Israel’s Journey from the Arnon River to Mount Pisgah

[Author’s Note: The final leg of the Israelites’ journey from Kadesh-barnea to Mount Pisgah (see “The Journey to Abel-Shittim” map)) is recounted in four separate passages of Scripture (Numbers 21:12-26; 33:45-47; Deuteronomy 2:24-37; Judges 11:18-22), but various aspects of the accounts can seem difficult to reconcile with each other. This map proposes a possible itinerary that I believe harmonizes well with all the accounts. Nevertheless, I openly acknowledge that other itineraries may harmonize with the accounts as well, and I encourage all readers to study the passages and geography carefully for themselves to determine what seems to be the best explanation.] Numbers 21:12-26; 33:45-47; Deuteronomy 2:24-37; Judges 11:18-22 After passing along the eastern border of Moab’s territory, the Israelites camped in the wilderness of Kedemoth and sent messengers to King Sihon in Heshbon, asking permission to pass through his land. Sihon refused permission and instead mobilized his forces at Jahaz to attack the Israelites. It may be that during this time the main camp of the Israelites remained in the wilderness of Kedemoth while the fighting men confronted Sihon at or near Jahaz, because...