What does Numbers 32:34 mean?

"¶ And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer," - Numbers 32:34

Numbers 32:34 - "¶ And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,"

Numbers 32:34 - "¶ And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,"

Numbers 32:34 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer." This verse is a part of the book of Numbers, which is the fourth book of the Pentateuch, or the Torah, and it details the history of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. In this specific verse, the focus is on the tribe of Gad and their construction of cities and settlements in the land of Canaan.

To understand the deeper meaning of this verse, it is important to consider the context in which it is situated. The children of Israel, under the leadership of Moses, are on the cusp of entering the Promised Land after their long journey through the wilderness. As they prepare for this transition, the land on the east side of the Jordan River is allotted to the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half of the tribe of Manasseh. These tribes, including the children of Gad mentioned in Numbers 32:34, are given the opportunity to settle in this land rather than crossing the Jordan River with the rest of the Israelites.

The verse itself may seem straightforward, recounting the building of three cities by the children of Gad: Dibon, Ataroth, and Aroer. However, there are significant themes and symbolism that can be derived from this passage. Firstly, the act of building these cities signifies the establishment of a permanent settlement and the fulfillment of the promise of inheritance from God. The children of Gad, through their labor and construction, are taking possession of the land that was granted to them by God.

Furthermore, the naming of these cities holds symbolic significance. Dibon, the first city mentioned, means "wasting" or "suffered loss." This could be interpreted as a reminder of the trials and hardships that the Israelites endured during their time in the wilderness. Ataroth means "crowns" or "wreaths," which may represent the honor and blessing bestowed upon the children of Gad as they establish their settlements. Finally, Aroer means "ruins," which could symbolize the past struggles and tribulations that have led to the present state of triumph and prosperity.

The construction of these cities can also be seen as a manifestation of the faith and obedience of the children of Gad. They have embraced the land that God has allotted to them and have actively participated in its development and cultivation. This reflects a deeper spiritual truth about the importance of stewardship and responsibility in the context of God's promises and provisions.

From a broader theological perspective, the verse in Numbers 32:34 also underscores the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to His people. The settlement of the tribes on the east side of the Jordan River demonstrates God's commitment to His covenant with the Israelites and His provision of a homeland for them. It serves as a testament to the faithfulness and trustworthiness of God, as He guides His people into the inheritance that He has promised them.

In conclusion, Numbers 32:34 in the King James Version of the Bible carries deep symbolic meaning and theological significance within the broader narrative of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. It highlights themes of inheritance, stewardship, faithfulness, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The building of the cities by the children of Gad is a tangible expression of their obedience, faith, and the providence of God in granting them their rightful inheritance. It serves as a timeless reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and His provision for their needs.

Numbers 32:34 Artwork

Numbers 32:34 - "¶ And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,"

Numbers 32:34 - "¶ And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,"

Numbers 31:34 - "And threescore and one thousand asses,"

Numbers 31:34 - "And threescore and one thousand asses,"

Numbers 32:35 - "And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah,"

Numbers 32:35 - "And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah,"

Numbers 34:21 - "Of the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the son of Chislon."

Numbers 34:21 - "Of the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the son of Chislon."

Numbers 34:16 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 34:16 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 33:34 - "And they removed from Jotbathah, and encamped at Ebronah."

Numbers 33:34 - "And they removed from Jotbathah, and encamped at Ebronah."

Numbers 7:34 - "One kid of the goats for a sin offering:"

Numbers 7:34 - "One kid of the goats for a sin offering:"

Numbers 34:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Numbers 34:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

Jeremiah 32:34 - "But they set their abominations in the house, which is called by my name, to defile it."

Jeremiah 32:34 - "But they set their abominations in the house, which is called by my name, to defile it."

Numbers 14:32 - "But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness."

Numbers 14:32 - "But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness."

Numbers 34:20 - "And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud."

Numbers 34:20 - "And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud."

Deuteronomy 32:34 - "Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures?"

Deuteronomy 32:34 - "Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures?"

Numbers 26:32 - "And of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites: and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites."

Numbers 26:32 - "And of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites: and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites."

Numbers 32:37 - "And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim,"

Numbers 32:37 - "And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim,"

Numbers 34:24 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Ephraim, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan."

Numbers 34:24 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Ephraim, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan."

Numbers 34:26 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Issachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan."

Numbers 34:26 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Issachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan."

Numbers 34:25 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Zebulun, Elizaphan the son of Parnach."

Numbers 34:25 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Zebulun, Elizaphan the son of Parnach."

Numbers 34:27 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Asher, Ahihud the son of Shelomi."

Numbers 34:27 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Asher, Ahihud the son of Shelomi."

Numbers 34:22 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Dan, Bukki the son of Jogli."

Numbers 34:22 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Dan, Bukki the son of Jogli."

Numbers 34:19 - "And the names of the men are these: Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh."

Numbers 34:19 - "And the names of the men are these: Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh."

Numbers 34:28 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Naphtali, Pedahel the son of Ammihud."

Numbers 34:28 - "And the prince of the tribe of the children of Naphtali, Pedahel the son of Ammihud."

Numbers 7:32 - "One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:"

Numbers 7:32 - "One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:"

Numbers 33:32 - "And they removed from Bene-jaakan, and encamped at Hor-hagidgad."

Numbers 33:32 - "And they removed from Bene-jaakan, and encamped at Hor-hagidgad."

Numbers 32:32 - "We will pass over armed before the LORD into the land of Canaan, that the possession of our inheritance on this side Jordan may be our's."

Numbers 32:32 - "We will pass over armed before the LORD into the land of Canaan, that the possession of our inheritance on this side Jordan may be our's."

Numbers 32:10 - "And the LORD'S anger was kindled the same time, and he sware, saying,"

Numbers 32:10 - "And the LORD'S anger was kindled the same time, and he sware, saying,"

Ezra 8:34 - "By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was written at that time."

Ezra 8:34 - "By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was written at that time."

Numbers 32:36 - "And Beth-nimrah, and Beth-haran, fenced cities: and folds for sheep."

Numbers 32:36 - "And Beth-nimrah, and Beth-haran, fenced cities: and folds for sheep."

Numbers 32:3 - "Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,"

Numbers 32:3 - "Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,"

Numbers 10:34 - "And the cloud of the LORD was upon them by day, when they went out of the camp."

Numbers 10:34 - "And the cloud of the LORD was upon them by day, when they went out of the camp."

Numbers 15:34 - "And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him."

Numbers 15:34 - "And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him."