They set out from Dibon-gadDibon-gad is a location mentioned in the wilderness journey of the Israelites. It is likely named after the tribe of Gad, one of the tribes of Israel that settled in the Transjordan region. This area is east of the Jordan River, which was allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The movement from Dibon-gad signifies the Israelites' continued journey towards the Promised Land, highlighting their obedience to God's command to move forward despite the challenges of the wilderness. This journey reflects the Christian life as a pilgrimage, moving from the old life of bondage to the new life in Christ.
and camped at Almon-diblathaim.
Almon-diblathaim is another station in the Israelites' wilderness journey. The name may suggest a place associated with fig cakes, as "diblath" can be related to "diblathah," meaning "fig cakes." This location is part of the Moabite territory, indicating the Israelites' proximity to the Promised Land. The camping at Almon-diblathaim represents a temporary resting place, reminding believers of the transient nature of earthly life and the ultimate rest found in God. The journey from Dibon-gad to Almon-diblathaim can be seen as a type of the Christian journey, where each step is guided by God's providence, leading to the fulfillment of His promises.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Dibon-gadA location where the Israelites camped during their wilderness journey. It is named after the tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
2.
Almon-diblathaimAnother campsite for the Israelites. The name suggests a place of fig cakes, indicating perhaps a region known for its produce or a specific characteristic of the area.
3.
The IsraelitesThe people of God, led by Moses, journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. This verse is part of a larger recounting of their travels.
4.
The Wilderness JourneyThe broader context of this verse is the Israelites' 40-year journey through the wilderness, a time of testing, learning, and reliance on God.
5.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness.
Teaching Points
The Journey of FaithThe Israelites' journey from Dibon-gad to Almon-diblathaim is a reminder that our spiritual journey involves moving from one stage to another, often through challenging terrains.
Trust in God's ProvisionJust as God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, we are called to trust in His provision and guidance in our lives, even when the path is uncertain.
Learning from the PastThe detailed record of the Israelites' journey serves as a historical lesson for us to learn from their successes and failures in faith.
The Importance of ObedienceThe Israelites' journey underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands, as disobedience led to prolonged wandering.
Community and LeadershipThe journey highlights the role of community and leadership in faith, as Moses led the people according to God's direction.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 33:46?
2.How does Numbers 33:46 illustrate God's guidance in Israel's journey?
3.What lessons from Numbers 33:46 can we apply to our spiritual walk?
4.How does Numbers 33:46 connect to God's promises in Exodus?
5.Why is it important to remember each stop in Israel's journey?
6.How can we trust God's plan through life's "journeys" like in Numbers 33:46?
7.What is the significance of Numbers 33:46 in the Israelites' journey?
8.How does Numbers 33:46 reflect God's guidance in the Israelites' travels?
9.What archaeological evidence supports the locations mentioned in Numbers 33:46?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 33?
11.What is the purpose of the Tent of Meeting?
12.Why are many locations in Numbers 33:5-49 unidentified or disputed, casting doubt on the authenticity of this desert route?
13.What rationale is given for excluding Levites from the census in Numbers 1:47-53, and how does this affect the overall population count?
14.In Numbers 11:4-6, is there any archaeological or historical evidence supporting the Israelites' complaints and the provision of quail in the wilderness?What Does Numbers 33:46 Mean
They set out“They set out...” (Numbers 33:46).
• Every journey in Israel’s wilderness wandering began only when “the cloud lifted” (Numbers 9:17). By moving, the people demonstrated obedience to the LORD’s timing (Exodus 13:21).
• God’s leadership is active, not static. Just as He later led Joshua across the Jordan (Joshua 3:3-4), He now urges His people forward.
• Faith grows through motion; staying put when God says “Go” stunts spiritual maturity (Hebrews 11:8-9).
from Dibon-gad• Dibon was part of the territory requested by the tribes of Reuben and Gad (Numbers 32:34-36). By departing, the whole nation acknowledged that even “promising” locations were only way-stations until God settled them in Canaan (Deuteronomy 12:10-11).
• Leaving a place associated with their own choice (Gad’s requested land) underscores that ultimate security rests in God’s plan, not personal preference (Proverbs 16:9).
• This move also kept the entire camp united; no tribe could settle prematurely while others journeyed (Numbers 32:14-15).
and camped• Camping illustrates God’s rhythm of work and rest. After movement came pause, echoing the Sabbath principle (Exodus 16:23-30).
• Each encampment gave space for worship through the tabernacle (Numbers 2:2). Even on the move, relationship with the LORD remained central (Psalm 90:1).
• Temporary shelters remind believers that life itself is a pilgrimage; our “citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).
at Almon-diblathaim• Almon-diblathaim lay in the plains of Moab near Nebo (Numbers 33:47;Deuteronomy 34:1), placing Israel within sight of the Promised Land. Hope was close, yet patience was still required.
• The location’s closeness to Moab recalls God’s earlier protection from Moabite opposition (Numbers 22–24). What once threatened now lay behind.
• Soon after this stop, Israel would camp by the Jordan across from Jericho (Numbers 33:50), setting the stage for conquest. Every campsite serves a purpose in God’s unfolding story (Joshua 4:19).
summaryNumbers 33:46 records more than ancient geography; it traces a step in God’s faithful guidance. Israel moved when He moved, left comfort zones like Dibon-gad, rested wherever He appointed, and in Almon-diblathaim saw the finish line drawing near. Each phrase of the verse invites us to trust God’s timing, cherish His presence in every pause, and keep eyes fixed on the destination He has promised.
Verse 46. -
Almon-diblathaim. Probably the same as the Beth-diblathaim mentioned in
Jeremiah 48:22 as a Moabitish town contignous to Dibon, Nebo, and Kiriathaim. The name, which signifies "hiding-place of the two circles" or "cakes," was doubtless due either to some local legend, or more probably to the fanciful interpretation of some peculiar feature in the landscape.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
They set outוַיִּסְע֖וּ(way·yis·‘ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5265:To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journeyfrom Dibon-gadמִדִּיבֹ֣ן(mid·dî·ḇōn)Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1769:Dibon -- a city in Moab, also a place in Judahand campedוַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ(way·ya·ḥă·nū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2583:To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encampat Almon-diblathaim.דִּבְלָתָֽיְמָה׃(diḇ·lā·ṯā·yə·māh)Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5963:Almon-diblathaim -- a place in Moab
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OT Law: Numbers 33:46 They traveled from Dibon Gad and encamped (Nu Num.) 
