Numbers 32:38

38 and Nebo, and Baalmeon, when the names were turned, and they builded Shibmah; and they putted names to the cities, which they had builded. (and Nebo, and Baalmeon, whose name they changed, and Shibmah; these were the names of the cities that they built.)

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 Bethnimrah, and Bethharan, strengthened cities; and folds to their beasts. (and Bethnimrah, and Bethharan, all of them fortified cities, with folds for their beasts.)

37 Soothly the sons of Reuben builded Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kiriathaim,

38 and Nebo, and Baalmeon, when the names were turned, and they builded Shibmah; and they putted names to the cities, which they had builded. (and Nebo, and Baalmeon, whose name they changed, and Shibmah; these were the names of the cities that they built.)

39 Soothly the sons of Machir, the son of Manasseh, went into Gilead, and destroyed it, and they killed (the) Amorite, the dweller thereof (and they killed the Amorites, who lived there).

40 Therefore Moses gave the land of Gilead to (the sons of) Machir, the son of Manasseh, the which Machir dwelled therein. (And so Moses gave the land of Gilead to the sons of Machir, and that is where the Machirites lived.)