1:1 beyond the Jordan. See Introduction: Author.

the Arabah opposite Suph. The exact location is uncertain, but taken as a whole, the description points to the region of Moab. This Arabah or “plain” extends along the eastern edge of Palestine from the Sea of Galilee south to the Gulf of Aqaba. Suph, meaning “reeds,” may refer to a location in Moab near the Arnon River. The names Paran and Hazeroth are mentioned during Israel’s travels in the Sinai peninsula (Num. 10:12; 11:35; 12:16; 33:17), but it is unclear whether they are the same places as mentioned here. Tophel, Laban, and Dizahab are mentioned only here.