Then the people of Israel set out and camped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse is more than just a geographical marker; it highlights that Israel is now encamped in the plains of Moab, a region that, though recently conquered from the Amorites, still bore the name of the people who once possessed it. This naming convention subtly underscores the complex history of the land and sets the stage for a confrontation rooted in territorial claims and ancient animosities.
Then the people of Israel set out and camped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After their victory over Sihon and Og, the Israelites have set up camp on the plains of Moab, directly across the Jordan River from Jericho. This strategic position puts them in close proximity to Moab, and their king, Balak, views their presence as a significant threat, prompting him to seek out the sorcerer Balaam to curse the Israelite nation.
The Israelites didn't just stop in the plains of Moab; they strategically halted. This location was a critical staging ground.
A Deliberate Pause
The book of Numbers often details the Israelites' journeys, but Numbers 22:1 marks a significant pause. They are no longer on the move, but have 'pitched' their tents in the plains of Moab.
Israel's arrival wasn't met with quiet acceptance. It sent shockwaves through the neighboring kingdom of Moab, igniting fear and a desperate plan.
Fear Breeds Plotting
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This seemingly simple statement of encampment (Numbers 22:1) sets the stage for intense conflict. The presence of Israel, a people who had just demonstrated immense power by defeating two kings, struck fear into the heart of Moab.
Understand the original words
Yisra'el · Hebrew Proper Noun
Refers to the covenant people of God, descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In this context, it designates the nation of Israel as they journeyed toward the Promised Land.
Mo'ab · Hebrew Proper Noun
A geographical area east of the Jordan River, associated with the Moabite people. Throughout Scripture, it often represents a nation historically linked to, yet often antagonistic toward, Israel.
This verse marks the arrival of Israel at the border of the Promised Land, setting the stage for a pivotal encounter with the Moabites and the divinely-orchestrated intervention of Balaam. The plains of Moab, though recently conquered from the Amorites, were still known by their former name, highlighting the ongoing historical narrative of conquest and settlement.
c. 1400 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites, after 400 years of slavery, are miraculously led out of Egypt by Moses, beginning their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Sihon and Og
The Israelites defeat Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, taking possession of their lands east of the Jordan River.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Israel camps in Moab
The people of Israel set up camp in the plains of Moab, directly across the Jordan River from Jericho. This proximity causes fear and consternation among the Moabites.
c. 1400 BC
Balak seeks Balaam's curse
Alarmed by the Israelites' presence and military success, King Balak of Moab hires the sorcerer Balaam to curse the Israelites, hoping to defeat them.
c. 1400 BC
Balaam's journey and angelic encounter
Despite God's initial prohibition, Balaam travels to Moab. He is divinely prevented from cursing Israel by an angel of the Lord, whose presence is revealed first to Balaam's donkey.
c. 1400 BC
Balaam's prophecies
Unable to curse Israel, Balaam delivers a series of prophecies that, to Balak's dismay, speak of Israel's greatness and future triumph, even foretelling the coming of a star from Jacob.
This verse directly names Balaam as a diviner who was killed by the Israelites, showing the historical consequence of his actions initiated from this encampment.
Micah 6:5Micah recalls this event, urging his audience to remember God's intervention and Balaam's failed plot, highlighting the divine protection over Israel even when enemies sought to curse them.
2 Peter 2:15This New Testament passage explicitly warns against following Balaam's example, describing him as one who loved 'the wages of unrighteousness,' connecting the Moabite encampment to a spiritual danger of greed.
Deuteronomy 23:4This passage reveals the ongoing fear of Moab concerning Israel's presence, referencing Balak's attempt to hire Balaam to curse them, directly linking the Moabite's anxiety to Israel's arrival in their plains.
Revelation 2:14The Book of Revelation mentions Balaam as a cautionary figure for the church in Pergamum, linking his sin of leading Israel astray with continued spiritual threats that believers must resist.
calvinNumbers 22:1-41: "And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho."
And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
Dixit igitur Moab ad seniores Madian, Nunc lambet congregatio haec omnes circuitus nostros, quemadmodum lambit bos gramen agri. Porto Balac filius Sippor…
pooleNumbers 22:1: "And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho."
The Israelites pitch in the plains of Moab, Numbers 22:1 . Balak the king sends for Balaam to curse Israel, Numbers 22:2-8 . He inquires of the Lord, who forbids him to go: he goes not, Numbers 22:9-14 . Balak sends again: the Lord permits Balaam to go, Numbers 22:15-21 . An angel stands in the way; which his ass perceives: his eyes are at length opened to see the angel, who…
The verse is more than just a geographical marker; it highlights that Israel is now encamped in the plains of Moab, a region that, though recently conquered from the Amorites, still bore the name of the people who once possessed it. This naming convention subtly underscores the complex history of the land and sets the stage for a confrontation rooted in territorial claims and ancient animosities.
After their victory over Sihon and Og, the Israelites have set up camp on the plains of Moab, directly across the Jordan River from Jericho. This strategic position puts them in close proximity to Moab, and their king, Balak, views their presence as a significant threat, prompting him to seek out the sorcerer Balaam to curse the Israelite nation.
After their victory over Sihon and Og, the Israelites have set up camp on the plains of Moab, directly across the Jordan River from Jericho. This strategic position puts them in close proximity to Moab, and their king, Balak, views their presence as a significant threat, prompting him to seek out the sorcerer Balaam to curse the Israelite nation.
"Then the people of Israel set out and camped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho." — The verse is more than just a geographical marker; it highlights that Israel is now encamped in the plains of Moab, a region that, though recently conquered from the Amorites, still bore the name o…
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Last reviewed October 2026