Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon— New Living Translation “Notice the towns of Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sibmah, Nebo, and Beon. English Standard Version “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, Berean Standard Bible “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, King James Bible Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon, New King James Version “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Shebam, Nebo, and Beon, New American Standard Bible “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, NASB 1995 “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon, NASB 1977 “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon, Legacy Standard Bible “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, Amplified Bible “[The country around] Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, Christian Standard Bible “The territory of Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, Holman Christian Standard Bible The territory of Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, American Standard Version Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon, English Revised Version Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon, GOD'S WORD® Translation "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, International Standard Version "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon— NET Bible "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, New Heart English Bible "Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Sibmah, and Nebo, and Beon, Webster's Bible Translation Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, World English Bible “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon, Young's Literal Translation 'Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon -- Smith's Literal Translation Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAtaroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nemra, Hesebon, and Eleale, and Saban, and Nebo, and Beon, Catholic Public Domain Version “Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon, New American Bible “The region of Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Baal-meon— New Revised Standard Version “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon— Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAtaroth, Ribon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sheba, Nebo, and Beon, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Atruth and Ribun and Yazir and Namra and Khesbun and Alala and Sheba and Nebo and Baun, OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon, Brenton Septuagint Translation Ataroth, and Daebon, and Jazer, and Namra, and Esebon, and Eleale, and Sebama, and Nabau, and Baean, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Tribes East of the Jordan…2So the Gadites and Reubenites came to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation, and said, 3“Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, 4which the LORD conquered before the congregation of Israel, are suitable for livestock—and your servants have livestock.”… Cross References Joshua 22:9-10 So the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh left the Israelites at Shiloh in the land of Canaan to return to their own land of Gilead, which they had acquired according to the command of the LORD through Moses. / And when they came to Geliloth near the Jordan in the land of Canaan, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an imposing altar there by the Jordan. Deuteronomy 3:12-17 So at that time we took possession of this land. To the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the land beyond Aroer along the Arnon Valley, and half the hill country of Gilead, along with its cities. / To the half-tribe of Manasseh I gave the rest of Gilead and all of Bashan, the kingdom of Og. (The entire region of Argob, the whole territory of Bashan, used to be called the land of the Rephaim.) / Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, took the whole region of Argob as far as the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites. He renamed Bashan after himself, Havvoth-jair, by which it is called to this day. ... Joshua 13:15-23 This is what Moses had given to the clans of the tribe of Reuben: / The territory from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, to the whole plateau beyond Medeba, / to Heshbon and all its cities on the plateau, including Dibon, Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon, ... Joshua 13:24-28 This is what Moses had given to the clans of the tribe of Gad: / The territory of Jazer, all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the Ammonites as far as Aroer, near Rabbah; / the territory from Heshbon to Ramath-mizpeh and Betonim, and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir; ... 1 Chronicles 5:8-9 and Bela son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel. They settled in Aroer and as far as Nebo and Baal-meon. / They also settled in the east as far as the edge of the desert that extends to the Euphrates River, because their livestock had increased in the land of Gilead. 