Numbers 33:37 kjv
And they removed from Kadesh, and pitched in mount Hor, in the edge of the land of Edom.
Numbers 33:37 nkjv
They moved from Kadesh and camped at Mount Hor, on the boundary of the land of Edom.
Numbers 33:37 niv
They left Kadesh and camped at Mount Hor, on the border of Edom.
Numbers 33:37 esv
And they set out from Kadesh and camped at Mount Hor, on the edge of the land of Edom.
Numbers 33:37 nlt
They left Kadesh and camped at Mount Hor, at the border of Edom.
Numbers 33 37 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|
| Num 33:1-49 | These are the journeys of the children of Israel... | Provides the complete context of the wilderness itinerary. |
| Num 20:1 | Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there. | Establishes Kadesh as a prior major stopping point. |
| Num 20:13 | This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the Lord... | Connects Kadesh with the strife at Meribah. |
| Num 20:14-21 | Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom... | Details the Edomites' refusal to grant passage. |
| Num 20:22 | And the children of Israel, the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh, and came unto mount Hor. | Direct parallel, confirming the location and movement. |
| Num 20:23 | And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, by the coast of the land of Edom, saying... | God's specific instructions at Mount Hor. |
| Num 20:25-28 | Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor: And strip Aaron’s garments... | Foreshadows and details Aaron's transfer of office. |
| Num 33:38 | And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of the LORD, and died there... | Direct consequence of Israel being at Mount Hor. |
| Deut 1:46 | So ye abode in Kadesh many days, according unto the days ye abode there. | Reinforces Kadesh as a long-term dwelling place. |
| Deut 2:4-5 | And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore, meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession. | Highlights the boundary and divine command regarding Edom. |
| Deut 10:6 | And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest’s office in his stead. | Links Mosera to Aaron's death, an alternative tradition or variant name for Hor/locality. |
| Deut 32:50 | And die in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people: | Moses' future death is compared to Aaron's on a mountain. |
| Neh 9:19 | Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day... | Highlights God's continuous guidance during the wilderness journey. |
| Psa 78:52-53 | But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. And he led them on safely, so that they feared not... | Emphasizes God's safe leading of His people. |
| Psa 105:40-41 | They asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river. | Refers to God's provision during the journey (including from rock at Kadesh). |
| 1 Cor 10:6 | Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. | Wilderness journey as a warning for Christian conduct. |
| Heb 3:17-19 | But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? | Connects the wilderness wanderings with the consequence of unbelief. |
| Jude 1:11 | Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. | Refers to events from the Numbers narrative, including rebellion during the journey. |
| Acts 7:42 | Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? | Stephen's speech acknowledging the wilderness period. |
| Rev 2:17 | He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. | Symbolic echoes of God's provision during the wilderness journey. |
Numbers 33 verses
Numbers 33 37 Meaning
Numbers 33:37 describes a specific stage in the Israelites' wilderness journey: "And they removed from Kadesh and pitched in Mount Hor, in the edge of the land of Edom." This verse signifies a crucial transition point in the forty-year wilderness wanderings, marking both a geographical movement and an imminent spiritual event—the death of Aaron, the High Priest, which immediately follows in the narrative. It highlights divine guidance in Israel's movements and their positioning at the very border of an adversarial nation.
Numbers 33 37 Context
Numbers chapter 33 serves as a comprehensive itinerary, meticulously listing all the encampments of the Israelites from their departure from Egypt through the wilderness up to the plains of Moab. This detailed record underscores the historical accuracy and divine oversight of the Exodus event. Numbers 33:37 fits within this meticulous chronology, documenting the thirty-fifth recorded stop on their long journey. It follows their extensive stay at Kadesh-barnea (also called Kadesh)—a pivotal location where the twelve spies were sent, the people rebelled, and were subsequently condemned to wander for forty years. Their move from Kadesh to Mount Hor thus marks the beginning of the end of the punitive wanderings, positioning them near the promised land, yet also leading directly to a significant event: the passing of the high priesthood from Aaron to Eleazar. Historically, this positioning near the land of Edom, descendants of Esau, signifies a complex relationship—initially a request for passage and then outright refusal, leading to Israel bypassing Edom's core territory. The Lord's command ensures Israel does not violate the land designated for Edom.
Numbers 33 37 Word analysis
And they removed (וַיִּסְעוּ, wayyis'u):
- Word: nasa' (נָסַע), "to pull up stakes," "to break camp," "to journey."
- Significance: This verb repeatedly appears in the Numbers itinerary (e.g., Num 10:12; 33:1-49), emphasizing continuous, divinely-guided movement. It suggests a systematic progression, not aimless wandering, under God's leading cloud by day and fire by night.
- Theological Implication: It highlights the dynamic nature of faith, requiring obedience to God's direction in journeying, even when the destination is not immediately clear.
from Kadesh (מִקָּדֵשׁ, miqqāḏēš):
- Word: Kadesh (קָדֵשׁ), meaning "holy" or "sanctuary." Often paired with "barnea" (Num 32:8).
