Definition: And they journeyed from Oboth, and pitched at Ijeabarim, in the wilderness which [is] before Moab, toward the sunrising.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse together! Here's a simple explanation: The Verse: “Numbers 21:11 And they journeyed from Oboth, and pitched at Ijeabarim, in the wilderness which [is] before Moab, toward the sunrising.” What it means in plain language: This verse describes a very dramatic and frightening event that happened during the Israelites' escape from Pharaoh’s army. Here’s what’s happening: “Numbers 21:11” : This is a specific passage within the Book of Numbers, which tells about a major battle. “And they journeyed from Oboth…” : “Oboth” was an ancient name for a place in Israel, and it’s important because it's where the Israelites were tricked into leaving the Promised Land. They were forced to go there. It means "the one who is lost." “…and pitched at Ijeabarim…” : They set up camp near a specific location called Ijeabarim. Think of it as a temporary base camp. “in the wilderness which [is] before Moab…” : This is crucially important. They are now in a really, really remote and dangerous area – before Moab. Moab is a region to the east of Israel, and it’s where the Israelites were being pursued. “toward the sunrising” : This means they started moving towards the sunrise – a time when the sun rises over the horizon. It's a symbolic start to their long journey. The Big Picture: Essentially, the verse describes the Israelites’ desperate and chaotic escape from Pharaoh’s army. They were forced to go into a very isolated and perilous area, and they started their journey toward the east, with the sun rising as a signal of a new beginning (or perhaps a dark start). Important Note: This is a really unsettling passage because it describes a horrifying situation – a group of people being tricked and forced into an incredibly dangerous location. It’s often interpreted as a sign of God's judgment and a reminder that disobedience can have serious consequences. --- To help me explain further, could you tell me: What specifically about this verse are you curious about? (e.g., the symbolism, its historical context, what it means for the Israelites?)