Old Testament
Numbers 21:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the Israelites are traveling through the territory of Moab, moving from a place called Bamoth to a location near the top of a mountain called Pisgah.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
and from Bamoth to the valley in the territory of Moab, near the top of Pisgah, which overlooks the desert below.
And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Israelites are traveling through the territory of Moab, moving from a place called Bamoth to a location near the top of a mountain called Pisgah. This mountain offers a view of the surrounding desert area, known as Jeshimon. The mention of these locations highlights the geographical context of the Israelites' journey as they approach the Promised Land. Pisgah is significant because it provides a vantage point from which Moses would later view the land that God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The journey through Moab is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' wanderings in the wilderness, emphasizing their transition from a nomadic lifestyle to settling in a land of promise. This verse serves as a reminder of the physical and spiritual journey the Israelites undertook, as they followed God's guidance toward their destiny.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 21:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of our own journeys in life. Just as the Israelites moved toward their promised land, we too are on a path toward our goals and dreams. Trusting in God's guidance can help us navigate challenges along the way.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 21:20 describe about the Israelites' journey?
Numbers 21:20 describes the Israelites traveling from Bamoth to the top of Pisgah, a mountain that overlooks the desert area known as Jeshimon. This journey highlights their movement through the territory of Moab as they approach the Promised Land, emphasizing the geographical context of their wanderings in the wilderness.
Why is Pisgah significant in Numbers 21:20?
Pisgah is significant because it provides a vantage point from which Moses would later view the Promised Land that God had promised to the Israelites. This mountain symbolizes the transition from their nomadic lifestyle to settling in a land of promise, marking an important moment in their journey.
What can we learn from the journey mentioned in Numbers 21:20?
The journey in Numbers 21:20 teaches us about the importance of recognizing our own paths in life. Just as the Israelites moved toward their promised land, we are encouraged to pursue our goals and dreams, trusting in God's guidance to help us navigate the challenges we face along the way.
How does Numbers 21:20 relate to themes of faith and divine guidance?
Numbers 21:20 relates to themes of faith and divine guidance by illustrating the Israelites' reliance on God as they journey through unfamiliar territory. Their movement from Bamoth to Pisgah reflects a trust in God's plan, reminding us that faith is essential as we navigate our own life journeys toward our aspirations.

The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
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