- Significance: A well-known and pivotal site in the wilderness. It was their longest dwelling place, site of the spy mission (Num 13), rebellion (Num 14), Miriam's death (Num 20:1), and Moses' sin of striking the rock (Num 20:1-13). Leaving Kadesh signifies moving beyond a place associated with great sin and prolonged delay.
- Historical Context: Strategically located, providing access to southern Canaan. Its spiritual significance stems from events there that led to the forty-year punishment.
and pitched (וַיַּחֲנוּ, wayyaḥanu):
- Word: ḥanah (חָנָה), "to encamp," "to pitch a tent," "to settle down."
- Significance: Contrasts with "removed," indicating the setting up of camp for a period of rest or specific purpose. These stops were also divinely directed, not arbitrary.
- Combined effect with "removed": Shows the rhythmic nature of the wilderness journey: breaking camp and pitching camp, all guided by the Lord (Exo 40:36-38).
in Mount Hor (בְּהֹר הָהָר, bəhōr hāhār):
- Word: Hor ha-Har (הֹר הָהָר). Hor could mean "mountain" or "hollow/cave," while har (הָר) means "mountain." "Mount of the Mountain" possibly indicating a specific peak or a prominent mountain range.
- Significance: Immediately associated with Aaron's death (Num 20:22-29; 33:38-39) and the transfer of the high priesthood to Eleazar. This event is a crucial transition for Israel's leadership and the continuation of the sacrificial system.
- Cultural Context: Mountains often hold spiritual significance in the ancient Near East, as places of divine encounter, covenant, or significant events (e.g., Mount Sinai). This ascent marks a transition of spiritual authority.
- Literary/Thematic: A moment of national mourning and the re-establishment of the priesthood, emphasizing continuity in God's provision for atonement.
in the edge (בִּקְצֵה, biqṣēh):
- Word: qatseh (קָצֶה), "end," "edge," "border," "extremity."
- Significance: Indicates close proximity without necessarily entering the core territory. This geographical detail underscores the sensitivity of border interactions in the ancient world.
- Fulfillment of prophecy: Echoes God's promise not to give Israel any of Edom's land, reinforcing divine sovereignty over land apportionment (Deut 2:4-5).
of the land of Edom (אֶרֶץ אֱדוֹם, ’erets ’Ĕḏōm):
- Word: ’erets (אֶרֶץ), "land" or "earth"; ’Edom (אֱדוֹם), from adam (אָדַם), "red," referring to Esau, the reddish brother of Jacob.
- Significance: Edom, as descendants of Esau (Gen 36:8), shared a brotherly but often hostile relationship with Israel. Their refusal of passage (Num 20:14-21) forced Israel's circumvention.
- Polemics: By detailing their respectful movement around Edom's borders despite provocation, the narrative subtly highlights Israel's adherence to God's command not to conquer Edom, in contrast to later adversarial interactions and the common ancient Near Eastern practice of territorial expansion by force. It implicitly shows God's authority over specific boundaries and relationships, challenging mere tribal conquest.
Numbers 33 37 Bonus section
The seemingly mundane act of moving camp, meticulously recorded, carries a profound spiritual lesson: every step of the believer's journey, even through barren or difficult terrain, is orchestrated by divine providence. Just as Israel moved by the cloud's leading (Num 9:15-23), believers are to trust in God's perfect timing and direction for their lives. The stop at Mount Hor before Aaron's death also illustrates the importance of appointed places for significant life and spiritual transitions, reminding us that God has specific plans for where and when certain seasons of life will begin or end. Furthermore, Israel's precise adherence to their territorial boundaries, even with hostile neighbours like Edom, underscores a broader biblical principle of respecting established boundaries and exercising wisdom in engagements, even when provocation arises. This reflects God's justice in granting territories and His command for His people to act justly even towards those who are not for them.
Numbers 33 37 Commentary
Numbers 33:37, though brief, encapsulates a moment of profound significance in Israel's journey. It signals a move from Kadesh, a place of prolonged stagnation due to unbelief and rebellion, toward a point of both great sorrow and critical transition. Mount Hor, nestled on the very frontier of Edomite territory, served as the setting for the public, divinely commanded death of Aaron. This event, immediately following this verse in the text (Num 33:38-39), was essential for the spiritual and institutional continuity of Israel: the high priesthood had to pass from Aaron to Eleazar. The placement on the "edge of the land of Edom" further emphasizes the careful, guided nature of Israel's movements, respecting the divinely-ordained boundaries of Esau's descendants, even as Edom rejected their request for passage. This detailed record is not merely historical geography but a testimony to God's faithfulness in guiding His people through their wanderings, His patience amidst their failures, and His precise orchestration of events to fulfill His covenant purposes. The entire itinerary, including this specific segment, testifies to God's leadership through wilderness challenges, refining a generation for entrance into the Promised Land.