Numbers 33:26
They set out from Makheloth and camped at Tahath.
They set out
This phrase indicates the Israelites' continued journey through the wilderness. The Hebrew root for "set out" is "nasa," which means to pull up, especially the tent pegs, signifying the beginning of a journey. This action reflects obedience to God's command and the transient nature of their pilgrimage. It serves as a reminder of the Christian journey, where believers are called to move forward in faith, trusting in God's guidance.

from Makheloth
Makheloth, meaning "assemblies" in Hebrew, suggests a place of gathering. This name may imply a location where the Israelites congregated, possibly for worship or instruction. Historically, the exact location of Makheloth is uncertain, but its mention signifies a stage in the Israelites' journey. Spiritually, it can symbolize the importance of community and fellowship in the believer's life, where gathering together strengthens faith and unity.

and camped
The act of camping denotes a temporary settlement, a pause in their journey. The Hebrew word "chanah" is used here, meaning to pitch a tent or encamp. This reflects the Israelites' reliance on God's timing and provision. In a broader sense, it reminds Christians of the need to find rest and renewal in God's presence, even amidst life's journey.

at Tahath
Tahath, whose meaning is uncertain, is another stop in the wilderness journey. The name may suggest a low place or a station along the way. Archaeologically, its precise location remains unidentified, yet its inclusion in the itinerary underscores the detailed record of the Israelites' travels. Spiritually, Tahath can represent the valleys or low points in life where believers are called to trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that each step is part of His divine plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Makheloth
This is one of the stations where the Israelites camped during their wilderness journey. The name "Makheloth" is derived from the Hebrew root "kahal," meaning "assembly" or "congregation," indicating a place where the people gathered.

2. Tahath
Another encampment site for the Israelites. The name "Tahath" can mean "beneath" or "below," possibly indicating a geographical feature or a spiritual state of humility and submission.

3. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, led by Moses, journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. Their journey is marked by numerous encampments, each with its own significance.

4. The Wilderness Journey
This refers to the 40-year period during which the Israelites wandered in the desert. It is a time of testing, learning, and reliance on God.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from slavery in Egypt and guide them to the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
The Journey of Faith
Just as the Israelites moved from place to place, our spiritual journey involves moving through different seasons and challenges. Each "camp" is an opportunity for growth and reliance on God.

God's Guidance
The Israelites' journey was directed by God, reminding us that He guides our steps. We must seek His direction in our lives and trust His timing.

Spiritual Humility
The name "Tahath" suggests a posture of humility. In our walk with God, we are called to submit to His will and recognize our dependence on Him.

Learning from the Past
Reflecting on the Israelites' journey helps us learn from their mistakes and successes. We are encouraged to remain faithful and obedient to God's commands.

Community and Fellowship
The term "Makheloth" reminds us of the importance of gathering as a community of believers. Fellowship strengthens our faith and provides support during our journey.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the Israelites' journey from Makheloth to Tahath about trusting God's guidance in our own lives?

2. How does the concept of spiritual humility, as suggested by the name "Tahath," apply to our daily walk with God?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our hearts do not become hardened like the Israelites during their wilderness journey, as warned in Hebrews 3?

4. How does gathering with other believers, as symbolized by "Makheloth," strengthen our faith and support us in our spiritual journey?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "wilderness" season in your life. How did God guide you through it, and what lessons did you learn?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 13-14
These chapters describe the beginning of the Israelites' journey from Egypt, highlighting God's deliverance and guidance.

Deuteronomy 8:2
This verse reflects on the purpose of the wilderness journey, emphasizing testing and humility.

Hebrews 3:7-19
This passage warns against hardening hearts as the Israelites did in the wilderness, urging believers to remain faithful.
The Journeyings of the IsraelitesD. Young Numbers 33:1-49
People
Aaron, Abel, Arad, Egyptians, Gad, Geber, Israelites, Moses, Perez, Tahath, Terah, Zephon
Places
0, Abarim, Abel-shittim, Abronah, Almon-diblathaim, Alush, Arad, Baal-zephon, Bene-jaakan, Beth-jeshimoth, Canaan, Dibon-gad, Dophkah, Edom, Egypt, Elim, Etham, Ezion-geber, Hahiroth, Haradah, Hashmonah, Hazeroth, Hor-haggidgad, Iye-abarim, Iyim, Jericho, Jordan River, Jotbathah, Kadesh-barnea, Kehelathah, Kibroth-hattaavah, Libnah, Makheloth, Marah, Migdol, Mithkah, Moab, Moseroth, Mount Hor, Mount Shepher, Nebo, Negev, Oboth, Pi-hahiroth, Punon, Rameses, Red Sea, Rephidim, Rimmon-perez, Rissah, Rithmah, Sinai, Succoth, Tahath, Terah, Zalmonah, Zin
Topics
Camped, Encamp, Encamped, Journey, Journeyed, Makheloth, Makhe'loth, Pitched, Removed, Tahath, Tents, Traveled
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 33:3-48

     7222   exodus, events of

Library
Some Miscellaneous Matters Belonging to the Country About Jericho.
Let us begin from the last encampings of Israel beyond Jordan. Numbers 33:49: "They encamped near Jordan from Beth-jeshimoth unto Abel-shittim."--"From Beth-jeshimoth to Abel-shittim were twelve miles." It is a most received opinion among the Jews, that the tents of the Israelites in the wilderness contained a square of twelve miles. So the Targum of Jonathan, upon Number 2:2; "The encamping of Israel was twelve miles in length, and twelve miles in breadth." And the Gemarists say, "It is forbidden
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Arbel. Shezor. Tarnegola the Upper.
"Arbel a city of Galilee."--There is mention of it in Hosea 10:14. But there are authors which do very differently interpret that place, viz. the Chaldee paraphrast, R. Solomon, Kimchi: consult them. It was between Zippor and Tiberias. Hence Nittai the Arbelite, who was president with Josua Ben Perahiah. The valley of Arbel is mentioned by the Talmudists. So also "The Arbelite Bushel." "Near Zephath in Upper Galilee was a town named Shezor, whence was R. Simeon Shezori: there he was buried. There
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Christ the Water of Life.
"Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life" (John iv. 13, 14). "Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink" (John vii. 37). "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters,
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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