Lexical Summary Oboth: Oboth Original Word: אֹבֹת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Oboth Plural of 'owb; water-skins; Oboth, a place in the Desert -- Oboth. see HEBREW 'owb NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originpl. of ob Definition "water-skins," a place in Edom NASB Translation Oboth (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֹבֹת proper name, of a location (water-skins) station of Israel in wilderness Numbers 21:10; Numbers 34:43; not yet determined, probably on eastern skirts of Idumea not far from Moab; accusative to Wetzst in DeCt 168 Wêba,  in the Arabah, but identification not probably; compare Di on Numbers 21:10. אוד (be curved, bent, also transitive burden, oppress, compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Oboth was a wilderness campsite east of the Arabah, between the territories of Edom and Moab. The route from Mount Hor to Oboth followed the ancient trade artery later known as the King’s Highway, skirting the inhospitable eastern edge of Edom and turning northward toward the high plains of Moab. Modern proposals place the site in the arid eastern desert of present-day Jordan, roughly halfway between the copper-mining district of Punon (Faynan) and the ascent to the plateau of Moab. Although its exact location remains unverified archaeologically, the narrative context situates Oboth in a desolate region where dependable water sources were scarce and travel was demanding. Biblical Narrative Oboth is mentioned only four times, all within the itinerary sections that record Israel’s movements during the final stages of the wilderness wanderings. • Numbers 21:10: “Then the Israelites set out and camped at Oboth.” In the broader storyline Israel had just skirted Edom, whose king refused passage (Numbers 20:14-21). The detour lengthened their journey but spared them from premature conflict. Oboth therefore stands as the first night’s encampment after the nation redirected its march to avoid Edomite territory. Historical Context The travel log of Numbers 33 was intended as a tangible record of divine faithfulness, preserving each stopping point to remind later generations that Israel moved at the command of the Lord (Numbers 33:2). Oboth, though unremarkable on its own, testifies to a God-directed itinerary. From Oboth the nation advanced to Iye-abarim, Dibon-gad, and eventually the fields of Moab opposite Jericho (Numbers 33:45-49), setting the stage for Moses’ final sermons and Israel’s entrance into Canaan. Theological Significance 1. Guidance in the Wilderness. Oboth marks another instance of God leading His people through inhospitable terrain while sustaining them daily. The campsite underscores the truth voiced later by Moses: “He led you through that great and terrifying wilderness... that He might humble you and test you” (Deuteronomy 8:15-16). 2. Separation from Esau’s Line. By bypassing Edom and stopping at Oboth, Israel respected God’s earlier instruction not to harass their Edomite relatives (Deuteronomy 2:4-5). Oboth therefore illustrates obedience to revelation even when compliance appears inconvenient. 3. Preparation for the Battles Ahead. Shortly after Oboth, Israel defeated Sihon and Og, victories that emboldened the nation for the conquest of Canaan. The pause at Oboth lies on the threshold of these conquests, a transitional waypoint between weary wandering and decisive advance. Lessons for Ministry and Discipleship • Faithful Record-Keeping. The inspired travel log that includes Oboth encourages believers and ministries to recount God’s providences, building a heritage of remembrance for future disciples. Archaeological and Scholarly Notes Oboth’s elusive location invites ongoing research in the Edomite-Moabite borderlands. Seasonal wadis, bedouin waterholes, and Iron Age copper-mining sites all offer potential clues. Yet the uncertainty itself attests to the peripheral, pilgrim character of Israel’s journey: they were “strangers and sojourners” (1 Peter 2:11) whose ultimate homeland was yet ahead. Summary Oboth serves as a modest yet meaningful station in Israel’s Exodus itinerary. Though little more than a night’s halt, it bears witness to God’s guiding presence, Israel’s submission to His word, and the unfolding plan that would soon lead the nation across the Jordan. Modern believers find in Oboth a quiet affirmation that every stage of the journey—no matter how barren or brief—lies under the sure direction of the Lord who shepherds His people toward their promised inheritance. Forms and Transliterations בְּאֹבֹֽת׃ באבת׃ מֵאֹבֹ֑ת מאבת bə’ōḇōṯ bə·’ō·ḇōṯ beoVot mê’ōḇōṯ mê·’ō·ḇōṯ meoVotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 21:10 HEB: יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּאֹבֹֽת׃ NAS: moved out and camped in Oboth. KJV: set forward, and pitched in Oboth. INT: of Israel and camped Oboth Numbers 21:11 Numbers 33:43 Numbers 33:44 4 Occurrences |
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