Numbers 33:17
They set out from Kibroth-hattaavah and camped at Hazeroth.
They set out
This phrase indicates a movement, a transition from one place to another. In the Hebrew context, the word used here is "nasa," which means to pull up, especially the tent pegs, and thus to start on a journey. This reflects the nomadic lifestyle of the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. It is a reminder of the transient nature of life and the call to follow God's leading, trusting in His guidance even when the destination is unknown.

from Kibroth-hattaavah
Kibroth-hattaavah means "graves of craving" in Hebrew. This location is significant because it was here that the Israelites craved meat and complained against God, leading to a severe plague (Numbers 11:31-34). The name serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of disobedience and ingratitude. It highlights the importance of contentment and trust in God's provision, warning against the dangers of succumbing to fleshly desires.

and camped
The act of camping signifies a temporary dwelling, a pause in the journey. In the Hebrew, "chanah" is used, meaning to pitch a tent or encamp. This reflects the Israelites' dependence on God's timing and direction. It is a metaphor for the Christian life, where believers are called to rest in God's presence, finding peace and renewal in Him amidst life's journey.

at Hazeroth
Hazeroth means "enclosures" or "settlements" in Hebrew. This location is notable for the rebellion of Miriam and Aaron against Moses (Numbers 12). It serves as a backdrop for lessons on humility, leadership, and the consequences of pride and jealousy. Hazeroth reminds believers of the importance of respecting God's chosen leaders and the unity of the community of faith. It calls Christians to examine their hearts, ensuring that they are aligned with God's will and purpose.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Kibroth-hattaavah
This is the place where the Israelites experienced God's judgment due to their craving for meat and their complaints against God. The name means "Graves of Craving," signifying the burial of those who succumbed to their desires.

2. Hazeroth
This is the next encampment of the Israelites after leaving Kibroth-hattaavah. It is a place where significant events occurred, including the rebellion of Miriam and Aaron against Moses.

3. The Israelites
The people of God who are on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Their journey is marked by a series of encampments and significant events that shape their identity and relationship with God.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. His leadership is often challenged, as seen in the events at Hazeroth.

5. God's Guidance
The overarching event is the journey itself, which is directed by God. Each movement from one place to another is a step in the divine plan for the Israelites.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Craving
The Israelites' experience at Kibroth-hattaavah serves as a warning against allowing our desires to lead us away from God's will. Cravings can lead to spiritual death if not kept in check.

God's Faithful Guidance
Despite the Israelites' repeated failures, God continues to guide them. This is a reminder of His faithfulness and patience with us, even when we falter.

Leadership Challenges
Moses' experience at Hazeroth highlights the challenges leaders face, including opposition from those closest to them. It underscores the need for reliance on God for strength and wisdom.

The Importance of Obedience
The journey of the Israelites is a testament to the importance of obedience to God's commands. Each encampment and movement is a step in fulfilling God's plan.

Community Dynamics
The events at Hazeroth show the impact of internal strife on the community. It is crucial to address conflicts and maintain unity within the body of believers.
Bible Study Questions
1. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' experience at Kibroth-hattaavah about managing our desires and cravings?

2. How does God's guidance of the Israelites through the wilderness encourage us in our personal journeys of faith?

3. In what ways can we support our leaders, like Moses, who face challenges and opposition in their roles?

4. How can the events at Hazeroth inform our approach to resolving conflicts within our communities or families?

5. Reflecting on the Israelites' journey, how can we ensure that we are obedient to God's direction in our lives today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 16
The Israelites' craving for meat and God's provision of quail and manna is a parallel event that highlights their recurring dissatisfaction and God's provision.

Numbers 12
The rebellion of Miriam and Aaron at Hazeroth is directly connected to this passage, showing the challenges Moses faced even from his own family.

Psalm 78
This Psalm recounts the history of Israel, including their time in the wilderness, and serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness despite the people's rebellion.
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, Departed, Encamp, Encamped, Hattaavah, Hazeroth, Haze'roth, Journey, Journeyed, Kibroth, Kibrothhattaavah, Kibroth-hattaavah, Kib'roth-hatta'avah, Pitched, 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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