Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning Jotbathah, also spelled Jotbath, is a name that likely means "pleasantness" or "goodness." The name itself suggests a place of abundance and comfort, which aligns with its description in the biblical narrative. Biblical References Jotbathah is mentioned in the context of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. It is specifically noted in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Deuteronomy as one of the stations where the Israelites camped during their 40-year journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In Numbers 33:33-34 , the text states: "They set out from Hor-haggidgad and camped at Jotbathah. They set out from Jotbathah and camped at Abronah." This passage places Jotbathah within the sequence of the Israelites' encampments, indicating its role as a significant stop along their journey. Deuteronomy 10:7 provides additional context: "From there they traveled to Gudgodah, and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land with streams of water." This description highlights Jotbathah as a place with water resources, which would have been crucial for the sustenance of the Israelites and their livestock. Geographical Location The exact location of Jotbathah is not definitively known today, but it is generally believed to have been situated in the region of the Sinai Peninsula or the northwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula. The mention of streams of water suggests it was an area with natural springs or a wadi, providing a rare and valuable source of water in the arid desert environment. Historical and Theological Significance Jotbathah's mention in the biblical narrative underscores the providence and care of God for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The provision of water at Jotbathah would have been a tangible sign of God's sustenance and faithfulness to His people, reinforcing the theme of divine provision that runs throughout the Exodus narrative. Theologically, Jotbathah serves as a reminder of the transient nature of the Israelites' journey and the importance of trusting in God's guidance and provision. Each encampment, including Jotbathah, represents a step in the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people to a land flowing with milk and honey. Cultural and Archaeological Insights While there is limited archaeological evidence directly linked to Jotbathah, the broader region has been the subject of various studies and excavations. These efforts aim to understand the historical context of the Exodus and the possible routes taken by the Israelites. The identification of ancient water sources and settlements in the Sinai Peninsula contributes to the understanding of how a large group could have survived in such a harsh environment. In summary, Jotbathah is a biblically significant location that highlights God's provision during the Israelites' wilderness journey. Its mention in Scripture serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God and the importance of reliance on His guidance. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia JOTBATHAHjot'-ba-tha (yoTbathah): A desert camp of the Israelites between Hor-hagidgad and Abronah (Numbers 33:33, 34 Deuteronomy 10:7). It was "a land of brooks of water" (Deuteronomy 10:7). Site is unknown. Strong's Hebrew 3193. Yotbathah -- "pleasantness," a place in the desert... "pleasantness," a place in the desert. Transliteration: Yotbathah Phonetic Spelling: (yot-baw'-thaw) Short Definition: Jotbathah. ... Jotbath, Jotbathah. ... /hebrew/3193.htm - 6k Thesaurus Jotbathah (3 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JOTBATHAH. ...Jotbathah (3 Occurrences). Numbers 33:33 They traveled from Hor Haggidgad, and encamped in Jotbathah. ... /j/jotbathah.htm - 7k Jotbah (4 Occurrences) Jotbath (1 Occurrence) Hor-haggidgad (2 Occurrences) Traveled (104 Occurrences) Pitched (101 Occurrences) Camped (100 Occurrences) Encamped (115 Occurrences) Encamp (108 Occurrences) Journeyed (111 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Jotbathah (3 Occurrences)Numbers 33:33 Numbers 33:34 Deuteronomy 10:7 Subtopics Jotbathah: The Twentieth Encampment of Israel Related Terms |