What lessons can we learn from Israel's encampments in Numbers 33:47? Verse Under Study “They set out from Almon-diblathaim and camped at the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo.” (Numbers 33:47) A Snapshot of the Journey • Almon-diblathaim: a barren plain in Moab—picture of the wilderness still behind them • Mountains of Abarim, before Nebo: the very ridge from which Moses will soon view the Promised Land (Numbers 27:12; Deuteronomy 32:48-52; 34:1) Lessons About God’s Guidance • God leads one stage at a time. Israel could not skip Almon-diblathaim, but neither were they left there; each camp testified, “The LORD is directing our steps” (Proverbs 16:9). • Geography reinforces promise. Every mile east of the Jordan shouted, “Almost home.” God’s promises are exact and observable. • Nearness brings new instructions. From Abarim, the Lord will give final laws and land-allotment details (Numbers 34–36). Obedience opens the way for further revelation. Lessons About Personal Preparation • Abarim was elevated ground—literally a higher perspective. God often grants clearer vision after seasons of arid wandering (Isaiah 40:31). • The people could look back over the desert and ahead to Canaan. Healthy disciples remember past deliverance while anticipating future inheritance (Deuteronomy 8:2). • Camping, not settling. Even on a mountain, the tents remained temporary. Believers live as “strangers and exiles on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). Lessons About Leadership and Legacy • Moses would ascend Nebo from this very camp (Deuteronomy 34:1). Leaders must bring God’s people as close to the promise as they themselves are allowed to go (2 Timothy 4:7-8). • Joshua observed these final moves, learning to trust God’s route rather than human strategy (Joshua 1:6-7). • The record in Numbers 33 preserves every campsite, underscoring that history matters; testimony fuels the faith of the next generation (Psalm 78:4). Lessons About Finishing Well • Almost there is not all the way. Israel still needed to cross Jordan, conquer Jericho, and occupy the land (Joshua 3-6). Pressing on is essential (Philippians 3:13-14). • The view from Abarim reminds God’s people that His Word will be fulfilled exactly as spoken; therefore endurance is never wasted (Hebrews 10:36). • Final stations call for fresh consecration. Before crossing, Israel will soon renew covenant, circumcise the next generation, and observe Passover (Joshua 5:1-12). Nearness to promise intensifies, not lessens, the call to holiness. |
    |