And they journeyed from Oboth, and pitched at Ijeabarim, in the wilderness which is before Moab, toward the sunrising.

NUMBERS 21:11KJV
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Numbers 21:11 (KJV)

What does Numbers 21:11 mean?

Numbers 21:11 describes how the Israelites traveled from a place called Oboth and set up camp at Ijeabarim, which is located in the wilderness east of Moab, in the direction where the sun rises. This verse records a specific stage in the Israelites' journey toward the Promised Land.

In this part of the story, Moses is leading the Israelites through the wilderness after leaving Egypt. The verse gives a concrete update on their location, marking their progress and helping track their route. Mentioning the wilderness before Moab and the direction of the sunrise (east) helps the reader picture where the Israelites are moving as they approach the borders of Moab.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 21:11

  • The word "journeyed" (נָסַע, nasaʿ) means to pull up stakes or set out on a journey, emphasizing the Israelites' movement and ongoing travel rather than settling.
  • "Pitched" (חָנָה, chanah) means to set up camp, showing that this was a temporary stop, not a permanent settlement.
  • "Wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbar) refers to a dry, uncultivated land, highlighting the harsh and unsettled conditions the Israelites faced.
  • "Sunrising" (מִזְרָח, mizrach; שֶׁמֶשׁ, shemesh) points to the east, giving a clear geographical direction and helping the reader understand the route toward Moab.

Why Numbers 21:11 matters

  • This verse helps clear up the route the Israelites took, showing their movement was purposeful and directed, not random wandering.
  • The mention of specific places and directions grounds the story in real geography, connecting the biblical narrative to actual locations east of Moab.
  • Tracking these stops helps the reader follow the larger journey from Egypt to Canaan, showing the challenges and progress of the Israelites as they near the Promised Land.

Where else these words appear

“Ijeabarim” Hebrew H5863 · used in 2 verses

  • Numbers 33:44 And they departed from Oboth, and pitched in Ijeabarim, in the border of Moab.

“Oboth” Hebrew H88 · used in 4 verses

  • Numbers 21:10 And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in Oboth.
  • Numbers 33:43 And they departed from Punon, and pitched in Oboth.
  • Numbers 33:44 And they departed from Oboth, and pitched in Ijeabarim, in the border of Moab.

“sunrising” Hebrew H4217 · used in 71 verses

  • Exodus 27:13 And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits.
  • Joshua 16:6 And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side; and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah;
  • 2 Chronicles 4:4 It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.

“sunrising” Hebrew H8121 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 15:12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
  • 2 Samuel 3:35 And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:18 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.