And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying,

NUMBERS 26:3KJV
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Numbers 26:3 (KJV)

What does Numbers 26:3 mean?

Numbers 26:3 describes Moses and Eleazar the priest speaking to the Israelites while they are camped in the plains of Moab, near the Jordan River and close to Jericho. The verse sets the scene for what they are about to say to the people in this important location just before entering the Promised Land.

Moses and Eleazar are the main leaders at this point, with Eleazar now serving as high priest after Aaron’s death. The Israelites are gathered on the eastern side of the Jordan, across from Jericho, after their long journey through the wilderness. This verse introduces the context for the census and instructions that follow, marking a significant moment as the people prepare to enter Canaan.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 26:3

  • מֹשֶׁה (Mosheh): This is the Hebrew name for Moses, the central leader of Israel, emphasizing his continuing role in guiding the people.
  • אֶלְעָזָר (Elʿazar): Eleazar, Aaron’s son, is now the high priest (כֹּהֵן, kohen), highlighting the transition of priestly leadership.
  • עֲרָבוֹת (ʿaravot): Translated as "plains," this word refers to the flatlands of Moab where the Israelites are camped, underscoring the geographical setting.
  • יְרֵחוֹ (Yericho): Jericho, the city near where they are camped, is significant because it is the first city they will encounter in the Promised Land.

Why Numbers 26:3 matters

  • Numbers 26:3 clarifies that the events take place after the previous generation has died in the wilderness, marking a turning point for a new generation of Israelites.
  • The mention of both Moses and Eleazar shows the continuity of leadership and the importance of both prophetic and priestly roles as Israel prepares for a new chapter.
  • The specific location—plains of Moab by the Jordan near Jericho—signals that the Israelites are on the threshold of entering Canaan, connecting this moment to the fulfillment of earlier promises to Abraham and his descendants.

Where else these words appear

“Jericho” Hebrew H3405 · used in 53 verses

  • Numbers 22:1 And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
  • Joshua 5:10 And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.
  • Joshua 18:21 Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,

“plains” Hebrew H6160 · used in 57 verses

  • Numbers 22:1 And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
  • Joshua 5:10 And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.
  • Psalms 68:4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.

“Eleazar” Hebrew H499 · used in 70 verses

  • Exodus 6:23 And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
  • Numbers 27:19 And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.
  • Joshua 22:32 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again.