Numbers 33 42

Numbers 33:42 kjv

And they departed from Zalmonah, and pitched in Punon.

Numbers 33:42 nkjv

They departed from Zalmonah and camped at Punon.

Numbers 33:42 niv

They left Zalmonah and camped at Punon.

Numbers 33:42 esv

And they set out from Zalmonah and camped at Punon.

Numbers 33:42 nlt

Then they left Zalmonah and camped at Punon.

Numbers 33 verses

Numbers 33 42 Meaning

Numbers 33:42 is a record of a specific stage in the Israelites' wilderness journey: "They set out from Zalmonah and camped at Punon." This concise statement marks another completed leg of their divinely guided exodus, emphasizing their continued progression and God's consistent leading through various geographical locations on their way to the Promised Land.

Numbers 33 42 Context

Numbers chapter 33 provides a detailed itinerary of the Israelites' journey from their departure from Egypt through the Red Sea and forty years of wilderness wandering, up to their encampment in the plains of Moab before crossing into Canaan. This comprehensive list, spanning over forty stages, serves as a crucial historical and theological record. It testifies to God's precise and consistent guidance of His people and the fulfillment of His prophecy regarding their extended wandering.

Verse 42 places the Israelites' journey at a specific juncture, from Zalmonah to Punon, which follows their detour around the land of Edom, a period characterized by weariness and further tests, including the plague of fiery serpents and the provision of the bronze serpent (Num 21). Each stage, though briefly stated, represents days, months, or even years of actual travel, challenges, provisions, and spiritual lessons, reinforcing God's faithful presence through every step of their wilderness pilgrimage.

Numbers 33 42 Word analysis

• They set out (וַיִּסְעוּ - vayiys'u)

  • Word: Derived from the Hebrew root נסע (nasa), meaning "to pull up stakes," "to journey," "to depart," or "to travel."
  • Significance: Implies a deliberate act of movement after a period of rest, signifying continuation of a task or journey. In this context, it underscores God's persistent leading and Israel's continued obedience (or sometimes, necessity) to keep moving. This ongoing "setting out" points to a pilgrimage mentality.

• from Zalmonah (מִצַּלְמֹנָה - mittsalmonah)

  • Word: מִן (min) (from) + צַּלְמֹנָה (Tsalmonah), a place name. Its meaning is uncertain but possibly linked to "shadowy" or "idol-image."
  • Significance: A specific point of departure. While no detailed narrative is given for this specific camp beyond its inclusion in the itinerary, its mention, like all others, marks a distinct period or experience of God's interaction with Israel. It indicates a completed segment of their journey and the progression away from one known (perhaps challenging) locale.

• and camped (וַיַּחֲנוּ - vayyachanú)

  • Word: Derived from the Hebrew root חנה (chanah), meaning "to pitch a tent," "to encamp," "to lodge," or "to dwell temporarily."
  • Significance: Denotes a halt, a place of rest, or temporary dwelling. It speaks to God's provision for respite and security in the wilderness, providing a space for regrouping, refreshment, and continued sustenance before the next leg of the journey. The rhythm of travel and encampment illustrates the divine timing in their pilgrimage.

• at Punon (בְּפוּנֹן - befunon)

  • Word: בְּ (be) (at, in) + פוּנֹן (Punon), a place name. This location is often identified with modern Faynan, known for ancient copper mines.
  • Significance: Punon is notably linked to the infamous incident of the fiery serpents and the bronze serpent lifted by Moses (Num 21:4-9), which occurred just prior to or during their encampment in this region. The mention of Punon subtly recalls a critical test of faith and the demonstration of God's miraculous salvation through an atoning act (the bronze serpent foreshadowing Christ on the cross - Jn 3:14-15). The place name likely meant "reddish," perhaps due to the copper deposits or the fiery trials experienced there.

Words-group analysis:

• "They set out from... and camped at...": This recurring linguistic structure throughout Numbers 33 emphasizes the orderly, stage-by-stage progression of the journey. It signifies the continuous, disciplined movement under divine guidance, highlighting God's faithfulness in bringing them through distinct phases of testing and provision. This pattern of 'departure' and 'arrival' echoes the pilgrimage nature of life and faith itself, characterized by periods of active progression followed by seasons of rest and provision.

Numbers 33 42 Bonus section

• The meticulous cataloging of these encampments (totaling 42 stops mentioned in Num 33, representing the forty years plus a symbolic number) serves as a legal and historical validation of Israel's right to the land of Canaan, demonstrating their journey as a divinely sanctioned procession rather than an invasion.
• The wilderness journey, epitomized by these itineraries, is a powerful biblical metaphor for the sanctification process of believers—a period of testing, purification, and learning dependence on God before entering the promised inheritance (be it Canaan or eternal life).
• The fact that God commanded Moses to record every stage (Num 33:2) emphasizes the importance of remembering God's faithfulness and past actions. It's a testament to His consistency even when human obedience wavered.
• Though concise, the verse is part of a repetitive pattern that establishes God as the master of timing and direction, ensuring His people reach their designated destination, despite detours caused by their disobedience (e.g., the Edomite detour leading to the region of Punon).

Numbers 33 42 Commentary

Numbers 33:42, though a simple itinerary entry, holds profound significance. Within the broader context of Israel's forty-year wilderness journey, it functions as a witness to God's enduring and meticulous care over His people. The act of "setting out" signifies a new step of faith, requiring trust in God for the unknown ahead, while "camping" represents a period of divinely provided rest and sustenance, often amidst harsh conditions.

The very inclusion of such detailed geographical markers underlines the historical authenticity of the Exodus and the reliability of God's word and guidance. Scholars often point to these detailed lists as evidence against mythical interpretations of the Exodus, showcasing it as a concrete historical event. More profoundly, Punon, as a named location, implicitly links back to the harrowing encounter with the fiery serpents and the subsequent provision of healing through the bronze serpent—a type of Christ's sacrifice for humanity (Jn 3:14-15). Thus, this seemingly simple verse subtly connects a physical stop on a journey to a profound moment of spiritual crisis and divine salvation, illustrating that God's plan unfolds in both geographical and spiritual dimensions.

Practically, this verse reminds believers that life is a pilgrimage led by God. Each "setting out" requires dependence and obedience, while each "camping" is an opportunity to rest in God's provision and reflect on His faithfulness through past trials. It reassures us that no phase of our journey is overlooked by God, and even difficult locations might hold a deep purpose for our spiritual growth or divine revelation.