Numbers 33 34

Numbers 33:34 kjv

And they removed from Jotbathah, and encamped at Ebronah.

Numbers 33:34 nkjv

They moved from Jotbathah and camped at Abronah.

Numbers 33:34 niv

They left Jotbathah and camped at Abronah.

Numbers 33:34 esv

And they set out from Jotbathah and camped at Abronah.

Numbers 33:34 nlt

They left Jotbathah and camped at Abronah.

Numbers 33 verses

Numbers 33 34 Meaning

Numbers 33:34 is a precise record of two consecutive stops in the Israelite wilderness journey: the breaking of camp from Hor-hagidgad and the establishment of their next encampment in Jotbathah. This verse is part of a comprehensive itinerary, documenting the divine leading of the nation of Israel through 42 stages from their departure from Egypt to their arrival on the plains of Moab. It highlights the continued and meticulous record-keeping of God's faithfulness in guiding His people through the wilderness.

Numbers 33 34 Context

Numbers chapter 33 serves as a unique and detailed travelog, meticulously charting every stage of the Israelite journey from their exodus out of Egypt until they reached the plains of Moab, just before entering the Promised Land. This chapter, explicitly stated to be recorded by Moses (Num 33:2), emphasizes God's precise and ordered guidance throughout their 40 years of wilderness wanderings. Each entry, like verse 34, follows a recurring pattern of "removed from" and "encamped in," underscoring the dynamic interplay of divine command for movement and rest. The journey was not random; it was under God's constant and deliberate direction, teaching Israel obedience and dependence. Historically, this itinerary records the physical locations of a massive multitude, demonstrating the logistical miracle and constant provision required to sustain such a population in the arid wilderness. Hor-hagidgad and Jotbathah are but two points among the 42 recorded stages, each representing a segment of their challenging yet divinely led pilgrimage towards their promised inheritance.

Numbers 33 34 Word analysis

• And they removed (וַיִּסְעוּ, vayyis'u): This Hebrew verb comes from the root נָסַע (nasah), meaning "to pull up stakes," "to break camp," or "to journey forth." In the context of the Exodus narrative, this action consistently implies movement that is divinely initiated or commanded, typically by the lifting of the cloud covering the tabernacle (Num 9:17-23). It denotes a purposeful, guided progression, highlighting the Israelites' continuous journey under God's direction rather than aimless wandering.
• from Hor-hagidgad (מֵחֹר הַגִּדְגָּד, meHor hag-gidgad): The prefix מֵ (me-) means "from." "Hor" (חֹר) can mean "hole," "hollow," "cavern," or "pass." "Gidgad" (הַגִּדְגָּד) is an obscure place name, possibly referring to a specific valley or fissure. In Deut 10:7, this place is referred to as "Gudgodah," confirming its historical reality as a significant waypoint. The term "Hor" might suggest a topographical feature like a narrow pass or a depression, characteristic of the often difficult wilderness terrain through which God led them.
• and encamped (וַיַּחֲנוּ, vayyaḥanu): This Hebrew verb stems from the root חָנָה (hanah), signifying "to pitch a tent," "to settle," or "to make camp." Like "removed," this act of encamping was not arbitrary but occurred at God's command. It represents a temporary halt in their journey, a period of rest, replenishment, and organization. The constant cycle of breaking camp and setting up camp, guided by God, illustrates the divine providence that sustained Israel through challenging conditions.
• in Jotbathah (בְּיָטְבָתָה, beYotbatáh): The prefix בְּ (be-) means "in" or "at." "Jotbathah" is mentioned also in Deut 10:7 as "Jotbath," and importantly, it is described there as "a land of wadis of water." This detail makes Jotbathah a particularly significant encampment, as it would have provided a much-needed source of refreshment and sustenance in the harsh desert environment. The name itself could be linked to roots signifying "goodness," "pleasantness," or "richness," suggesting its beneficial nature, particularly for water. It exemplifies God's compassionate provision for His weary travelers.

Numbers 33 34 Bonus section

The precise, almost bureaucratic listing of every stage of Israel’s journey in Numbers 33 highlights several theological points. It emphasizes God's profound attentiveness to detail in guiding His people, leaving no doubt that their historical progression was orchestrated. This meticulous record can be seen as an assurance of God’s complete sovereign control and His enduring presence with Israel through all circumstances, good and challenging. It contrasts with pagan deities often associated with specific places; here, the God of Israel moves with His people, revealing His omnipresence and active involvement. Furthermore, the detailed account underscores the reliability of God’s Word and promises, as the fulfillment of the journey toward the Promised Land is rooted in actual historical events and locations, however obscure some may now be. The specific mention of Hor-hagidgad and Jotbathah, the latter linked to water, speaks to God’s dynamic care in varying environments, turning potentially desolate places into areas of provision.

Numbers 33 34 Commentary

Numbers 33:34 is more than a mere geographical entry; it is a segment of divine biography, illustrating God's meticulous and steadfast leading of His chosen people. The consistent rhythm of "removed" and "encamped" throughout the itinerary speaks to God's precise control and Israel's required obedience, highlighting a journey entirely orchestrated by divine command rather than human whim or circumstance. Each stopping place, whether seemingly barren like Hor-hagidgad or refreshing like Jotbathah with its "streams of water" (Deut 10:7), revealed God's intimate knowledge of their needs and His unwavering commitment to His covenant. Jotbathah particularly serves as a beacon of divine provision amidst desert trials, demonstrating that God is faithful to sustain His people even in the most arduous passages of life's journey, providing refreshment at the opportune moment. The pattern reflects a spiritual principle: true rest and fruitful journey are found in yieldedness to God's continuous guidance.