Numbers 33:10
They set out from Elim and camped by the Red Sea.
They set out
This phrase indicates a movement or transition, a common theme in the journey of the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "set out" is "nasa," which means to pull up, especially the tent pegs, and thus to start on a journey. This action reflects obedience to God's guidance, as the Israelites followed the cloud by day and the fire by night. It is a reminder of the Christian journey, where believers are called to move forward in faith, trusting in God's direction.

from Elim
Elim was a place of rest and refreshment, known for its twelve springs and seventy palm trees (Exodus 15:27). The name "Elim" itself suggests a place of strong trees or mighty ones. Historically, Elim represents a temporary oasis in the wilderness, a place where God provided for His people. Spiritually, it symbolizes times of refreshment and renewal in the believer's life, where God provides sustenance and strength for the journey ahead.

and camped
The act of camping signifies a temporary dwelling, a pause in the journey. The Hebrew word "chanah" means to pitch a tent or encamp. This reflects the transient nature of the Israelites' journey, as they were sojourners in the wilderness. For Christians, it serves as a metaphor for our earthly life, reminding us that we are pilgrims and our true home is with God.

by the Red Sea
The Red Sea, or "Yam Suph" in Hebrew, is a significant location in the biblical narrative. It is the site of God's miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from the Egyptians (Exodus 14). The Red Sea represents both a barrier and a passage, a place of testing and triumph. In the Christian life, it symbolizes the trials we face and the deliverance God provides. It is a reminder of God's power and faithfulness, encouraging believers to trust in His ability to make a way where there seems to be none.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elim
A location where the Israelites camped during their exodus from Egypt. It was known for its twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, providing a place of rest and refreshment for the Israelites after their journey through the desert.

2. The Red Sea
A significant body of water that the Israelites crossed during their exodus from Egypt. It represents a place of deliverance and divine intervention, as God parted the waters to allow the Israelites to escape from Pharaoh's army.

3. The Israelites
The people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were journeying to the Promised Land. Their journey is marked by various stages of travel and encampment, reflecting their dependence on God's guidance and provision.

4. The Exodus
The event of the Israelites' departure from Egypt, symbolizing God's deliverance and faithfulness. It is a foundational account in the history of Israel and a testament to God's power and covenant with His people.

5. Moses
The leader chosen by God to guide the Israelites out of Egypt. He played a crucial role in communicating God's instructions and leading the people through the wilderness.
Teaching Points
God's Provision and Rest
Elim represents a place of rest and refreshment provided by God. In our spiritual journey, we must recognize and appreciate the times of rest and provision that God grants us.

Trust in God's Guidance
The Israelites' journey from Elim to the Red Sea illustrates the importance of trusting God's guidance, even when the path seems uncertain. We are called to follow God's leading, trusting in His plan and timing.

Remembering God's Deliverance
The encampment by the Red Sea serves as a reminder of God's past deliverance. Reflecting on God's faithfulness in our lives strengthens our faith and encourages us to trust Him in present and future challenges.

The Journey of Faith
The Israelites' journey is a metaphor for our spiritual journey. It involves stages of growth, challenges, and divine encounters. We are encouraged to persevere in faith, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the location of Elim teach us about God's provision in times of need, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives?

2. How does the Israelites' encampment by the Red Sea serve as a reminder of God's deliverance, and what are some personal "Red Sea" moments where you have experienced God's intervention?

3. In what ways can we cultivate trust in God's guidance, especially when the path ahead seems uncertain or challenging?

4. How can reflecting on God's past faithfulness encourage us in our current spiritual journey, and what specific scriptures can we turn to for encouragement?

5. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that we are following God's leading in our lives, and how can we discern His direction through prayer and scripture?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 15:27
This verse describes the Israelites' arrival at Elim, highlighting the provision of water and shade. It connects to Numbers 33:10 by providing context for the Israelites' journey and God's provision.

Exodus 14:21-22
These verses recount the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, emphasizing God's power and deliverance. This event is directly connected to the Israelites' encampment by the Red Sea in Numbers 33:10.

Psalm 106:9
This psalm reflects on God's mighty acts during the Exodus, including the parting of the Red Sea. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and power in delivering His people.
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, Elim, Encamp, Encamped, Journey, Journeyed, Pitched, Red, Removed, 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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