Numbers 33 29

Numbers 33:29 kjv

And they went from Mithcah, and pitched in Hashmonah.

Numbers 33:29 nkjv

They went from Mithkah and camped at Hashmonah.

Numbers 33:29 niv

They left Mithkah and camped at Hashmonah.

Numbers 33:29 esv

And they set out from Mithkah and camped at Hashmonah.

Numbers 33:29 nlt

They left Mithcah and camped at Hashmonah.

Numbers 33 verses

Numbers 33 29 Meaning

Numbers 33:29 states that the Israelites "removed from Hashmonah, and encamped at Moseroth." This verse serves as a concise, historical record of another leg in their divinely guided wilderness journey. It marks a specific transition point in their travels, reinforcing the meticulously documented progression of God's people under His direction from Egypt towards the Promised Land. The listing of these precise stopping and starting points emphasizes the reality and the providential nature of their long and challenging Exodus, showcasing God's constant presence and guidance over their specific movements, rather than aimless wandering.

Numbers 33 29 Context

Numbers chapter 33 presents the definitive and comprehensive itinerary of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, from their departure from Raamses in Egypt to their arrival in the plains of Moab opposite Jericho. This chapter stands as a precise historical record, documenting forty-two distinct stations where the Israelites camped over a period of forty years. It functions as a meticulous fulfillment of God's promise to lead His people out of bondage and through the wilderness to the Promised Land. Verse 29 is a single entry within this detailed chronicle, falling within the section that records their movements following the events at Kadesh and approaching the Edomite border. It emphasizes the sequential, directed nature of their journey, ensuring that the historical truth of their Exodus and God's sovereign hand in their movement is preserved for all generations.

Numbers 33 29 Word analysis

• And (וַֽ): A simple conjunctive prefix, linking this station to the previous one and showing continuation in the narrative of travel. It underscores the seamless, albeit sometimes arduous, progression of the journey.
• they removed (נָסְעוּ - nas'u): Derived from the verb nasa (נָסַע), meaning "to journey," "to set out," "to depart," or "to pull up stakes." This active verb implies deliberate movement, not aimless wandering. It suggests an ordered and intentional departure, consistent with their journey being guided by the divine cloud and pillar of fire.
• from Hashmonah (מֵחַשְׁמֹנָה - mehashmonah): "From Hashmonah." Hashmonah (חַשְׁמֹנָה) means "fatness," "richness," or "abundance." The specific location remains unidentified, though generally believed to be in the arid Negeb region or northern Sinai Peninsula. The name might have reflected a brief period of provision or a place known for some fertility in contrast to the typical desert landscape, or simply its local designation.
• and encamped (וַיַּחֲנוּ - vayyachanu): Derived from the verb chanah (חָנָה), meaning "to encamp," "to pitch tents," or "to lie down (of an army)." This signifies a temporary settlement, a designated halt in their journey where the Tabernacle was set up. Each encampment, like each removal, was not by human whim but by God's explicit instruction and timing, reflecting the principle found in Num 9:18, where movement and resting were by divine command.
• at Moseroth (בְּמֹסֵרוֹת - bemoseroth): "At Moseroth." Moseroth (מֹסֵרוֹת), plural of moserah (מֹסֵרָה), means "bonds," "fetters," "chastisements," or "disciplines." Some interpretations connect it to a root suggesting a "watering-place," but the primary Hebrew meaning points to something constraining or disciplinary. This place name might reflect challenges, tests, or periods of instruction experienced by the Israelites there. Notably, Deut 10:6 mentions "Mosera" (singular), stating that Aaron died there. In Numbers 33, Moseroth precedes several other stops before Mount Hor (Num 33:38), where Aaron explicitly died. This suggests either a complex itineration (returning to or passing near similar places), a summary account in Deuteronomy, or simply that "Mosera" in Deuteronomy refers to the general region rather than one specific stopping point within Numbers 33's precise list. In the context of Numbers 33, Moseroth is simply another distinct station on their journey towards Canaan.

Words-group analysis:

• "And they removed from Hashmonah, and encamped at Moseroth.": This entire phrase exemplifies the routine yet divinely orchestrated pattern of Israel's journey. It highlights progression (removed) and cessation (encamped), portraying a journey that was not aimless but rather structured and directed. The consistent repetition of this pattern throughout Numbers 33 emphasizes the reliability and faithfulness of God's guidance, who meticulously led His people step by step through a desolate wilderness towards their inheritance. The specific names serve as markers of this verifiable historical experience.

Numbers 33 29 Bonus section

• The exhaustive list in Numbers 33 stands as a robust polemic against any notion that the Exodus was a fabricated story or that Israel simply wandered aimlessly. The detailed itinerary implies an eyewitness account and precise record-keeping, lending substantial weight to the historical authenticity of God's redemptive act.
• While "Moseroth" is translated as a place, its meaning "bonds" or "discipline" invites reflection on the spiritual lessons embedded in the wilderness experience. Each location, by its name or by events that transpired there, often served as a classroom for Israel, teaching them about God's faithfulness, their own rebellion, and the importance of obedience.
• The slight variation between Numbers 33 and Deuteronomy 10:6 regarding "Mosera/Moseroth" and Aaron's death place (Mount Hor) is a typical example of biblical accounts offering complementary perspectives rather than contradictions. Numbers provides a linear, specific travelogue, whereas Deuteronomy sometimes offers summaries or contextual notes. Moseroth in Numbers 33 is merely a distinct stop en route, while "Mosera" in Deuteronomy could refer to the broader region encompassing Mount Hor or a summary inclusion. Both texts uphold the divine guiding hand over Israel's journey.

Numbers 33 29 Commentary

Numbers 33:29 is more than a mere geographical note; it's a testament to divine supervision over the intricate details of Israel's wilderness wanderings. The seemingly monotonous list of stations serves several profound purposes. First, it powerfully validates the historicity of the Exodus narrative. This wasn't a mythical journey; it was a verifiable series of movements from distinct points, testifying to the literal reality of God leading His people. Second, it underscores God's meticulous care and sovereignty. Every move and every rest was determined by His command, demonstrating His constant presence and precise guidance for His elect. Third, it serves as a chronicle of Israel's endurance and dependence. Each named place, particularly "Moseroth" with its potential connotations of "discipline" or "bonds," hints at the testing, the learning, and the challenges faced by the nation, emphasizing the necessity of relying entirely on God. This verse, therefore, represents a tangible waypoint in a journey of faith, revealing a God who charts the course, provides the sustenance, and orchestrates the very footsteps of His covenant people. It stands as a silent witness to a God who leads faithfully, even through the wilderness.