1 Chronicles 5:11-17 The descendants of Gad lived next to the Reubenites in the land of Bashan, as far as Salecah: / Joel was the chief, Shapham the second, then Jaanai and Shaphat, who lived in Bashan. / Their kinsmen by families were Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia, and Eber—seven in all. ... Judges 5:16-17 Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision. / Gilead remained beyond the Jordan. Dan, why did you linger by the ships? Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors. 1 Kings 4:13 Ben-geber in Ramoth-gilead (the villages of Jair son of Manasseh in Gilead belonged to him, as well as the region of Argob in Bashan with its sixty great cities with walls and bronze bars); Ezekiel 25:8-11 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Moab and Seir said, “Look, the house of Judah is like all the other nations,” / therefore I will indeed expose the flank of Moab beginning with its frontier cities—Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim—the glory of the land. / I will give it along with the Ammonites as a possession to the people of the East, so that the Ammonites will no longer be remembered among the nations. ... Jeremiah 48:1-5 Concerning Moab, this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Woe to Nebo, for it will be devastated. Kiriathaim will be captured and disgraced; the fortress will be shattered and dismantled. / There is no longer praise for Moab; in Heshbon they devise evil against her: ‘Come, let us cut her off from nationhood.’ You too, O people of Madmen, will be silenced; the sword will pursue you. / A voice cries out from Horonaim: ‘Devastation and great destruction!’ ... Isaiah 15:1-9 This is the burden against Moab: Ar in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night! Kir in Moab is devastated, destroyed in a night! / Dibon goes up to its temple to weep at its high places. Moab wails over Nebo, as well as over Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off. / In its streets they wear sackcloth; on the rooftops and in the public squares they all wail, falling down weeping. ... Matthew 8:28-34 When Jesus arrived on the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, He was met by two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. / “What do You want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have You come here to torture us before the appointed time?” / In the distance a large herd of pigs was feeding. ... Mark 5:1-20 On the other side of the sea, they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes. / As soon as Jesus got out of the boat, He was met by a man with an unclean spirit, who was coming from the tombs. / This man had been living in the tombs and could no longer be restrained, even with chains. ... Luke 8:26-39 Then they sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, across the lake from Galilee. / When Jesus stepped ashore, He was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothing or lived in a house, but he stayed in the tombs. / When the man saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before Him, shouting in a loud voice, “What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You not to torture me!” ... Acts 7:45-47 And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David, / who found favor in the sight of God and asked to provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. / But it was Solomon who built the house for Him. Treasury of Scripture Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon, Ataroth Numbers 32:1,34-38 Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle; … Joshua 13:17 Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the plain; Dibon, and Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon, Isaiah 15:2-4 He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off… Nimrah Numbers 32:36 And Bethnimrah, and Bethharan, fenced cities: and folds for sheep. Isaiah 15:6 For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate: for the hay is withered away, the grass faileth, there is no green thing. Heshbon Numbers 21:25,26,28 And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof… Judges 11:26 While Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns, and in Aroer and her towns, and in all the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, three hundred years? why therefore did ye not recover them within that time? Nehemiah 9:22 Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan. Shebam Numbers 32:38 And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded. Shibmah Joshua 13:19 And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zarethshahar in the mount of the valley, Isaiah 16:8 For the fields of Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come even unto Jazer, they wandered through the wilderness: her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea. Jeremiah 48:32 O vine of Sibmah, I will weep for thee with the weeping of Jazer: thy plants are gone over the sea, they reach even to the sea of Jazer: the spoiler is fallen upon thy summer fruits and upon thy vintage. Beon Numbers 32:38 And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded. Jump to Previous At'aroth Dibon Elaleh Elealeh Elea'leh Heshbon Jaazer Jazer Nebo NimrahJump to Next At'aroth Dibon Elaleh Elealeh Elea'leh Heshbon Jaazer Jazer Nebo NimrahNumbers 32 1. The Reubenites and Gadites ask for inheritance on the east side of Jordan6. Moses reproves them 16. They offer him conditions with which he is content 33. Moses assigns them the land 39. They conquer it. Ataroth Ataroth was a city located east of the Jordan River, in the territory that would later be associated with the tribe of Gad. It is mentioned in various biblical passages as a place of significance for the Reubenites and Gadites. Archaeological evidence suggests it was a fortified city, indicating its strategic importance. The name "Ataroth" means "crowns," which may symbolize its prominence or the fertility of the surrounding land. Dibon Jazer Nimrah Heshbon Elealeh Sebam Nebo Beon Persons / Places / Events 1. AtarothA city located east of the Jordan River, significant for its fertile land, which the tribes of Reuben and Gad desired for their livestock. 