Numbers 33:19
They set out from Rithmah and camped at Rimmon-perez.
They set out
This phrase indicates movement and 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, signifying the beginning of a journey. This action reflects obedience to God's command and a readiness to follow His guidance. It is a reminder of the Christian life as a pilgrimage, where believers are called to be ready to move and follow God's leading, leaving behind the familiar for the promise of His provision and presence.

from Rithmah
Rithmah is believed to be derived from the Hebrew word "rotem," referring to a type of broom plant common in desert areas. This location is part of the wilderness wanderings, symbolizing a place of testing and reliance on God. Historically, Rithmah is associated with the early stages of the Israelites' journey after leaving Mount Sinai. It serves as a metaphor for the times in our lives when we are in a barren place, yet God provides sustenance and guidance.

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 and, by extension, the transient nature of our earthly lives. It is a reminder that while we may pause and rest, our ultimate destination is not of this world. The concept of camping also emphasizes community and fellowship among the Israelites, as they lived and traveled together under God's covenant.

at Rimmon-perez
Rimmon-perez, meaning "pomegranate of the breach," is a location that signifies both fruitfulness and division. The pomegranate is a symbol of abundance and blessing in the Bible, often associated with the Promised Land. The term "perez" suggests a breach or breakthrough, indicating a place where significant events or changes occur. This duality can inspire believers to see that even in times of division or challenge, God can bring about fruitfulness and growth. Historically, the exact location of Rimmon-perez is uncertain, but its mention in the journey underscores the varied experiences of the Israelites, from hardship to hope, as they moved towards the fulfillment of God's promises.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Rithmah
A location in the wilderness where the Israelites camped during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The name "Rithmah" is thought to be derived from the Hebrew word for "broom," a type of desert shrub, indicating the nature of the terrain.

2. Rimmon-perez
Another campsite in the wilderness journey of the Israelites. The name "Rimmon" can mean "pomegranate," and "Perez" means "breach" or "breakthrough," suggesting a place of transition or change.

3. The Israelites
The people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were journeying to the land promised to them by God.

4. The Wilderness Journey
The period of 40 years during which the Israelites traveled through the desert, learning to trust and obey God as they moved towards the Promised Land.

5. Moses
The leader chosen by God to bring the Israelites out of Egypt and guide them through the wilderness. He recorded the stages of their journey as commanded by God.
Teaching Points
The Journey of Faith
Just as the Israelites moved from place to place, our spiritual journey involves transitions and changes. We must trust God through each stage, knowing He is leading us to His promises.

Learning in the Wilderness
The wilderness is a place of testing and growth. God uses these times to teach us dependence on Him and to refine our character.

Obedience and Record-Keeping
Moses recorded each stage of the journey as instructed by God. We should also keep a record of God's faithfulness in our lives, which can strengthen our faith and serve as a testimony to others.

Names and Meanings
The names of places like Rimmon-perez can hold spiritual significance, reminding us of God's provision and breakthroughs in our lives.

Community and Leadership
The Israelites traveled as a community under Moses' leadership. In our faith journey, we need the support of a faith community and godly leadership to guide us.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the Israelites' journey from Rithmah to Rimmon-perez about trusting God in times of transition?

2. How does the concept of the wilderness as a place of testing and growth apply to your current life situation?

3. In what ways can you keep a record of God's faithfulness in your life, similar to how Moses recorded the Israelites' journey?

4. How do the meanings of the names "Rithmah" and "Rimmon-perez" reflect spiritual truths that can encourage us today?

5. How can being part of a faith community and having godly leadership support you in your spiritual journey, especially during challenging times?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 15-18
These chapters describe the early stages of the Israelites' journey, highlighting their struggles and God's provision, which sets the context for their continued travels in Numbers 33.

Deuteronomy 8:2
This verse reflects on the purpose of the wilderness journey, emphasizing God's testing and teaching of the Israelites to rely on Him.

Hebrews 3:7-19
This passage warns believers to learn from the Israelites' disobedience and lack of faith during their wilderness journey, urging them to remain faithful and obedient to God.
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, Journey, Journeyed, Perez, Pitched, Removed, Rimmon, Rimmonparez, Rimmon-parez, Rimmon-perez, Rim'mon-per'ez, Rithmah, 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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