Numbers 33 14

Numbers 33:14 kjv

And they removed from Alush, and encamped at Rephidim, where was no water for the people to drink.

Numbers 33:14 nkjv

They moved from Alush and camped at Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink.

Numbers 33:14 niv

They left Alush and camped at Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink.

Numbers 33:14 esv

And they set out from Alush and camped at Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink.

Numbers 33:14 nlt

They left Alush and camped at Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink.

Numbers 33 verses

Numbers 33 14 Meaning

Numbers 33:14 details one specific stage in the wilderness journey of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. It notes their departure from Alush and their arrival at Rephidim, explicitly highlighting the dire scarcity of water at this new encampment. This detail underscores the immediate challenge and critical dependency on divine provision the people faced.

Numbers 33 14 Context

Numbers chapter 33 serves as a historical record and itinerary of the Israelites' wilderness journey from Egypt to the plains of Moab. It provides a detailed chronological list of their encampments, specifying 42 stopping places over a 40-year period. This chapter functions as a divinely preserved travelogue, verifying the historical accuracy of the Exodus narrative and underscoring God's faithful presence and meticulous guidance through the challenging terrain. Verse 14 is one such specific entry in this long list, highlighting a location and its significant natural characteristic that would prove a test for the people's faith and an opportunity for divine provision, a common theme throughout the wilderness wanderings. Rephidim is notably significant not only for the lack of water but also for the miraculous provision from the rock and the battle with Amalek.

Numbers 33 14 Word analysis

• And they removed (וַיִּסְעוּ - vayyis'u):

  • Meaning: "And they journeyed," "And they pulled up stakes." This is a standard verb used for breaking camp in the Hebrew Bible.
  • Significance: It indicates an act of movement, guided by God's pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Num 9:15-23). It implies a dynamic progression rather than static dwelling.

• from Alush (מֵאָלוּשׁ - me'Alush):

  • Meaning: "from Alush." Alush is another named encampment in the wilderness, mentioned only in this itinerary (Num 33:13-14) and Exod 16:1, referring to the Desert of Sin, which they traversed after leaving Alush on the way to Rephidim.
  • Significance: Its inclusion in the meticulous list emphasizes the exact, divine control over their every step, proving the reality of the journey.

• and encamped (וַיַּחֲנוּ - vayyaḥanu):

  • Meaning: "and they pitched their tents," "and they settled." This is the parallel verb to "removed," indicating the setting up of a new camp.
  • Significance: It highlights a new, temporary dwelling place chosen under divine guidance, but one that presented new challenges.

• at Rephidim (בִּרְפִידִם - biRephidim):

  • Meaning: "at Rephidim." The name "Rephidim" likely means "supports" or "rests," possibly referring to the rugged landscape or perhaps even a symbolic resting place before significant trials.
  • Significance: Rephidim is a profoundly important site in Israel's early history (Exod 17:1-16, Exod 18:1-27). It was here that they first experienced a severe lack of water, leading to their grumbling against Moses and God, but also witnessed God's miraculous provision of water from the rock. It was also the site of their first military engagement with Amalek. Its mention brings to mind both the failure of human faith and the faithfulness of divine power.

• where there was no water (וְלֹא הָיָה שָׁם מַיִם - ve'lo hayah sham mayim):

  • Meaning: "and not there was there water." This stark, simple statement conveys the absolute lack. "Mayim" is the Hebrew word for water.
  • Significance: This crucial detail explains the severe challenge and immediate crisis the vast congregation (over 2 million people and their livestock) faced. It is the primary reason Rephidim is etched in their memory. The lack of water emphasizes the existential dependency of the people on God's provision, creating a perfect stage for miracles and testing.

• for the people to drink (לָעָם לִשְׁתּוֹת - la'am lishtot):

  • Meaning: "for the people to drink." "La'am" means "for the people" (the congregation of Israel); "lishtot" is "to drink."
  • Significance: This specifies the exact nature of the critical need – not for washing or other uses, but for life-sustaining hydration. It highlights the desperation of the multitude and the fundamental human need that only God could meet.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "removed from Alush, and encamped at Rephidim": This phrase showcases the rhythmic and guided movement of Israel. It’s a divine choreography, with each "removed" and "encamped" orchestrated by the presence of God (Num 9). Even though difficulties awaited them, they were in God's path.
  • "where there was no water for the people to drink": This direct and poignant declaration establishes the central conflict and trial at Rephidim. It's a statement of crisis, illustrating the vulnerable position of Israel, entirely reliant on a supernatural source of sustenance in a desolate environment. This immediately cues the reader to remember the grumbling of the people and the miraculous provision that followed (Exod 17).

Numbers 33 14 Bonus section

The exact etymology and meaning of "Rephidim" ("props" or "rests") are debated among scholars. Some suggest it refers to the physical support needed by weary travelers, while others link it to "resting places" due to a potential oasis before the more challenging terrain leading to Sinai. However, the most striking feature of Rephidim in the biblical narrative is paradoxically the lack of rest or peace due to severe thirst and conflict, necessitating a complete dependence on divine intervention. This location becomes a powerful symbol of trials leading to deeper reliance on God and revealing His power amidst impossible circumstances.

Numbers 33 14 Commentary

Numbers 33:14 provides a terse summary of a highly significant event in Israel's wilderness experience. It is not merely a geographic note but a pointer to a foundational lesson for the Israelites and for all believers: God leads His people even to places of extreme need to demonstrate His provision and to test their faith. Rephidim encapsulates themes of divine guidance, human weakness, rebellion, and miraculous grace. The very lack of water was orchestrated by God to humble them and show them that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Deut 8:3). This detail emphasizes the daily reliance on God, echoing in the New Testament with Jesus as the Living Water (John 4) and Paul's reference to Christ as the spiritual rock (1 Cor 10:4), demonstrating God's consistent provision for physical and spiritual needs.