2. Dibon Another city in the region of Moab, known for its strategic location and resources, making it attractive for settlement. 3. Jazer A city with surrounding pasturelands, important for agricultural and livestock purposes. 4. Nimrah A location noted for its water resources, essential for sustaining large herds. 5. Heshbon A major city in the region, previously a stronghold of the Amorites, now sought by the Israelites for its strategic and economic value. 6. Elealeh A city near Heshbon, known for its elevation and fertile surroundings. 7. Sebam Also known as Sibmah, a place noted for its vineyards and agricultural productivity. 8. Nebo A city near Mount Nebo, significant for its proximity to the Promised Land and its resources. 9. Beon A lesser-known location, but part of the collective request by the tribes for settlement. Teaching Points The Importance of StewardshipThe tribes of Reuben and Gad recognized the value of the land for their livestock, emphasizing the need for responsible stewardship of resources God provides. Seeking God's Will Before settling, the tribes sought Moses' approval, illustrating the importance of seeking divine guidance and leadership in decision-making. Community and Commitment Their request included a commitment to support the other tribes in conquering the Promised Land, teaching the value of community and shared responsibility. Balancing Desires with Duty The tribes balanced their desire for fertile land with their duty to the larger community, a lesson in prioritizing collective goals over individual desires. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 32:3?2. Why did the tribes request "the land the LORD subdued before Israel"? 3. How does Numbers 32:3 demonstrate trust in God's provision and promises? 4. What lessons can we learn about contentment from Numbers 32:3? 5. How does Numbers 32:3 relate to God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis? 6. How can we apply the tribes' request to our own spiritual journey today? 7. Why did the tribes of Reuben and Gad request land outside the Promised Land in Numbers 32:3? 8. How does Numbers 32:3 reflect the Israelites' trust in God's plan for the Promised Land? 9. What historical evidence supports the settlement of Reuben and Gad east of the Jordan River? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 32? 11. What lies east of the Jordan River? 12. What are the names and meanings of Israel's twelve tribes? 13. Numbers 32:34-38: Can we verify the rapid construction or fortification of these cities in Transjordan through any historical or archaeological findings? 14. Does God change His mind? (Numbers 23:19 vs. Exodus 32:14) What Does Numbers 32:3 Mean Ataroth- Scripture tells us that this town lay in the land taken from Sihon (cf. Numbers 32:33). Gad later “rebuilt Dibon, Ataroth, and Aroer” (Numbers 32:34), showing immediate, practical obedience to God’s literal gift of territory. - By naming it first, the tribes underline how completely God had already begun fulfilling His promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21). These stones stood as proof that the conquest was real, not theoretical. - Personal take-away: when God places tangible evidence of His faithfulness in front of us—much like the rebuilt walls of Ataroth—we honor Him by inhabiting those blessings rather than longing for something else. Dibon - Dibon sat on the broad plateau of Moab and became a major livestock center. Numbers 33:45-46 records Israel camping nearby, and Isaiah 15:2 later laments its judgment, proving the town’s continuous occupation. - For Gad and Reuben, grazing land was God’s immediate provision; the lesson is contentment inside His revealed will. They were not abandoning the mission—they simply recognized the goodness of the land He had already conquered for them. - Isaiah’s later prophecy reminds us that even established blessings can fade if we drift from obedience. Jazer - Numbers 21:32 states, “After Moses had sent spies to Jazer, Israel captured its villages and drove out the Amorites who were there”. The reconnaissance turned into rapid victory—evidence that strategy and faith walk hand in hand. - Later prophets weep over Jazer’s future fall (Isaiah 16:9; Jeremiah 48:32), underlining that prosperity never excuses compromise. - Application: conquering new ground in life must be matched by continued faithfulness, or hard-won territory can be lost. Nimrah - Elsewhere called “Beth-nimrah” (Joshua 13:27), this site lay in the Jordan Valley with abundant springs—ideal