Numbers 33 25

Numbers 33:25 kjv

And they removed from Haradah, and pitched in Makheloth.

Numbers 33:25 nkjv

They moved from Haradah and camped at Makheloth.

Numbers 33:25 niv

They left Haradah and camped at Makheloth.

Numbers 33:25 esv

And they set out from Haradah and camped at Makheloth.

Numbers 33:25 nlt

They left Haradah and camped at Makheloth.

Numbers 33 verses

Numbers 33 25 Meaning

Numbers 33:25 records two specific locations, Makheloth and Tahath, detailing another stage of the Israelites' wilderness journey. It simply states that the Israelites departed from their encampment at Makheloth and set up their camp at Tahath, continuing the precise chronicle of their divinely guided exodus and forty-year sojourn through the desert. This verse, like others in the chapter, is a factual record of the continuous progression of the entire congregation as directed by the Lord.

Numbers 33 25 Context

Numbers chapter 33 serves as a historical and geographical recap of the entire journey of the Israelites from their departure from Egypt through the wilderness until their arrival at the plains of Moab. It meticulously lists 42 encampments, each marked by a specific "departure" and "pitching" location. Numbers 33:25 is merely one such entry within this detailed itinerary. The purpose of this precise record is not just geographical accuracy, but to demonstrate God's consistent guidance and presence with His people. Every move and every stop was "at the command of the LORD" (Num 9:18; 10:13), showcasing His control and faithfulness over forty years of trials, discipline, and divine sustenance. This list underscores the providential nature of the Exodus, refuting any idea of random wandering and solidifying Israel's historical and theological identity as a people led by their God.

Numbers 33 25 Word analysis

• And (וַ - wa-): A simple connective conjunction, signifying a sequential action in the narrative flow. It links this step in the journey to the preceding ones, maintaining the continuous chronicle.
• they departed (נָסְעוּ - nasʿu): A Hebrew verb in the Qal perfect 3rd person plural, meaning "to pull up stakes," "to set out," or "to journey." This word is frequently used in Numbers to describe the Israelites' movement through the wilderness, often implying obedience to God's signal from the pillar of cloud and fire (e.g., Num 9:17-23). It signifies an active, deliberate change of location by the whole congregation.
• from Makheloth (מַקְהֵלֹת - maqhēlōṯ): A proper noun, one of the stopping places. Its literal meaning can be derived from the Hebrew root qahal, meaning "to assemble" or "to gather" (like in "ecclesia" or "church assembly"). While its exact geographical location is unknown today, its name possibly refers to a place where the people "assembled" or "congregated." The "from" (מִ - mi) indicates the origin point of their movement.
• and pitched (וַיַּחֲנוּ - wayyaḥănū): A Hebrew verb in the Waw-consecutive Qal imperfect 3rd person plural from the root ḥnh, meaning "to encamp," "to lodge," or "to set up camp." This verb denotes settling down for a period, making a temporary home, and signifies a divinely ordained stop or rest point after movement. It completes the cycle of "departing" and "pitching," which defines their journey.
• in Tahath (תָּחַת - tāḥaṯ): A proper noun, the destination of this particular leg of the journey. The name can literally mean "under," "below," or "instead of." As with Makheloth, its precise geographical identity is lost. Its meaning might subtly hint at a low-lying area or a place of humility. The "in" (בְּ - bə) indicates the place of encampment.

Word-Group Analysis:

• "And they departed from Makheloth, and pitched in Tahath.": This phrase epitomizes the structured, divinely orchestrated nature of the Israelites' wilderness journey. Each step was not arbitrary but followed a pattern of movement and rest dictated by the Lord (Num 9:17-23). The constant repetition of this "departed from... pitched in..." formula throughout Numbers 33 highlights God's continuous and detailed supervision. It reinforces the theological message that the wilderness wandering, despite its hardships and duration, was under divine providence and direction, every mile recorded by the hand of Moses, testifying to God's faithfulness in bringing them through.

Numbers 33 25 Bonus section

• The exhaustive list of locations in Numbers 33 provides a profound testimony to the authenticity of the Exodus narrative. Its detailed nature suggests an eyewitness account rather than a later theological fabrication.
• Each of these obscure stopping places, like Makheloth and Tahath, served as temporary homes where Israel learned lessons about God's presence, provision, and patience, forging their identity as a nation wholly dependent on Him.
• The repetitive pattern of "departing and pitching" reflects the pilgrimage motif common throughout the Scriptures, highlighting that the believer's life is a journey under divine guidance, with periods of active movement and periods of rest, all leading to an ultimate promised inheritance.

Numbers 33 25 Commentary

Numbers 33:25, a concise entry within a meticulous itinerary, underscores the theological significance of Israel's journey through the wilderness. Far from being a random or aimless wandering, every single departure and encampment was by divine appointment and under the specific direction of God. This verse serves as a historical marker, reinforcing the factual reality of the Exodus and demonstrating God's sovereign oversight over every step of His chosen people. It teaches that even seemingly mundane or geographically obscure details in God's record carry weight, affirming His providential care, precise leadership, and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, no matter how long or challenging the path.