Numbers 33 28

Numbers 33:28 kjv

And they removed from Tarah, and pitched in Mithcah.

Numbers 33:28 nkjv

They moved from Terah and camped at Mithkah.

Numbers 33:28 niv

They left Terah and camped at Mithkah.

Numbers 33:28 esv

And they set out from Terah and camped at Mithkah.

Numbers 33:28 nlt

They left Terah and camped at Mithcah.

Numbers 33 verses

Numbers 33 28 Meaning

Numbers 33:28 records a specific leg of the Israelites' wilderness journey: "They set out from Haradah and camped at Makheloth." This verse, part of a meticulously preserved itinerary, documents the continuous, God-directed movement of the assembly of Israel towards the Promised Land, demonstrating God's faithfulness in guiding His people through the wilderness according to His divine plan.

Numbers 33 28 Context

Numbers chapter 33 serves as a historical and theological record of the 42 encampments of the Israelites during their 40-year journey from Egypt to the plains of Moab. This detailed itinerary functions as a concrete testament to God's promise to lead His people out of bondage and guide them through the wilderness to the Promised Land. Each recorded stage, like the transition from Haradah to Makheloth, signifies a specific divine instruction, an act of obedience by Israel (however imperfect), and God's sustained presence and provision throughout their protracted wanderings. Historically and culturally, such lists were significant for validating claims, establishing historical lineage, and emphasizing the orderly progression of significant events for ancient peoples. This record highlights the sovereign control of Yahweh over His people's journey, standing in implicit contrast to any other ancient deity who lacked such meticulous providential care over their adherents' migrations or expeditions. It firmly roots Israel's identity and future hope in the reality of their exodus and wilderness experience under God's constant direction.

Numbers 33 28 Word analysis

• They set out:
  • Hebrew: `וַיִּסְעוּ` (Vayyissu).
  • Derived from the verb `נָסַע` (nasa), meaning "to journey, depart, pull up (tent pegs), set out."
  • Significance: This continuous act of "setting out" throughout the chapter emphasizes dynamic movement and responsiveness to divine command. It denotes leaving one location, often a place of rest, for the next divinely appointed destination, underscoring the nature of the Israelites as a mobile, led community.
• from Haradah:
  • Hebrew: `מֵחֲרָדָה` (meCharadah).
  • `מֵ` (me-) is a prefix meaning "from." `חֲרָדָה` (Haradah) is a place name.
  • Significance: While the exact location is uncertain, the Hebrew root `חָרַד` (charad) means "to tremble, be anxious, be in dread." Although not explicitly connected in scripture to an event at this specific Haradah, its etymology can suggest a place associated with fear, apprehension, or possibly a difficult or challenging leg of the journey. The simple mention in this list, however, primarily serves as a geographical marker within the ordered itinerary of God's guidance.
• and camped:
  • Hebrew: `וַיַּחֲנוּ` (vayyaḥanu).
  • Derived from the verb `חָנָה` (hanah), meaning "to encamp, pitch a tent, rest, dwell."
  • Significance: This verb denotes the temporary cessation of movement, finding a place to settle and rest. Juxtaposed with "set out," it portrays the rhythm of the wilderness journey: divine command leading to movement, followed by divine permission for rest, always under God's meticulous oversight. This illustrates periods of active journeying balanced with times of waiting and settling, each a part of God's training for His people.
• at Makheloth:
  • Hebrew: `בְּמַקְהֵלֹת` (beMaqhelot).
  • `בְּ` (be-) is a prefix meaning "at" or "in." `מַקְהֵלֹת` (Makheloth) is a plural place name derived from `קָהַל` (qahal), meaning "assembly" or "congregation."
  • Significance: This place name carries strong theological weight. It means "assemblies" or "places of gathering/congregation." For Israel, who were the `qahal` of God, the "assembly of the LORD," encamping at a place named "Makheloth" could emphasize their identity as a divinely constituted, collective body. It subtly reinforces the truth that their journey was not of scattered individuals, but a united "congregation" under God's headship, being continually molded as His holy assembly for His purposes. It may also imply a significant gathering, census, or address that took place there, solidifying their corporate identity.

• Words-group Analysis: "They set out... and camped..."
  • This phrase is the standard formula for entries in Numbers 33, highlighting the consistent, rhythmic nature of the divine guidance. It reinforces the themes of obedience, discipline, and the structured progression of Israel's journey under the direct leading of Yahweh. The repeated pattern emphasizes God's ongoing, faithful involvement in every step of their wilderness experience.
• Words-group Analysis: "from Haradah and at Makheloth"
  • This pairing of departure and arrival points grounds the narrative in specific, real geography (even if not all modernly identified). The possible contrasting implications of "Haradah" (trembling/fright) and "Makheloth" (assemblies) subtly portray a journey through various experiences—perhaps challenges leading to reaffirmed community, or movements from uncertainty towards renewed divine organization. It paints a picture of God's guiding His `qahal` through diverse circumstances.

Numbers 33 28 Bonus section

The complete itinerary of Numbers 33 provides a tangible, verifiable historical account, demonstrating God's literal fulfillment of His promises, a crucial aspect often highlighted by biblical scholars regarding the historicity of the Exodus narrative. This detailed record contrasts with mythological accounts of ancient peoples, anchoring the Israelite narrative in space and time. Furthermore, the numerical significance of 42 encampments from Egypt to the plains of Moab has led to typological interpretations among some biblical scholars. Just as there are 42 generations from Abraham to Jesus (Matt 1:17) and 42 months mentioned in Revelation (Rev 11:2, 13:5), some see the wilderness journey as a comprehensive period of testing and purification leading to the inheritance, reflecting a divinely appointed complete period. The act of "recording" these stations (Num 33:2) under Moses' direct command emphasizes God's desire for His people to remember their past, learning lessons of faithfulness and trusting His unfailing guidance through every stage of their spiritual journey, regardless of perceived difficulty or length.

Numbers 33 28 Commentary

Numbers 33:28, though brief, provides a foundational record of Israel's divinely ordered journey. Far from a mere geographical listing, it speaks to God's precise control and unwavering presence throughout the challenging wilderness experience. Each step from "Haradah" to "Makheloth" represents God's sustained leadership, moving His people through varied circumstances towards their destiny. The mention of "Makheloth," or "assemblies," specifically resonates with Israel's identity as the "congregation of the Lord," affirming their unity and purpose as a people gathered and guided by God. The consistent pattern of "setting out" and "camping" showcases their obedience to the pillar of cloud and fire, symbolizing both dynamic trust and periods of necessary rest, all orchestrated by divine command. This journey, meticulously recorded, served to demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to bring Israel to the Promised Land, serving as a powerful lesson for all who follow Him, that our paths are ordered, and our ultimate destination is secured in Him. Practically, this verse teaches that life is a pilgrimage of setting out in faith and resting in God's provision, moving as His assembled people.