Once again, the main outline is from the Open Bible, slightly edited.
The Summary of Israel’s Journeys
Charles Ryrie aptly comments on this chapter saying, “This chapter records the itinerary of the Israelites from Egypt to the Jordan. Listed are 41 stages in their journey of 40 years. Because these places were camp sites, not towns, most are unknown today. Moses himself recorded this itinerary (v.2) as a reminder of God’s care.”
From Egypt to Sinai (v.1-14)
Their journey began on the 15th day of the first month, the day after the first Passover in Egypt. They left Egypt with a “high hand” or an exalted strength in the sight of all the Egyptians. The Egyptians were left to bury all their firstborn as Israel fled.
Moses mentions Marah, the place where the water was bitter. Elim was a place of much water.
I find it interesting that Moses does not even mention the crossing of the Red Sea.
From Sinai to Kadesh (v.15-17)
While they were in the desert of Sinai, God gave them the Ten Commandments, Moses does not mention this either. This review was strictly focusing on their travels and God’s protection along the way.
The wilderness wanderings (v.18-36)
As Ryrie pointed out, most of these locations are mentioned nowhere else in Scripture. However, there are a few exceptions.
We already mentioned Marah and Elim.
Eziongaber (v.35) is mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:8 as the place where they “turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.” It is also said to be a seaport (see map), 1Ki 9:26; 1Ki 22:48; 2Ch 8:17; 2Ch 20:36.
From Kadesh to Moab (v.37-49)
Miriam died in Kadesh (Nu 20:1). It was also at Kadesh that the Edomites refused to allow Israel passage through their country (Nu 20:14f).
Moses then mentions the death of Aaron his brother on Mount Hor (v.38). This was 40 years after they left Egypt. Aaron was 123 when he died (v.39).
They began the unpleasant trip around Edom. Eventually they passed through Moab and made it up to Mount Nebo (v.47). From here they travelled down into the Jordan valley and pitched on the East of Jordan across from Jericho (v.48-49).
Map from https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/33086/in-numbers-3334-39-what-is-the-correct-route-taken-by-the-israelites-to-the-pro
Instructions for Conquering West of Jordan
Instructions (v.50-56)
In preparation for crossing the Jordan and conquering Canaan, God gave them clear and concise commands that they must not disobey. Read v.52 and note each element of the command. The phrase “quite pluck down” literally means to exterminate or to annihilate. Those high places were high hills where the Canaanites sacrificed to their false gods.
Once they conquered the land, they were to divide it among their tribes by means of the lot and according to the numbers of their tribes (v.54).
God ended the chapter with a very stern and fearful warning (v.55-56). Ponder it carefully.
Principles for Us Today
Though the people had sinned when the refused to trust God and enter the land forty years earlier, God had tenderly and patiently guided them through forty years of wilderness wanderings until all the former generation had died. Our sin has consequences, but our God is always tender, forgiving, and loving.
As God firmly commanded them to destroy all the people and filth of Canaan, so God warns us today to keep sin out of our lives. If we disobey, we face his severe chastening. It is far better to obey.
