Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 32:38
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Nebo refers to a mountain in Moab where Moses died, also a Babylonian deity. The mountain is located east of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho.
Definition: Nebo = "prophet" the mountain where Moses died; located east of the Jordan opposite Jericho Also named: a.va.rim (עֲבָרִים "Abarim" H5682)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Nebo. See also: Numbers 32:3; Ezra 2:29; Isaiah 15:2.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Baal-meon was a town in Reuben, east of the Jordan River, mentioned in connection with Nebo and the time of Ezekiel. It was also associated with the Moabites. The name means 'lord of the habitation'.
Definition: § Baal-meon = "lord of the habitation" a town in Reuben, mentioned in connection with Nebo, and in the time of Ezekiel, Moabite
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Baal-meon. See also: Numbers 32:38; 1 Chronicles 5:8; Ezekiel 25:9.
Baal-meon was a town in Reuben, east of the Jordan River, mentioned in connection with Nebo and the time of Ezekiel. It was also associated with the Moabites. The name means 'lord of the habitation'.
Definition: § Baal-meon = "lord of the habitation" a town in Reuben, mentioned in connection with Nebo, and in the time of Ezekiel, Moabite
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Baal-meon. See also: Numbers 32:38; 1 Chronicles 5:8; Ezekiel 25:9.
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Sibmah was a town in Moab, east of the Jordan River, known for its fragrance and allotted to the tribes of Reuben and Gad.
Definition: § Shebam or Shibmah or Sibmah = "fragrance" one of the towns in the pastoral district on the east of the Jordan in Moab; allotted to the tribes of Reuben and Gad
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Shebam, Shibmah, Sibmah. See also: Numbers 32:3; Isaiah 16:8; Isaiah 16:9.
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
Context — The Tribes East of the Jordan
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Isaiah 46:1 |
Bel crouches; Nebo cowers. Their idols weigh down beasts and cattle. The images you carry are burdensome, a load to the weary animal. |
| 2 |
Numbers 32:3 |
“Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, |
| 3 |
Joshua 23:7 |
So you are not to associate with these nations that remain among you. You must not call on the names of their gods or swear by them, and you must not serve them or bow down to them. |
| 4 |
Exodus 23:13 |
Pay close attention to everything I have said to you. You must not invoke the names of other gods; they must not be heard on your lips. |
| 5 |
Psalms 16:4 |
Sorrows will multiply to those who chase other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood, or speak their names with my lips. |
| 6 |
Numbers 22:41 |
The next morning, Balak took Balaam and brought him up to Bamoth-baal. From there he could see the outskirts of the camp of the people. |
| 7 |
Genesis 26:18 |
Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the days of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died. And he gave these wells the same names his father had given them. |
Numbers 32:38 Summary
[The Israelites were taking over the land that God had promised to them, and they were making it their own by rebuilding and renaming the cities, like Nebo and Baal-meon, as seen in Numbers 32:38. This was a way of saying, 'This land is now ours, and we will use it to worship and serve God.' (Deuteronomy 1:8) It's like when God gives us a new name or a new purpose in life, and we get to start fresh and make a new beginning (2 Corinthians 5:17). We can learn from the Israelites' example by trusting in God's promises and being obedient to His commands, even when it's hard.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the names of some cities change in Numbers 32:38?
The names were changed to reflect the new ownership and control of the cities by the Israelites, as seen in the example of Nebo and Baal-meon, whose names were changed, similar to how Jacob's name was changed to Israel in Genesis 32:28.
What does it mean that they 'renamed the cities they rebuilt' in Numbers 32:38?
Renaming the cities signified the Israelites' claim of ownership and dominance over the previously inhabited areas, much like how God renamed Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17:5 and Genesis 17:15-16, symbolizing a new covenant and promise.
How does Numbers 32:38 relate to the concept of inheritance in the Bible?
The renaming and rebuilding of cities in Numbers 32:38 illustrates the concept of inheritance, where the Israelites were taking possession of the land promised to them by God, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:8 and Joshua 1:6.
What can we learn from the Israelites' actions in Numbers 32:38 about our own relationship with God?
