Numbers 33 10

Numbers 33:10 kjv

And they removed from Elim, and encamped by the Red sea.

Numbers 33:10 nkjv

They moved from Elim and camped by the Red Sea.

Numbers 33:10 niv

They left Elim and camped by the Red Sea.

Numbers 33:10 esv

And they set out from Elim and camped by the Red Sea.

Numbers 33:10 nlt

They left Elim and camped beside the Red Sea.

Numbers 33 verses

Numbers 33 10 Meaning

Numbers 33:10 chronicles the Israelites' specific movements during their wilderness journey, detailing a particular stage: "And they removed from Elim, and encamped by the Red Sea." This verse precisely marks the twentieth leg of their itinerary from Egypt, moving them away from the oasis of Elim to a camping spot adjacent to the Red Sea, also known as the Sea of Reeds. It signifies the continued divine orchestration of their path, ensuring a detailed record of each station and demonstrating God's consistent guidance through challenging terrains and diverse environments.

Numbers 33 10 Context

Numbers chapter 33 serves as a meticulous, chronological list of all the encampments of the Israelites from their departure from Egypt to their arrival on the plains of Moab. It's a retrospective summary, written likely towards the end of their wilderness wanderings, providing a definitive record of the forty-year journey under God's explicit direction. Numbers 33:10 specifically marks the twentieth station. It follows their pleasant stay at Elim, an oasis of palm trees and springs (Exod 15:27), and precedes their next movement to the wilderness of Sin (Num 33:11). The detailed recounting of each stop underscores the historical accuracy and divine guidance of the Exodus, demonstrating God's faithfulness in leading His people step-by-step through a challenging environment towards the Promised Land. This historical context counters any later skepticism about the journey's authenticity and emphasizes God's presence as their unerring guide.

Numbers 33 10 Word analysis

• And they removed (וַיִּסְעוּ - wayyisʿû): From the verb נָסַע (nasaʿ), meaning "to pull up stakes," "to set out," "to journey." This common verb throughout Numbers highlights the nomadic nature of the Israelites' journey, always moving at God's command (Num 9:17-23). It signifies the transient state of God's people on their way to a permanent home.
• from Elim (מֵאֵילִם - mēʾElîm): Elim (אֵילִם - ʾÊlîm) means "terebinths" or "strong trees" and was an oasis (Exod 15:27) with 12 springs and 70 palm trees, a welcome relief from the harsh wilderness. The departure from Elim emphasizes that even places of comfort are temporary on the journey led by God; the goal is not found in temporary stops but in reaching the divinely appointed destination.
• and encamped (וַיַּחֲנוּ - wayyaḥănû): From the verb חָנָה (ḥānâ), meaning "to encamp," "to pitch tents," "to settle down for a time." This contrasts with "removed," indicating the regular pattern of journeying and resting, all under divine instruction. The order and structure of these movements highlight God's perfect plan for His people.
• by the Red Sea (עַל־יַם־סוּף - ʿal-yam-Sûp̄): Yam Suph (יַם־סוּף - Yam Suph), often translated "Red Sea," literally means "Sea of Reeds." This term applies to various bodies of water including the Gulf of Suez, the Gulf of Aqaba, or even marshy lakes connected to them. While they previously crossed a specific part of Yam Suph, this encampment "by" (not "across") the Red Sea likely refers to a different location along its coastline or one of its inlets, reinforcing its significance as a landmark from their deliverance from Egypt. It acts as a repeated geographical marker in their journey, perhaps reminding them of God's mighty acts.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And they removed from Elim, and encamped": This phrase succinctly captures the entire dynamic of the Israelite journey: commanded movement ("removed") followed by ordered rest ("encamped"). This pattern reflects the consistent divine leading, where every shift and pause was not arbitrary but directed by God's cloud (Num 9:17-23). It portrays a life lived in humble obedience, always prepared to move or stop at the Lord's bidding.
• "from Elim, and encamped by the Red Sea": This highlights a geographical transition from a place of sustenance and ease (Elim) back to the vicinity of a place symbolic of immense deliverance and danger (Red Sea). It might subtly suggest that comfort zones are not the final destination, and sometimes the journey circles back near challenging past experiences, perhaps as a reminder of God's powerful intervention. The detail in their route reinforces the divine guidance and historical authenticity of their wanderings.

Numbers 33 10 Bonus section

• The detailed listing of stations in Numbers 33 often serves as a type for the Christian life. Believers are often seen as sojourners or pilgrims on a journey (Heb 11:13), moving from one spiritual 'station' to another under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Just as Israel left comfortable Elim, believers are called to abandon comfort zones if God leads elsewhere.
• The phrase "Yam Suph" in Hebrew can also denote the Gulf of Aqaba. While the main crossing occurred at one part of the Yam Suph, this specific encampment could have been at another bay or arm of this sea, emphasizing the continuous relationship of Israel with the 'water' element of their deliverance, constantly reminding them of their supernatural salvation.
• The exact locations of many of these stops are still debated among scholars, yet the narrative significance remains undiminished. The point is not just where they went, but that God led them every step of the way, proving His faithfulness in difficult and unfamiliar terrains. This chapter solidifies the historicity and miraculous nature of the Exodus for future generations.
• This specific record counters ancient worldviews that attributed historical events to fate or capricious gods. The biblical account insists on a singular, purposeful Divine Guide.

Numbers 33 10 Commentary

Numbers 33:10, though seemingly a mere historical geographical marker, underscores profound theological truths about the Israelite Exodus and God's interaction with His people. It is not just a travel log, but a testament to divine itinerary. Every "removal" and "encampment" was directly ordered by God (Num 9:15-23), indicating His sovereign hand over every detail of their pilgrimage. Departing from Elim, a pleasant oasis, to encamp by the Red Sea—a place reminiscent of both their greatest deliverance and potential entrapment—illustrates that even comfortable stages are temporary, and God's path may lead back to locations with challenging associations to reinforce past lessons of His power and faithfulness. This meticulous record-keeping affirms God's commitment to His covenant, portraying a pilgrimage that was not chaotic but orderly and purposefully directed by the Lord. It serves as a reminder that the spiritual journey, much like the physical one of Israel, is often characterized by cycles of leaving comfort zones, encountering familiar challenges, and trusting God for daily provision and direction until the promised rest is attained.