What significance does the "Arnon slopes" hold in Israel's journey and spiritual growth? Tracing the Route: Where Are the Arnon Slopes? “From there they set out and camped in the Valley of Zered. Then they journeyed from the Valley of Zered and camped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness that extends into Amorite territory. For the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. Therefore it is stated in the Book of the Wars of the LORD: ‘… the ravines of the Arnon and the slopes of the ravines that reach to the site of Ar and lie along the border of Moab.’” (Numbers 21:12-15) • Arnon (modern Wadi Mujib) cuts a deep canyon from the desert into the Dead Sea. • Israel moved from wandering in open wilderness to a place hemmed in by steep ravines—a natural frontier between Moabite land and Amorite land. • Crossing the Arnon signaled the end of 38 years of judgment and the start of conquest-era faith (Numbers 21:21-25; Deuteronomy 2:24-25). Boundary Lines Marked by God • The Arnon was not chosen by Israel; God sovereignly led them there (Exodus 13:17-18; Psalm 37:23). • Boundaries remind God’s people that He alone assigns inheritance and timing (Deuteronomy 32:8-9; Acts 17:26). • By keeping Israel this side of Moab, the Lord preserved covenant promises to Lot’s descendants (Deuteronomy 2:9). Obedience to divine borders nurtured trust and restraint. A Transition from Discipline to Destiny • Wilderness years taught dependence (Deuteronomy 8:2-4). Now, at Arnon, the nation pivoted from surviving to advancing. • The steep ravines illustrate the “valley-to-summit” pattern of growth—humbling then exalting (1 Peter 5:6). • Israel’s first victories over Sihon and Og occurred immediately after Arnon (Numbers 21:24, 35). Spiritual momentum often follows moments of clarified boundaries. The Book of the Wars of the LORD • Numbers 21:14 quotes an early record of God’s triumphs. Arnon’s cliffs echoed with songs of His past deliverances. • Remembering God’s track record fueled present courage (Psalm 77:11-12; Revelation 12:11). • Every believer carries a “book” of the Lord’s wars won on their behalf; Arnon moments invite rehearsal of those testimonies. Foreshadowing Greater Victories • Crossing ravines anticipates the later Jordan crossing (Joshua 3-4). Both involve stepping into promised territory by faith. • The sharp divide between Moab and Amorites pictures the believer’s break with the old life and entry into Spirit-empowered warfare (Romans 6:4-11; Galatians 5:24-25). • Just as Israel soon defeated giant-king Og, we face strongholds only after we accept God-drawn boundaries and move forward (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Take-Home Truths from the Arnon Slopes • God sets borders to protect promise; respecting them positions us for victory. • Valleys and steep cliffs are not detours; they signal a new era when past lessons become present strength. • Recalling the Lord’s former wars at each “slope” fuels faith for the next summit. • When the Lord says, “Rise, take up and cross!” (Deuteronomy 2:24), our task is simple trust and obedient advance. |
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