1 These [are] the journeys of the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt with their armies under the hand of Moses and Aaron.
2 And Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of the LORD: and these [are] their journeys according to their goings out.
3 And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the passover the children of Israel went out with an high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians.
4 For the Egyptians buried all [their] firstborn, which the LORD had smitten among them: upon their gods also the LORD executed judgments.
5 And the children of Israel removed from Rameses, and pitched in Succoth.
6 And they departed from Succoth, and pitched in Etham, which [is] in the edge of the wilderness.
7 And they removed from Etham, and turned again unto Pihahiroth, which [is] before Baalzephon: and they pitched before Migdol.
8 And they departed from before Pihahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah.
9 And they removed from Marah, and came unto Elim: and in Elim [were] twelve fountains of water, and threescore and ten palm trees; and they pitched there.
10 And they removed from Elim, and encamped by the Red sea.
11 And they removed from the Red sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin.
12 And they took their journey out of the wilderness of Sin, and encamped in Dophkah.
13 And they departed from Dophkah, and encamped in Alush.
14 And they removed from Alush, and encamped at Rephidim, where was no water for the people to drink.
15 And they departed from Rephidim, and pitched in the wilderness of Sinai.
16 And they removed from the desert of Sinai, and pitched at Kibrothhattaavah.
17 And they departed from Kibrothhattaavah, and encamped at Hazeroth.
18 And they departed from Hazeroth, and pitched in Rithmah.
19 And they departed from Rithmah, and pitched at Rimmonparez.
20 And they departed from Rimmonparez, and pitched in Libnah.
21 And they removed from Libnah, and pitched at Rissah.
22 And they journeyed from Rissah, and pitched in Kehelathah.
23 And they went from Kehelathah, and pitched in mount Shapher.
24 And they removed from mount Shapher, and encamped in Haradah.
25 And they removed from Haradah, and pitched in Makheloth.
26 And they removed from Makheloth, and encamped at Tahath.
27 And they departed from Tahath, and pitched at Tarah.
28 And they removed from Tarah, and pitched in Mithcah.
29 And they went from Mithcah, and pitched in Hashmonah.
30 And they departed from Hashmonah, and encamped at Moseroth.
31 And they departed from Moseroth, and pitched in Benejaakan.
32 And they removed from Benejaakan, and encamped at Horhagidgad.
33 And they went from Horhagidgad, and pitched in Jotbathah.
34 And they removed from Jotbathah, and encamped at Ebronah.
35 And they departed from Ebronah, and encamped at Eziongaber.
36 And they removed from Eziongaber, and pitched in the wilderness of Zin, which [is] Kadesh.
37 And they removed from Kadesh, and pitched in mount Hor, in the edge of the land of Edom.
38 And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of the LORD, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the first [day] of the fifth month.
39 And Aaron [was] an hundred and twenty and three years old when he died in mount Hor.
40 And king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel.
41 And they departed from mount Hor, and pitched in Zalmonah.
42 And they departed from Zalmonah, and pitched in Punon.
43 And they departed from Punon, and pitched in Oboth.
44 And they departed from Oboth, and pitched in Ijeabarim, in the border of Moab.
45 And they departed from Iim, and pitched in Dibongad.
46 And they removed from Dibongad, and encamped in Almondiblathaim.
47 And they removed from Almondiblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo.
48 And they departed from the mountains of Abarim, and pitched in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho.
49 And they pitched by Jordan, from Bethjesimoth [even] unto Abelshittim in the plains of Moab.
50 And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho, saying,
51 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye are passed over Jordan into the land of Canaan;
52 Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:
53 And ye shall dispossess [the inhabitants of] the land, and dwell therein: for I have given you the land to possess it.
54 And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: [and] to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man’s [inheritance] shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit.
55 But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them [shall be] pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.
56 Moreover it shall come to pass, [that] I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them.
Overview of Numbers Chapter 33
Numbers Chapter 33 provides a detailed account of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It serves as a historical record of their travels, highlighting significant locations and events that occurred during their wilderness wanderings. This chapter emphasizes God’s guidance and the importance of remembering the past as the Israelites prepare to enter Canaan.
Key Themes
- Divine Guidance: The chapter illustrates how God directed the Israelites throughout their journey, indicating His active role in their lives.
- Remembrance: The recounting of the journey serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the experiences that shaped the Israelite community.
- Preparation for the Promised Land: As the Israelites prepare to enter Canaan, the chapter emphasizes the transition from wandering to settling in a promised inheritance.
Structure of the Chapter
- Summary of the Journey (Verses 1-5): The chapter opens with a summary of the Israelites’ journey, beginning with their departure from Egypt.
- Detailed Itinerary (Verses 6-49): A list of specific locations where the Israelites camped, along with significant events that took place at each site.
- Instructions for Canaan (Verses 50-56): God provides instructions to the Israelites regarding their future in Canaan, including the need to drive out the inhabitants and the consequences of failing to do so.
Significant Locations and Events
The chapter lists various locations where the Israelites camped, each with its own significance:
- Rameses: The starting point of their journey, symbolizing their liberation from slavery.
- Succoth: Represents the first stop after leaving Egypt, where they began their journey as a free people.
- Pihahiroth: The site near the Red Sea, where the Israelites experienced God’s miraculous deliverance.
- Marah: Known for its bitter waters, this site represents the challenges faced by the Israelites and God’s provision of sweet water.
- Elim: A place of rest and refreshment, illustrating God’s care for His people.
- Mount Sinai: The location where the Israelites received the Law, marking a pivotal moment in their covenant relationship with God.
Instructions for Entering Canaan
In the latter part of the chapter, God gives specific instructions to the Israelites regarding their conquest of Canaan:
- Drive Out Inhabitants: The Israelites are commanded to remove the current inhabitants of the land to establish themselves.
- Destruction of Idols: They are instructed to destroy the idols and places of worship of the Canaanites to prevent the influence of false gods.
- Land Division: The land is to be divided among the tribes of Israel, ensuring each tribe receives its inheritance.
Theological Implications
Numbers Chapter 33 highlights several theological themes:
- God’s Faithfulness: The detailed journey underscores God’s unwavering commitment to His people, guiding them through trials and triumphs.
- Importance of Memory: Remembering past experiences fosters faith and trust in God’s future promises.
- Holiness and Separation: The call to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan reflects the need for holiness and separation from influences that lead away from God.
Conclusion
Numbers Chapter 33 serves as a crucial reminder of the Israelites’ journey and God’s faithfulness throughout their trials. It emphasizes the importance of remembrance and obedience as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The instructions provided highlight the necessity of maintaining holiness and reliance on God as they transition from wandering to settlement.
