Numbers 33 22

Numbers 33:22 kjv

And they journeyed from Rissah, and pitched in Kehelathah.

Numbers 33:22 nkjv

They journeyed from Rissah and camped at Kehelathah.

Numbers 33:22 niv

They left Rissah and camped at Kehelathah.

Numbers 33:22 esv

And they set out from Rissah and camped at Kehelathah.

Numbers 33:22 nlt

They left Rissah and camped at Kehelathah.

Numbers 33 verses

Numbers 33 22 Meaning

Numbers 33:22 records a brief and specific stage in the Israelites' forty-year wilderness journey after their exodus from Egypt. It details two more encampments as part of God's divinely orchestrated itinerary: "And they departed from Rissah, and pitched in Kehelathah." This verse, like others in the chapter, emphasizes the meticulous divine guidance and the physical, historical reality of their prolonged pilgrimage through the wilderness under the Lord's direct supervision.

Numbers 33 22 Context

Numbers Chapter 33 provides a detailed itinerary of the Israelites' forty-two encampments during their wilderness wanderings, from their departure from Egypt to their arrival in the plains of Moab. This precise record, attributed to Moses, serves multiple purposes: it validates the historical reality of the Exodus and wilderness period, testifies to God's continuous and faithful guidance of His people through all circumstances, and underscores the fulfillment of His promises (or consequences of their rebellion). Numbers 33:22 lists the twenty-second and twenty-third stops in this divinely ordered pilgrimage, confirming that every stage, whether significant or seemingly insignificant, was part of God's larger plan for His covenant people. These specific locations, Rissah and Kehelathah, like many others in this list, are not identifiable with certainty today, emphasizing the focus on God's movement rather than static places.

Numbers 33 22 Word analysis

• And they departed: (וַיִּסְעוּ, vayyiś‘ū) - A consecutive imperfect form of the verb נָסַע (nasa', to pull up stakes, journey, travel). This repeated phrase (seen throughout Num 33) highlights the continuous movement and the dynamic nature of the wilderness journey. It implies God's imperative will in initiating each stage, not merely the people's decision. It shows a pilgrimage guided step by step, illustrating the necessity of following divine leading in one's spiritual journey.
• from Rissah: (מֵרִסָּה, mēriṣṣâh) - From the Hebrew preposition "from" and the place name Rissah. The name Rissah is debated; it could relate to "dampness," "dew," "breakage," or "destruction." Its precise meaning and location are unknown, underscoring that the significance lies not in the place itself but in its inclusion in God's ordered itinerary, reminding the original audience of the exactness of their history.
• and pitched: (וַיַּחֲנוּ, vayyaḥănû) - A consecutive imperfect form of the verb חָנָה (ḥānâh, to encamp, settle down, rest). This signifies a cessation of movement, a period of rest or establishment, again by divine direction. The alternating "departed" and "pitched" motif emphasizes the ordered progression and divinely appointed timing for both activity and repose.
• in Kehelathah: (בְּקְהֵלָתָה, biqhēlātâh) - From the Hebrew preposition "in" and the place name Kehelathah. This name is particularly interesting as it strongly resembles the Hebrew root קָהַל (qāhal), meaning "to assemble" or "congregate." If so, "Kehelathah" could mean "place of assembly" or "place of congregation." This subtle detail could point to the identity of Israel as the "congregation of the Lord" (קְהַל יְהוָה, qəhal YHWH), a unique gathering under God's covenant, differentiating them from common tribal gatherings. This idea of the "assembly" in the wilderness could be a subtle polemic, affirming God's divine organization of His unique people, in contrast to the disordered multitudes or idolatrous gatherings of pagan nations. The uncertainty of its location ensures that focus remains on God's providential guiding, rather than on the earthly waypoint.

Numbers 33 22 Bonus section

The repetitive "they departed... and pitched" pattern throughout Numbers 33 highlights a core theological truth: God’s faithful leading involves both active movement and periods of settled waiting. Neither phase is accidental; both are divinely purposed for teaching, testing, and revealing His character. The uncertainty of the modern identification of many of these precise locations, like Rissah and Kehelathah, may paradoxically strengthen the theological message: the ultimate significance is not the destination or the geographical marker itself, but the journey under God's unchanging and faithful hand. This also serves as a strong foundation for the concept of the Church as the qahal (assembly/congregation) of God, guided through a spiritual wilderness towards an ultimate promised rest.

Numbers 33 22 Commentary

Numbers 33:22, though terse, is profoundly significant as part of the wilderness itinerary. It reinforces the divine authorship and meticulous planning of Israel's journey, which was not haphazard but precisely ordered by God. Every departure and every encampment, including from Rissah to Kehelathah, was under the cloud's guidance, symbolizing God's active presence and control. This narrative underscores the reality that God leads His people through all stages of life's journey—be it periods of rest or periods of advancement. For the ancient Israelite, it affirmed their identity as a uniquely guided nation; for believers today, it illustrates God's faithfulness in guiding individuals and the Church through all circumstances, always toward His intended destination, demanding trust and obedience in each small step.