Numbers 33 35

Numbers 33:35 kjv

And they departed from Ebronah, and encamped at Eziongaber.

Numbers 33:35 nkjv

They departed from Abronah and camped at Ezion Geber.

Numbers 33:35 niv

They left Abronah and camped at Ezion Geber.

Numbers 33:35 esv

And they set out from Abronah and camped at Ezion-geber.

Numbers 33:35 nlt

They left Abronah and camped at Ezion-geber.

Numbers 33 verses

Numbers 33 35 Meaning

Numbers 33:35 simply records two more encampment stages for the Israelites during their forty years of wilderness wandering. It states that they departed from Abrona and encamped at Ezion-geber. This verse is part of a comprehensive list detailing every stop made by the Israelites from their exodus out of Egypt until they reached the plains of Moab. It signifies God's meticulous and ordered guidance of His people throughout their journey to the Promised Land.

Numbers 33 35 Context

Numbers 33 provides a unique and exhaustive account of all 42 stopping places for the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the plains of Moab, spanning approximately forty years. It functions as a historical record, chronicling God's direct involvement in leading His people. Each verse typically states their point of departure and their next encampment, demonstrating the orderly progression and the temporary nature of each stop. Verse 35 specifically records the movement from Abrona, an obscure site likely in the Arabah valley, to Ezion-geber, a significant location at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba, the northeastern arm of the Red Sea. This section of the journey suggests they were moving south or east through arid regions before turning north towards the Zin wilderness. The meticulously kept itinerary underscores the miraculous guidance and provision of God, who dictated every move, every stop, and every onward step for His vast congregation. It stands as a testament to His faithfulness in bringing them through the wilderness.

Numbers 33 35 Word analysis

• And they departed (וַיִּסְעוּ, vayyis'u): This is a verb in the waw-consecutive imperfect form, often used to show a sequence of past events. It means "they broke camp," "they pulled up stakes," or "they journeyed forth." This common verb throughout Numbers 33 emphasizes the ongoing movement and the dynamic nature of their pilgrimage under divine direction. It suggests a decisive, purposeful action of setting out, not wandering aimlessly. The collective "they" signifies the entire congregation moving together as one, guided by God.

• from Abrona (מֵעַבְרֹנָה, me'avrona): The Hebrew preposition min (מֵ) means "from" or "out of." Abrona is a place name, precise location uncertain today, but possibly a desert wadi or spring in the Arabah valley. The name "Abrona" (עַבְרֹנָה) relates to the root meaning "to cross over" or "to pass by" (עבר, 'avar), which could be indicative of a pass or fordable place. This emphasizes that each stage of their journey involved leaving one point before reaching another, underscoring the continuous progression ordained by God.

• and encamped (וַיַּחֲנוּ, vayyaḥanu): Another waw-consecutive imperfect verb, meaning "they camped," "they rested," or "they settled down." This highlights the temporary nature of each stop; they did not build permanent dwellings, always ready to move on. The act of encampment was as divinely directed as the departing. This phrase paired with "departed" depicts a recurring cycle of divine leading in both movement and rest.

• at Ezion-gaber (בְּעֶצְיֹן גָּבֶר, be'etzion gaver): The preposition be (בְּ) means "at" or "in." Ezion-geber (עֶצְיֹן גָּבֶר) is a significant place name, located at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba, near modern-day Eilat/Aqaba. Its name may mean "backbone of a man" or "giant's backbone," possibly referring to a jagged rock formation, or "thorn-bush of Gaber." Later, under King Solomon, Ezion-geber became a critical port for naval expeditions and trade (1 Ki 9:26), indicating its strategic and historical importance beyond the Exodus narrative. Its inclusion here marks it as a recognizable geographical landmark in the journey.

• "And they departed from... and encamped at...": This phrase structure is highly repetitive throughout Numbers 33, acting as a rhythmic chronicle of God's leading. It underscores the precision, order, and control God maintained over every aspect of Israel's journey. Each movement and each halt were not accidental or determined by human whim, but meticulously planned and directed by divine providence. This repetitive pattern strengthens the overall message of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in guiding His people through their wilderness experience.

Numbers 33 35 Bonus section

The itinerary in Numbers 33 serves multiple purposes. Beyond being a simple travel log, it acts as an evidence of God's promise and faithfulness, a lesson for future generations, and a reminder of the nation's humble beginnings. The precise naming of 42 encampments emphasizes the structured nature of God's guidance. The number 42 is often interpreted in rabbinic tradition to signify a significant completion or a sequence of trials leading to redemption. Ezion-geber, the destination in this verse, being a well-known ancient site at the Gulf of Aqaba, makes this particular stop more tangible than some other unnamed or lost locations mentioned. Its future as a major naval and trading port under King Solomon reinforces that even mundane points in the Exodus narrative were part of God's larger providential plan for Israel's future, intertwining the past wilderness wanderings with future national glory. The details of these journeys also serve as a polemic against the notion that Israel merely "wandered aimlessly" or was abandoned by God in the desert; rather, it vividly illustrates precise divine navigation.

Numbers 33 35 Commentary

Numbers 33:35, a seemingly simple record of movement from one location to another, carries profound theological weight when viewed within the broader biblical narrative. It is part of the extensive itinerary of Israel's journey, which underscores the theme of God's active, continuous, and meticulous leadership. Far from a random wander, the passage describes a journey precisely directed by God through the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, indicating where and when to move or rest. This verse, like others in the chapter, is not merely geographical; it serves as a historical testament to God's faithfulness in bringing His people through challenging terrain towards the fulfillment of His covenant promise. The mention of Ezion-geber foreshadows its later importance as a strategic port in Israelite history, highlighting God's pre-knowledge and selection of key sites for His people, even in their formative journey. The meticulous recording serves as a mnemonic aid for future generations to remember God's constant presence and provision. It demonstrates that every step of faith, whether a departure into the unknown or an encampment of rest, is under the sovereign hand of God.

• Practical usage example: This verse reminds believers that their "journey" through life is not random. God often leads us from one situation ("Abrona") to another ("Ezion-geber"), with periods of movement and rest, all under His careful design and for His ultimate purpose, even if the reason for each specific step isn't immediately clear. It encourages trust in His guiding hand, even in unfamiliar territory.