region of potential human opposition (Moab) towards a view of emptiness, but this view is framed by the ultimate promise of a land flowing with milk and honey. It underscores that the path to God's promises often passes through challenging territories, with the ultimate destination contrasted against surrounding desolation.
This verse marks a significant point in Israel's journey, just before they are poised to enter the Promised Land. The geographical markers—Bamoth, the valley in Moab, Pisgah, and Jeshimon—place them on the eastern edge of the Jordan, a strategic location from which Moses would later view the land.
c. 1400 BC
Israel's Wilderness Journey
After their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites embarked on a 40-year journey through the Sinai wilderness. This period was marked by both miraculous provision and repeated rebellion against God and Moses.
c. 1400 BC
Defeat of Sihon and Og
As the Israelites approached the Promised Land from the east, they encountered the Amorite kingdoms. They defeated King Sihon and King Og, taking control of their territories east of the Jordan River.
c. 1400 BC
Journey through Moabite Territory
The Israelites traveled along the eastern borders of Moab, eventually reaching the plains of Moab. This route involved several encampments, including Oboth, Ije-abarim, Zered, and Bamoth.
c. 1400 BC
Encampment at Bamoth
The Israelites camped at a place called Bamoth, meaning 'high places,' which was located in a valley within the region of Moab.
Jesus directly references the bronze serpent Moses lifted up, connecting this event to His own future crucifixion and the salvation it would offer, highlighting the theme of looking to a divine solution for deadly affliction.
Numbers 21:4-9This passage details the immediate context of the fiery serpents and the divine instruction to make the bronze serpent, showing how the journey described in verse 20 is part of a larger narrative of God's judgment and provision for His people.
Deuteronomy 3:27Moses himself recounts seeing the Promised Land from the top of Pisgah, providing a personal perspective on this geographical location mentioned in Numbers 21:20 and emphasizing its significance as a vantage point before entering Canaan.
Psalm 68:7-8This psalm reflects on Israel's journey from Egypt, mentioning their departure from mount Seir and their halting in the field, echoing the historical movements and geographical markers found in the Numbers account, including the context leading up to the Pisgah mention.
Isaiah 11:10This prophecy speaks of a 'root of Jesse' who will be an 'ensign for the peoples,' a concept that Calvin connects to the bronze serpent being lifted up as a standard, suggesting a prophetic thread of divine signs and salvation reaching far beyond immediate circumstances.
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…
pulpitNumbers 21:20: "And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon."
Verse 20. - And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah. The original runs simply thus: "And from Bamoth - the valley which in the field - Moab - the top - Pisgah." It may therefore be read, "And from the heights to the valley that is in the field of Moab, viz., the top of Pisgah." The "field" of Moab (Septuagint, ἐν τῷ πεδί…
The text describes a journey "from Bamoth to the valley... by the top of Pisgah." This is a subtle detail – it's not just a place called "the top of Pisgah," but specifically "the top of Pisgah that looks down on the desert." This specific vantage point emphasizes that their journey is bringing them to a place from which they can survey the land and the wilderness ahead.
After facing the fiery serpents and God’s provision of a bronze serpent for healing, the Israelites continue their journey, moving from Bamoth to a valley in Moab, near the prominent Pisgah mountain range. This location marks a significant point as they are now on the borders of the Promised Land, having already conquered Amorite territory. The narrative is building towards their arrival on the plains of Moab, directly across the Jordan River from Jericho.
After facing the fiery serpents and God’s provision of a bronze serpent for healing, the Israelites continue their journey, moving from Bamoth to a valley in Moab, near the prominent Pisgah mountain range. This location marks a significant point as they are now on the borders of the Promised Land, having already conquered Amorite territory. The narrative is building towards their arrival on the plains of Moab, directly across the Jordan River from Jericho.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Numbers 21:20 is available in the Sola app.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Journey to Pisgah
From Bamoth, the Israelites moved to the region of Pisgah, a mountain range or plateau overlooking the desert (Jeshimon) and the Jordan River valley.
"and from Bamoth to the valley lying in the region of Moab by the top of Pisgah that looks down on the desert." — The text describes a journey "from Bamoth to the valley... by the top of Pisgah." This is a subtle detail – it's not just a place called "the top of Pisgah," but specifically "the top of Pisgah that…
