And at the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth upon the border of Moab.

NUMBERS 21:15KJV
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Numbers 21:15 (KJV)

What does Numbers 21:15 mean?

Numbers 21:15 describes a stream or brook that flows down toward the city of Ar and runs along the border of Moab. The verse is part of a description of the Israelites’ journey and the land features they encountered as they traveled near Moab.

This verse is found in a section where Moses is recounting the route the Israelites took as they moved through the wilderness. The mention of the stream, the city of Ar, and the border of Moab helps to pinpoint their location and the boundaries they were approaching. It gives a sense of the geography and the specific places important to the Israelites’ journey.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 21:15

  • "stream" (נַחַל, nachal): This word often means a wadi or seasonal brook, not a large river. It suggests a watercourse that might only flow during certain times of the year, which fits the dry landscape of the region.
  • "brooks" (נַחַל, nachal): The same word is used again, emphasizing the presence of these water channels in the area.
  • "Ar" (עָר, Ar): This is the name of a Moabite city. Mentioning it helps identify the specific border area being described.
  • "border" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word refers to a boundary or limit, marking the edge of Moab’s territory, which was significant for the Israelites as they traveled.

Why Numbers 21:15 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the physical route the Israelites took and the natural boundaries they encountered, which is important for understanding their journey and the challenges they faced.
  • By mentioning Ar and the border of Moab, the verse sets up the context for later interactions between Israel and Moab, which become significant in the following chapters.
  • The detail about the stream and brooks shows the importance of water sources in the wilderness and how these features shaped the Israelites’ path.

Where else these words appear

“Ar” Hebrew H6144 · used in 6 verses

  • Numbers 21:28 For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of Arnon.
  • Deuteronomy 2:9 And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession.
  • Deuteronomy 2:29 (As the children of Esau which dwell in Seir, and the Moabites which dwell in Ar, did unto me;) until I shall pass over Jordan into the land which the LORD our God giveth us.

“lieth” Hebrew H8172 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
  • 2 Chronicles 13:18 Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers.
  • Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

“brooks” Hebrew H5158 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 26:17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
  • Judges 5:21 The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
  • Job 28:4 The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.