The Israelites' actions demonstrate obedience to God's commands and trust in His promises, serving as an example for us to follow, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can claim my spiritual inheritance, just as the Israelites claimed their physical inheritance in Numbers 32:38?
- How can I apply the concept of renaming and rebuilding to my own life, symbolizing a new start or a fresh beginning in my walk with God?
- What promises has God made to me, and how can I trust in His faithfulness to fulfill them, just as the Israelites trusted in God's promise of the land?
- In what ways can I demonstrate obedience to God's commands, even when it's challenging or uncertain, as the Israelites did in Numbers 32:38?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 32:38
And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,).... For Nebo was the name of an idol, after which perhaps the city was called: Baalmeon signifies "Baal's habitation", and where it is highly
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 32:38
And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded. Nebo - now Neba, near the mountain of that name (cf. 1 Chronicles 5:8; 1 Chronicles 15:2; Jeremiah 48:1).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 32:38
Nebo; of which city see . Their names being changed; either because conquerors of places use to do so; or because the names of other gods (which Nebo and Baal-meon unquestionably were) were not to be mentioned, , especially at the first settling of the Israelites there, that the very remembrance of the idols might be blotted out, and so the temptation to idolatry removed, though afterwards, when that danger was over, they were called by their old names again, ,20.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 32:38
Numbers 32:38 And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded.Ver. 38. Their names being changed.] Out of detestation of those idols, Baal, Nebo, &c. Absit ut de ore Christiano sonet Iupiter omnipotens, et Mehercule, et Mecastor, et caetera, magis portenta quam nuraina, saith Jerome. Heathenish gods should not be so far honoured as to be heard of out of Christian mouths, nor Popish idols neither. I myself, saith Latimer, have used in mine earnest matters, to say, Yea, by the rood, by the mass, by St Mary, which indeed is naught. Some simple folk say, they may swear by the mass, because there is no such thing; and by our lady, because she is gone out of the country. Sermon in Third Sunday in Advent.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 32:38
Verse 38. And Nebo - their names being changed] That is, Those who conquered the cities called them after their own names. Thus the city Kenath, being conquered by Nobah, was called after his name, Numbers 32:42.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 32:38
38. their names being changed] The parenthesis is strange, for the change of names by the Manassites is related immediately afterwards. Some think that it is a marginal note to the reader that the names are to be changed and read otherwise than they are written in the text. The words refer to Nebo and Baal-meon. Both Nebo and Baal suggested pagan worship, and the latter was frequently altered, e.g. Ish-bosheth, Mephi-bosheth, El-yada, for Ish-baal, Merib-baal, Baal-yada.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 32:38
38. Baal-meon — See Beon, Numbers 32:3, note. Names… changed — Numbers 32:3, note. Shibmah — See Shebam, Numbers 32:3, note.
Sermons on Numbers 32:38
| Sermon | Description |
|
Rev. 3:8. the Church's Little Strength, and the Lord's Great Love
by Horatius Bonar
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Horatius Bonar emphasizes the tender love and gracious character of Christ as depicted in Revelation 3:8, where He acknowledges the Church's little strength while offering an open |
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Isaiah 46:1
by Chuck Smith
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Chuck Smith emphasizes the contrast between supporting false gods and being supported by the true and living God. He illustrates how many people are burdened by the idols they crea |
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Separation From False Worship, Idolatry & Popish Principles
by John Calvin
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In this sermon on Psalm 16:4, John Calvin emphasizes the importance of dedicating ourselves to God once we have come to know Him as our Father and Jesus Christ as our Redeemer. He |
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Studies in Psalm 16:-04
by James K. Boswell
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In this sermon, the preacher starts by talking about a football game where Georgia won 44-7. He then tells a story about a man who lied about being part of the winning team. The pr |
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Studies in Psalm 16:-01
by James K. Boswell
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In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing how people often use technology without fully understanding how it works. He then shares a story about a doctor who operated on a b |
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Psalm 16
by Henry Law
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Henry Law preaches about the believer's joy in their present state and the bright hope of rising to eternal life, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God and walking in faith |
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A Soldier That Stands
by Lester Roloff
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In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of a girl who was lost and struggling with addiction at a young age. However, she found salvation in Jesus Christ who led he |