Numbers 33 33

Numbers 33:33 kjv

And they went from Horhagidgad, and pitched in Jotbathah.

Numbers 33:33 nkjv

They went from Hor Hagidgad and camped at Jotbathah.

Numbers 33:33 niv

They left Hor Haggidgad and camped at Jotbathah.

Numbers 33:33 esv

And they set out from Hor-haggidgad and camped at Jotbathah.

Numbers 33:33 nlt

They left Hor-haggidgad and camped at Jotbathah.

Numbers 33 verses

Numbers 33 33 Meaning

Numbers 33:33 records two more stops on the Israelites' wilderness journey: their departure from Hor-hagidgad and their encampment at Jotbathah. This verse serves as a historical and geographical marker, part of God's meticulously recorded itinerary for His people. It signifies the continuous, divinely-guided progression of Israel through the desolate wilderness toward the Promised Land, highlighting God's faithfulness in leading and providing for His people during their forty-year pilgrimage.

Numbers 33 33 Context

Numbers Chapter 33 provides a complete itinerary of the Israelite encampments from their exodus from Egypt until they reached the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land. This chapter serves as a factual, divinely recorded account of their forty-year journey. Each verse details a departure from one location and an encampment at the next, affirming God's direct guidance and faithfulness throughout their transient existence.Numbers 33:33 specifically notes the movements between Hor-hagidgad and Jotbathah. This particular segment occurs late in the wilderness wanderings, after the tragic event at Mount Hor (where Aaron died) and the conflicts in Transjordan, yet before they reach the ultimate destination on the plains of Moab. This consistent record emphasizes that every step of Israel's journey was part of a divine plan, not random wandering.

Numbers 33 33 Word analysis

• And they departed (וַיִּסְעוּ - vayyis’ū): Literally, "and they broke camp" or "pulled up stakes."
  • Significance: The Hebrew verb emphasizes an act of purposeful movement. The collective "they" refers to the entire nation of Israel, signifying a communal and directed migration. It reflects God's leadership in orchestrating their movements, as they moved only when the cloud lifted.
• from Hor-hagidgad (מֵחֹר הַגִּדְגָּד - mēḤōr ha-Gidgāḏ): A specific wilderness location.
  • Original Context: The name "Hor" likely means "hollow" or "ravine." "Gidgad" may relate to cutting or furrowing the ground, possibly referencing the terrain or an area with seasonal streams. In Deut 10:7, it's called "Gudgodah." This name suggests a challenging, rugged environment.
  • Significance: This marks a point from which they moved. Every designated stopping place, even seemingly unremarkable ones, was a part of God's appointed path for His people. It might signify a challenging period before moving to a place of relief.
• and pitched (וַיַּחֲנוּ - wayyaḥănū): "And they encamped."
  • Significance: This denotes a cessation of movement, a temporary settlement. It highlights the pattern of the wilderness journey: periods of movement followed by periods of rest. These rest points were opportunities for the nation to organize, refresh, and receive further instruction from God. God ordained both the movement and the rest.
• in Jotbathah (בְּיׇטְבָתָה - ba-Yōṭḇāṯāh): Another specific wilderness location.
  • Original Context: Derived from the Hebrew root yatav (יטב), meaning "to be good, pleasant, fitting." Thus, Jotbathah means "goodness," "pleasantness," or "a place of goodness." Deut 10:7 specifically calls it "a land of brooks of water."
  • Significance: The name contrasts with the difficulties implied by "Hor-hagidgad" and previous locations of scarcity (e.g., Marah). Jotbathah represents a place of divine provision, particularly water, which was crucial for their survival in the arid wilderness. It symbolizes God's restorative and faithful provision for His weary people, a 'pleasant spot' in their challenging journey.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And they departed from... and pitched in...": This phrase emphasizes the cyclical nature of their journey—breaking camp and establishing a new one. It underscores the disciplined, commanded nature of their movement, which was not aimless wandering but purposeful travel under God's guidance. This reflects the sovereignty of God over their pilgrimage, as He directs every transition.
• "Hor-hagidgad... Jotbathah": The progression from a place possibly denoting difficulty or ruggedness (Hor-hagidgad) to one of evident blessing and provision (Jotbathah) serves as a micro-narrative of their overall wilderness experience. It exemplifies how God often leads His people through trials to places of refreshment, demonstrating His consistent care.

Numbers 33 33 Bonus section

The repetitive nature of "And they departed from... and pitched in..." throughout Numbers 33 highlights several key biblical themes beyond mere geography:

• Divine Faithfulness and Sovereignty: The very act of cataloging these locations emphasizes God's consistent presence and direct hand in guiding His people. It shows that even in the vast and seemingly chaotic wilderness, every step was divinely ordained.
• Life as a Pilgrimage: This chapter, with its relentless itinerary, portrays the entire Israelite experience as a pilgrimage, not a permanent settlement. This resonates with the New Testament concept of believers being "strangers and pilgrims" on earth, heading towards a heavenly or spiritual promised land.
• The Journey as Discipleship: Each stop, whether a place of challenge or provision, was a classroom. God was teaching Israel dependence, obedience, and trust. The detailed list reinforces that growth and learning happen through every phase of the journey.
• Symbolic Contrast: The contrast between "Hor-hagidgad" (a place often associated with challenging terrain or water scarcity by context with other stops) and "Jotbathah" (a place of good water) serves as a powerful symbol of God leading His people through difficulty to refreshment and blessing, providing for their deepest needs along the way.

Numbers 33 33 Commentary

Numbers 33:33, though a concise geographic entry, offers profound insight into the nature of God's leading and Israel's journey. It reveals that the path to God's promises is not always direct or easy, involving departures from challenging places ("Hor-hagidgad") and arrivals at places of respite ("Jotbathah"). Each departure and encampment signifies divine orchestration; no move was accidental. The listing of these mundane stops elevates them to acts of God's specific will, emphasizing His attention to detail in caring for His chosen people. The arrival at "Jotbathah," meaning "goodness" or "a place of brooks of water," particularly highlights God's ongoing provision in the wilderness, turning what should have been an impossible survival into a sustained journey of faith. This passage subtly combats the notion that the Israelites wandered without direction or that God was aloof; instead, it underscores His immanence and precise governance over His covenant people, assuring them (and future generations) that His plans are meticulously laid out for their good and ultimate fulfillment.