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Notes
After the Israelites arrived at the plains of Moab, across from Jericho (22:1), they camped there. They remained in that place for the rest of the events recorded in Numbers (see 36:13; Deuteronomy 34:8).
While they camped there, God gave Israel specific instructions on how to deal with the people of Canaan. The Lord commanded them to destroy the people groups living in Canaan and remove all traces of their religious practices (compare Exodus 23:23–33; 34:11–17; Deuteronomy 7:1–6; 12:2–4; Joshua 23:4–8).
Moses said they must destroy carved and metal idols (compare Leviticus 26:1). They were also to tear down pagan places of worship (see Deuteronomy 12:2–3).
This review of the entire wilderness period includes the longest connected list of place names in the Old Testament. It begins with Israel’s departure from Egypt (33:3; compare Exodus 12:37). It ends with their arrival in the plains of Moab, across from Jericho (Numbers 33:49; compare 22:1).
The list names 42 stopping places along the way. These places represent more than a physical journey from one land to another. They also remind readers of Israel’s forty years of spiritual growth and testing.
Israel traveled from Rameses in Egypt (33:3) to Abel-shittim on the plains of Moab (33:49). During these years, the people became ready to enter the land of Canaan and receive the promises God had made to Abraham.
This list does not give enough information to trace an exact route on a map. Many of the places cannot be identified with certainty. Some of these names do not appear anywhere else in the Hebrew Bible.
In addition, there are not enough details to locate these places precisely. The list is also selective. It does not include every place that earlier parts of the journey mention.