for flocks. Numbers 32:36 records Gad rebuilding it. - The clear water pictures the living provision Christ later promises (John 7:38). Real places with real springs foreshadow spiritual refreshment that is just as real. - Settling by fresh water was wise stewardship, not faithlessness. God rarely asks us to ignore commonsense gifts He hands us. Heshbon - Once the capital of King Sihon (Numbers 21:26), Heshbon symbolized pagan power toppled by Israel. “Israel took all these cities, and Israel settled in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon and in all its villages” (Numbers 21:25). - Giving this strategic fortress to Reuben and Gad showed that God entrusts former strongholds of the enemy to those ready to guard them. - Deuteronomy 2:24 recalls God’s charge, “Begin to possess it.” Obedience sometimes means fortifying a place the enemy once celebrated. Elealeh - Located just north of Heshbon, Elealeh often appears with it (Isaiah 15:4; Jeremiah 48:34). The pairing hints at a community network rather than isolated outposts. - The tribes accepted God’s design for partnership: no lone rangers, but interlocking cities supporting one another. - Modern parallel: believers thrive when local fellowship stays interconnected, sharing resources and defense. Sebam - Also called Sibmah (Numbers 32:38), famed for its vineyards (Isaiah 16:8-9). The land didn’t only feed livestock; it produced fruit. - John 15:16 reminds us we are appointed “to go and bear fruit.” Sebam’s vines make that calling tangible—again tying literal soil to spiritual truth. - Jeremiah 48:32 foretells Moab’s future wailing over ruined vines, warning that fruitfulness depends on continued covenant loyalty. Nebo - Distinct from Mount Nebo where Moses later dies (Deuteronomy 34:1), this town shared the name and sat on the same ridge system. Numbers 32:38 notes it was “renamed.” - Renaming declares ownership under God, the same principle behind Abraham’s and Jacob’s new names (Genesis 17:5; 32:28). - Taking God-given identity seriously guards us against cultural rebranding that would pull us off mission. Beon - Parallel to “Baal-meon” (Numbers 32:38; Joshua 13:17). The former name preserved a memory of idolatry (“Baal”), but the tribes dropped that prefix, signalling verbal repentance even while settling physically. - Ezekiel 25:9 later lists Baal-meon among cities judged for pride. Stripping the “Baal” early was wise; sin loses its grip when we rename and repurpose places for God’s glory. - Every believer has “Beons”—areas once tied to past idols that now must serve the Lord. summary Each location in Numbers 32:3 is a literal, conquerable dot on Israel’s budding map—and a living reminder that God keeps His word right down to the coordinates. Reuben and Gad accepted the land God placed before them, pledged to fight for the rest of Israel, and immediately rebuilt strategic towns, watered plains, and fertile vineyards. Their choices teach us to embrace blessings, stay linked to the larger body, and transform former enemy territory into strongholds of worship. Scripture’s concrete geography grounds our faith in rock-solid reality, urging us to plant ourselves where God directs and let every reclaimed place shout His faithfulness. Verse 3. - Ataroth. As to the nine places here mentioned, see on verses 34-38. They all lie to the south of Gilead, properly so called, within a comparatively short distance of the route by which the main body of the Israelites had advanced. Probably the cattle which followed the host were still grazing under guard around these places, and it was very natural that tribes which had hitherto lived closely crowded together should not at first contemplate spreading themselves very far afield.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Ataroth,עֲטָר֤וֹת (‘ă·ṭā·rō·wṯ) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5852: Ataroth -- the name of several places in Israel Dibon, וְדִיבֹן֙ (wə·ḏî·ḇōn) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1769: Dibon -- a city in Moab, also a place in Judah Jazer, וְיַעְזֵ֣ר (wə·ya‘·zêr) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3270: Jazer -- a place East of the Jordan Nimrah, וְנִמְרָ֔ה (wə·nim·rāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5247: Nimrah -- 'place of leopard', a place East of the Jordan Heshbon, וְחֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן (wə·ḥeš·bō·wn) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 2809: Heshbon -- a place East of the Jordan Elealeh, וְאֶלְעָלֵ֑ה (wə·’el·‘ā·lêh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 500: Elealeh -- 'God ascends', four Israelites Sebam, וּשְׂבָ֥ם (ū·śə·ḇām) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7643: Sibmah -- a place in Moab Nebo, וּנְב֖וֹ (ū·nə·ḇōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5015: Nebo -- a city in Moab, also a mountain in Moab and Beon, וּבְעֹֽן׃ (ū·ḇə·‘ōn) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1194: Beon -- a place East of the Jordan Links Numbers 32:3 NIVNumbers 32:3 NLT Numbers 32:3 ESV Numbers 32:3 NASB Numbers 32:3 KJV Numbers 32:3 BibleApps.com Numbers 32:3 Biblia Paralela Numbers 32:3 Chinese Bible Numbers 32:3 French Bible Numbers 32:3 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 32:3 Ataroth and Dibon and Jazer and Nimrah (Nu Num.) |