Numbers 33:49

They pitched by Jordan from Beth-jesimoth— A place where there was, probably, a temple to some deity; for beth, in composition, often signifies a temple, as Beth-peor, Beth-astaroth, Beth-baal Berith. Perhaps Jesimoth is the same with Jeshimon, chap. Numbers 21:20. Abel Shittim is called simply Shittim in chap. Numbers 25:1. This was the forty-second and last station. It is observable, says Dr. Shaw, that from mount Hor, the direction of their marches through Zalmonah, Punon, &c. seems to have been betwixt the north and north-east; for it does not appear that they wandered any more in the wilderness out of the direct way which was to conduct them through the country of Moab into the Land of Promise.

REFLECTIONS.—At God's command, Moses is ordered to keep a journal of their marches; which is here published, that they might remember and adore the guardian hand of the Lord upon them in this dangerous road. Particular notice is taken of their departure from Egypt; they came out with a high hand, under the conduct of their divinely-appointed leaders, whilst the Egyptians were digging the graves of their children, and lamenting the desolation of their idols. Amidst all the dangers of the way, and the greater dangers of their sins, God safely conducted them through the dreary wilderness, and, after forty years of wandering, had brought them safe to the borders of the promised land; thence to look back on the places of their manifold provocations with shame, and forward to the land of promise with enlivened hope. Note; (1.) It is useful to keep a diary of God's mercies and providences, that they may be remembered for our own and others' comfort or direction. (2.) This world is the Christian's wilderness; many a long year he is called to wander to and fro in it; but being under Divine guidance, amidst all his winding steps, he is led by the right way, and is sure to arrive safe at last at the land of glory.