they camped by the Jordan from Beth-jeshimoth as far as Abel-shittim in the plains of Moab.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The name "Abel-shittim" itself carries a weight of significance, meaning "meadow of mourning." This recalls the profound sorrow and judgment that befell Israel at this very spot due to their sin at Baal Peor, a somber reminder of consequences just before their promised entry into the land.
they camped by the Jordan from Beth-jeshimoth as far as Abel-shittim in the plains of Moab.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse marks the Israelites' final encampment on the eastern side of the Jordan River before entering the Promised Land. It concludes a long list of their journeys and stations throughout the wilderness, reminding the reader of their forty years of wandering and God's faithfulness in bringing them to the brink of their inheritance. The specific locations, Beth-jeshimoth and Abel-shittim, are significant as Abel-shittim is where Israel later faced the temptation of Baal-peor, highlighting the ongoing spiritual battles even at this final stage.
Why is this final campsite near the Jordan called 'Abel-shittim,' meaning 'Meadow of Mourning'?
The name 'Abel-shittim' itself carries a significant weight. 'Abel' means 'mourning' or 'mourner,' and 'shittim' refers to the acacia trees that grew there.
This name wasn't given lightly. It directly recalls a deeply painful period in Israel's history, specifically their sin at Peor (Numbers 25:1-9). In that incident, the people engaged in idolatry and immoral practices with the Moabite women, leading to a devastating plague that killed 24,000 Israelites.
Camping at Abel-shittim, therefore, served as a stark reminder of their past failures and the severe consequences of disobedience. It was a place to grieve over sin, remember God's judgment, and commit to a renewed walk of faithfulness before entering the Promised Land.
Imagine camping right on the edge of a vast, unknown territory. What does this final encampment signify?
Numbers 33:49 marks Israel's final campsite before crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land.
After forty years of wandering, enduring hardships, and experiencing God's faithfulness through countless stages, they are finally at the border. This location, 'in the plains of Moab,' signifies a transition.
It's a place of rest before the conquest, a moment to gather strength and reflect on the journey. But more importantly, it's the launching point for obedience and faith. The promises of God are now within reach, requiring them to step out of the wilderness and into the inheritance He had prepared.
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This final encampment, marked by both proximity to the promised land and remembrance of past sin and judgment, sets the stage for Israel's entry into Canaan and the fulfillment of God's promises.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Depart Egypt
The Israelites begin their exodus from Egypt, a pivotal moment marking their liberation from slavery and the start of their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1400 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
For forty years, the Israelites journeyed through the Sinai wilderness, with numerous encampments and significant events, including periods of rebellion and divine judgment.
c. 1360 BC— this verse
Reaching the Borders of Canaan
After forty years of wandering, the Israelites arrive at the plains of Moab, directly across the Jordan River from the land of Canaan, the promised inheritance.
c. 1360 BC
Sin and Judgment at Peor
The Israelites fall into idolatry and sexual immorality with Moabite women, leading to a plague that claims 24,000 lives, requiring a period of mourning and repentance.
c. 1360 BC
Preparation to Enter Canaan
Following divine instructions and judgments, the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan River, having completed their forty-year journey and facing the conquest of the land.
This passage describes the lush Jordan plain, painting a picture of fertile land, much like the 'plains of Moab' where Israel camped. It highlights the land's desirability and God's provision.
Numbers 25:1This verse directly mentions Shittim (also called Abel-shittim here), linking the final encampment to a place marked by Israel's sin with Baal of Peor. It shows how the end of their journey was shadowed by past disobedience.
Joshua 3:1This verse marks the immediate next step after the encampment described in Numbers 33:49: the Israelites breaking camp and preparing to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. It shows the culmination of their wilderness journey.
Deuteronomy 29:1This passage places Moses speaking to all Israel in the plains of Moab, the very region where they were camped. It emphasizes Moses' final instructions and covenant renewal before they enter Canaan.
gillNumbers 33:49: "And they pitched by Jordan, from Bethjesimoth even unto Abelshittim in the plains of Moab."
And they pitched by Jordan from Bethjesimoth, even unto Abelshittim, in the plains of Moab. Their camp reached twelve miles, as the Jews commonly say, which we may suppose was the distance of these two places, which were both in the plains of Moab; and the Jerusalem Targum is express for it, for mentioning Israel's encampment from Bethjesimoth to Abelshittim, it asks, how far is that? twe…
bensonNumbers 33:49: "And they pitched by Jordan, from Bethjesimoth even unto Abelshittim in the plains of Moab."
Numbers 33:49 . Abel-shittim — The place where the people sinned in the matter of Peor, called simply Shittim, Numbers 25:1 ; but here Abel-shittim, for the grievous mourning ( Abel signifying mourning) which was there, both for the heinous crimes committed, and the severe judgments inflicted. This was their forty-second and last station, before their entrance into Canaan, and here we lef…
The name "Abel-shittim" itself carries a weight of significance, meaning "meadow of mourning." This recalls the profound sorrow and judgment that befell Israel at this very spot due to their sin at Baal Peor, a somber reminder of consequences just before their promised entry into the land.
This verse marks the Israelites' final encampment on the eastern side of the Jordan River before entering the Promised Land. It concludes a long list of their journeys and stations throughout the wilderness, reminding the reader of their forty years of wandering and God's faithfulness in bringing them to the brink of their inheritance. The specific locations, Beth-jeshimoth and Abel-shittim, are significant as Abel-shittim is where Israel later faced the temptation of Baal-peor, highlighting the ongoing spiritual battles even at this final stage.
This verse marks the Israelites' final encampment on the eastern side of the Jordan River before entering the Promised Land. It concludes a long list of their journeys and stations throughout the wilderness, reminding the reader of their forty years of wandering and God's faithfulness in bringing them to the brink of their inheritance. The specific locations, Beth-jeshimoth and Abel-shittim, are significant as Abel-shittim is where Israel later faced the temptation of Baal-peor, highlighting the ongoing spiritual battles even at this final stage.
"they camped by the Jordan from Beth-jeshimoth as far as Abel-shittim in the plains of Moab." — The name "Abel-shittim" itself carries a weight of significance, meaning "meadow of mourning." This recalls the profound sorrow and judgment that befell Israel at this very spot due to their sin at B…
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Last reviewed October 2026