And the LORD spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse marks a significant shift; it's not just another stop on their journey, but the exact place where God's final instructions for entering the promised land were given, setting the stage for everything that follows. It highlights that even at the end of a long journey, God's voice and guidance are paramount.
And the LORD spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
After recounting the full list of Israel's journeys and encampments for forty years, God speaks to Moses in the plains of Moab, right on the edge of the Promised Land. This final directive instructs Moses on how the Israelites are to deal with the people already living in Canaan once they cross the Jordan River.
They've wandered for forty years, and now they're at the doorstep of the Promised Land. Why is THIS specific location, the plains of Moab by the Jordan near Jericho, so important for God's final instructions?
This isn't just any spot; it's the launchpad for entering the land God promised. Moses and the Israelites are in the plains of Moab, a place that signifies their final encampment before crossing the Jordan River.
After decades of hearing God's voice in various ways, why is it emphasized that 'the LORD spoke to Moses' at this exact moment?
This verse marks a critical moment: God is about to transition His people from a life of wandering to a life of settlement. The direct communication from the LORD to Moses underscores the authority and divine origin of the commands that follow.
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Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the one true God of Israel, revealing His covenant faithfulness, eternal self-existence, and holiness. It is the name by which He makes Himself known to His people and fulfills His redemptive promises.
Mosheh · Hebrew Proper Noun
A leader, prophet, and mediator chosen by God to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage and receive the Law at Sinai. He serves as a type of Christ, interceding for the people and faithfully administering God’s covenant instructions.
c. 1446 BC
Israel Departs Egypt
After 400 years of slavery, the Israelites are miraculously led out of Egypt under Moses' leadership, beginning their 40-year journey through the wilderness.
c. 1445 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
Following a failed attempt to enter the Promised Land from the south, the Israelites spend the next 38 years wandering in the wilderness due to their disobedience and rebellion.
c. 1406 BC
Death of Aaron
Aaron, Moses' brother and the high priest, dies on Mount Hor in the fortieth year after the exodus, just before the Israelites are to enter Canaan.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Sihon and Og
The Israelites defeat Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, in Transjordan, seizing their lands.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Israel Encamped in Plains of Moab
The Israelites establish their final encampment in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. This sets the stage for God's final instructions before entering the land.
This passage lays the groundwork for the command in Numbers, explicitly warning Israel not to make covenants with the inhabitants of Canaan, to drive them out, and not to let them live in the land, emphasizing the danger of their influence.
Deuteronomy 7:1-6This passage reiterates and expands on the command to drive out the nations from the Promised Land, detailing God's reasons and the seriousness of not following His instructions regarding idolatry.
Joshua 1:1-2This passage shows Moses' successor, Joshua, receiving the command to lead Israel into the Promised Land, directly referencing the land that God had promised to give them, picking up where Numbers 33 leaves off.
Judges 2:1-3This passage serves as a stark warning and fulfillment of the prophetic words in Numbers 33:55-56, showing how Israel's failure to drive out the Canaanites led to their oppression and temptation.
gillNumbers 33:50: "And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying,"
And the Lord spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan, near Jericho,.... See Gill on Numbers 33:48 ; see Gill on Numbers 22:1 , saying; as follows.
calvinNumbers 33:1-56: "These are the journeys of the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt with their armies under the hand of Moses and Aaron."
And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the passover the children of Israel went out with an high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians.
Profecti sunt igitur Ramesse mense primo, decimaquinta dic mensis primi, postera dic Phase egressi sunt filii Israel i…
This verse marks a significant shift; it's not just another stop on their journey, but the exact place where God's final instructions for entering the promised land were given, setting the stage for everything that follows. It highlights that even at the end of a long journey, God's voice and guidance are paramount.
After recounting the full list of Israel's journeys and encampments for forty years, God speaks to Moses in the plains of Moab, right on the edge of the Promised Land. This final directive instructs Moses on how the Israelites are to deal with the people already living in Canaan once they cross the Jordan River.
After recounting the full list of Israel's journeys and encampments for forty years, God speaks to Moses in the plains of Moab, right on the edge of the Promised Land. This final directive instructs Moses on how the Israelites are to deal with the people already living in Canaan once they cross the Jordan River.
"And the LORD spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying," — This verse marks a significant shift; it's not just another stop on their journey, but the exact place where God's final instructions for entering the promised land were given, setting the stage for…
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Last reviewed October 2026