Numbers 32:38

38 And Nebo and Baal-meon, (their names being changed,) and Sibmah: and they gave other names to the towns they made.

Numbers 32:38 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 32:38

And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,)
&c.] For Nebo was the name of an idol, after which perhaps the city was called: Baalmeon signifies "Baal's habitation", and where it is highly probable was a temple of his; and the children of Reuben, not liking to retain such idolatrous names, gave them others, but what they were it is not said; and certain it is, that when these places came into the hands of the Moabites, their ancient names were restored to them, as appears from ( Isaiah 15:2 ) ( Jeremiah 48:23 )

and Shibmah;
the same with Shebam, ( Numbers 32:3 ) , and gave other names unto the cities which they built; but they are neither known, nor did they always continue, as has been observed.

Numbers 32:38 In-Context

36 And Beth-nimrah and Beth-haran: walled towns and shut-in places for sheep.

37 And the children of Reuben were the builders of Heshbon and Elealeh and Kiriathaim;

38 And Nebo and Baal-meon, (their names being changed,) and Sibmah: and they gave other names to the towns they made.

39 And the children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, went to Gilead and took it, driving out the Amorites who were living there.

40 And Moses gave Gilead to Machir, the son of Manasseh; and he made it his living-place.