Numbers 33 18

Numbers 33:18 kjv

And they departed from Hazeroth, and pitched in Rithmah.

Numbers 33:18 nkjv

They departed from Hazeroth and camped at Rithmah.

Numbers 33:18 niv

They left Hazeroth and camped at Rithmah.

Numbers 33:18 esv

And they set out from Hazeroth and camped at Rithmah.

Numbers 33:18 nlt

They left Hazeroth and camped at Rithmah.

Numbers 33 verses

Numbers 33 18 Meaning

Numbers 33:18 concisely records two sequential stopping points during Israel's forty-year wilderness journey. It states that the Israelites "set out from Hazeroth and camped in Rithmah," documenting a specific leg of their divinely guided exodus. This verse serves as a historical marker within the meticulous itinerary provided in Numbers chapter 33, emphasizing the precise movement and location of the Israelite camp as directed by God.

Numbers 33 18 Context

Numbers 33 serves as a historical logbook, detailing the entire forty-year journey of the Israelites from their departure from Egypt through 42 distinct encampments, culminating just before entering the promised land. This verse, Numbers 33:18, places Hazeroth and Rithmah specifically within this grand itinerary. Hazeroth holds a prominent place in the narrative due to the events of Numbers chapter 12, where Miriam and Aaron challenged Moses' authority, resulting in Miriam's temporary leprosy and God's powerful affirmation of Moses' unique role. Therefore, moving from Hazeroth signifies a departure from a site of significant divine discipline and theological instruction. Rithmah, on the other hand, is a more obscure location, only mentioned in this itinerary. Its mention underscores the comprehensive and factual nature of this historical record, emphasizing that every leg of their journey was known and orchestrated by divine will, regardless of its individual significance in other narratives.

Numbers 33 18 Word analysis

• They set out (וַיִּסְעוּ, vayyis'u)
  • Word: This verb implies breaking camp and journeying, a collective, purposeful movement.
  • Significance: It highlights the continuous nature of Israel's journey, always on the move under God's command. This movement was not random but part of a divine itinerary. The use of the third person plural indicates the entire community's participation.
• from Hazeroth (מֵחֲצֵרֹת, me-Hātzerot)
  • Word: "From" (מִן, min) indicates a point of departure. "Hazeroth" (חֲצֵרֹת), meaning "enclosures" or "settlements."
  • Significance: Hazeroth is not merely a geographic point but a place with significant spiritual memory (Num 12). It was a site where the people witnessed divine justice (Miriam's leprosy) and Moses' unique leadership confirmed. Moving "from Hazeroth" carries the lingering reminder of disobedience and its consequences, alongside God's faithful intervention.
• and camped (וַיַּחֲנוּ, vayyaḥanu)
  • Word: This verb denotes settling down, establishing a temporary dwelling.
  • Significance: It signifies the end of a specific travel segment and a period of rest or pause. It indicates order and structure in their nomadic life, not haphazard wandering, but regulated movements guided by the pillar of cloud and fire (Num 9:15-23).
• in Rithmah (בְּרִתְמָה, be-Rithmah)
  • Word: "In" (בְּ, be) denotes the destination or location. "Rithmah" (רִתְמָה) means "juniper place" or "broom-tree place." The juniper or broom tree (Retem in Hebrew) is a hardy desert plant known for providing shade in desolate areas, often a place where weary travelers would rest. (1 Ki 19:4, Jonah 4:8)
  • Significance: Unlike Hazeroth, Rithmah has no known specific event attached to it in the biblical narrative beyond this listing. Its name suggesting a specific type of tree highlights the desolate, yet sometimes provisioned, nature of the wilderness. The mention of its specific name further reinforces the historicity and geographical precision of the account, despite the apparent lack of major historical occurrences there.
• Words-group Analysis
  • "They set out from Hazeroth and camped in Rithmah": This phrase epitomizes the ongoing divine guidance of Israel. It emphasizes that every single movement, from specific origins to specific destinations, was purposeful and directed. It reflects not just physical relocation but a sustained act of God's leading, regardless of the historical notoriety of the specific stopping points. The contrast between Hazeroth (a site of previous crisis and judgment) and Rithmah (an otherwise unremarkable resting place) illustrates the varied rhythm of the journey – moments of spiritual upheaval followed by periods of simply moving and resting according to God's continued direction. The itinerary is a testament to God's continuous oversight and care, even through forty years of wilderness wandering.

Numbers 33 18 Bonus section

The very existence of Numbers 33, and this verse within it, serves as a testament to the historical meticulousness characteristic of the ancient Near Eastern scribal tradition concerning important records, in this case, a national epic journey. While many modern readers might find such a list tedious, its inclusion underscores God's commitment to detail and accountability in His dealings with humanity. It is a historical document verifying the promise and presence of God. The full record of 42 encampments from Egypt to the plains of Moab not only establishes the factual nature of their wanderings but also serves as a pedagogical tool for future generations. Each stop, known or unknown, was a witness to God's providing presence, whether it be water, manna, or the shadow of a cloud, and was part of the testing and preparation for their entry into the Promised Land. This meticulous recording contrasts sharply with what could be dismissed as haphazard wandering, instead painting a picture of deliberate divine orchestration.

Numbers 33 18 Commentary

Numbers 33:18, seemingly a dry historical entry, is profoundly significant as part of the overall itinerary. It serves several crucial functions. Firstly, it authenticates the Exodus narrative by providing verifiable, albeit ancient, geographical data, showcasing the real historical movement of a large population guided by divine power. This precise detailing counters any notion that the wilderness journey was random or fabricated. Secondly, it highlights God's constant, meticulous guidance. Every "setting out" and "camping" was not based on human decision but followed the movement of the cloud by day and fire by night. Even locations seemingly mundane, like Rithmah, were part of God's perfect plan for Israel's journey towards the promised land. Thirdly, for a believing Israelite audience, such a list reaffirmed God's faithfulness, reminding them of how He led their forefathers through barren lands, demonstrating His power and presence in every step, from significant moments of judgment (like Hazeroth) to ordinary rest stops. This commitment in every detail provides a pattern for how God directs the lives of His people in all circumstances.