Numbers 32:38

38 also Nebo and Baal Meon and Sibmah. They renamed the cities that they rebuilt.

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 Beth Nimrah, and Beth Haran as fortified cities; they also built corrals for their animals.

37 The Reubenites rebuilt Heshbon, Elealeh, and Kiriathaim,

38 also Nebo and Baal Meon and Sibmah. They renamed the cities that they rebuilt.

39 The family of Makir son of Manasseh went to Gilead, captured it, and drove out the Amorites who lived there.

40 Moses then gave Gilead to the Makirites, the descendants of Manasseh. They moved in and settled there.