Topical Bible: Nebo: A City Allotted to the Tribe of Reuben

◄ Nebo: A City Allotted to the Tribe of Reuben ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Nebo is a city mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the territorial allotments given to the tribes of Israel. It is located east of the Jordan River and is part of the land allocated to the tribe of Reuben. The city of Nebo is distinct from Mount Nebo, the mountain from which Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death.

Biblical References:

The city of Nebo is first mentioned in the Book of Numbers as part of the land conquered by the Israelites under the leadership of Moses. In Numbers 32:3, the Reubenites and Gadites express their desire to settle in the land of Jazer and Gilead, which includes Nebo: "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon."

Later, in the Book of Joshua, Nebo is listed among the cities given to the tribe of Reuben as part of their inheritance. Joshua 13:16-17 states: "Their territory was from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, the entire plateau of Medeba, Heshbon, and all its cities on the plateau, including Dibon, Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon, Jahaz, Kedemoth, Mephaath, Kiriathaim, Sibmah, Zereth-shahar on the hill in the valley, Beth-peor, the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth."

Historical and Geographical Context:

Nebo, as a city, was situated in the region of Moab, which is present-day Jordan. The area was known for its fertile land and strategic location, making it a desirable possession for the tribes of Israel. The city was part of the larger region of Gilead, which was known for its balm and other natural resources.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

The city of Nebo, like many other cities in the region, was influenced by the surrounding Moabite culture. The Israelites were often warned against adopting the idolatrous practices of the Moabites, which included the worship of the god Chemosh. Despite these warnings, the Israelites sometimes fell into idolatry, as seen in various accounts throughout the Old Testament.

Prophetic References:

The city of Nebo is also mentioned in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. In Isaiah 15:2, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the impending judgment on Moab, including Nebo: "Dibon goes up to its temple, to its high places to weep; Moab wails over Nebo and Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off."

Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah prophesies against Moab in Jeremiah 48:1: "Concerning Moab, this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: 'Woe to Nebo, for it will be laid waste. Kiriathaim will be captured; the fortress will be disgraced and shattered.'"

These prophetic declarations highlight the city's significance within the broader narrative of Israel's history and God's dealings with the nations surrounding Israel.

Archaeological Insights:

While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying the ancient city of Nebo is limited, the general region has been the subject of various excavations. These have provided insights into the Moabite culture and the historical context of the biblical narrative. Artifacts and inscriptions from the region have helped scholars better understand the interactions between the Israelites and their neighbors.

In summary, Nebo serves as a testament to the complex history of the Israelites' settlement in the Promised Land and their interactions with surrounding cultures. The city's mention in both historical and prophetic texts underscores its importance in the biblical narrative.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 32:3,38
Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,
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1 Chronicles 5:8
And Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who dwelled in Aroer, even to Nebo and Baalmeon:
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Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... promised land from the summit of Mount Nebo, but he ... The walls of the city fell of
themselves at the ... spoil, and assigned to each tribe his allotted portion of ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... they requested that a special bazaar might be allotted to them ... wife shall be an harlot
in the city, and thy ... the gods,"to Bel, to Zirbanit, to Nebo, to Tashmit ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm