Numbers 33:20
They set out from Rimmon-perez and camped at Libnah.
They set out
This phrase indicates movement and transition, a common theme in the Israelites' 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 a readiness to follow His guidance. It serves as a metaphor for the Christian life, where believers are called to be ready to move and act according to God's will.

from Rimmon-perez
Rimmon-perez is one of the many stops in the Israelites' wilderness journey. The name "Rimmon" can be associated with a pomegranate, a fruit symbolizing abundance and blessing in the Bible. "Perez" means breach or breakthrough. Together, the name could symbolize a place of transition from a state of barrenness to one of fruitfulness, reflecting God's provision and the hope of future blessings. This reminds believers of the breakthroughs God provides in their spiritual journey.

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 life and the importance of finding rest and renewal in God's presence. It is a reminder that while the Israelites' journey was long and arduous, God provided places of rest along the way, just as He provides spiritual rest for believers today.

at Libnah
Libnah, meaning "whiteness" or "transparency," was another station in the wilderness journey. The name could symbolize purity and clarity, perhaps indicating a place where the Israelites experienced a clearer understanding of God's presence and purpose. Historically, Libnah was a city later given to the Levites, emphasizing its significance in Israel's spiritual heritage. This highlights the importance of seeking purity and clarity in one's relationship with God, striving to live a life that reflects His holiness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Rimmon-perez
This is one of the locations where the Israelites camped during their wilderness journey. The name "Rimmon" can be associated with a pomegranate, a symbol of fruitfulness, while "Perez" means breach or breakthrough, suggesting a place of transition or change.

2. Libnah
Another campsite for the Israelites, Libnah means "whiteness" in Hebrew. It is a place that signifies purity and perhaps a fresh start or cleansing for the Israelites as they journey towards the Promised Land.

3. The Israelites' Journey
This verse is part of a larger account detailing the stages of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It highlights the faithfulness of God in guiding His people through various stages and challenges.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Transition
Just as God led the Israelites from Rimmon-perez to Libnah, He is faithful to guide us through transitions in our lives. We can trust His timing and direction.

Purity and Renewal
The name "Libnah" signifies whiteness and purity. In our spiritual journey, God often brings us to places of renewal and cleansing, preparing us for what lies ahead.

The Journey of Faith
The Israelites' journey is a metaphor for our spiritual walk. Each stage, whether challenging or restful, is an opportunity to grow in faith and reliance on God.

Embracing Change
Moving from one place to another, like from Rimmon-perez to Libnah, can be daunting. However, embracing change with faith can lead to spiritual breakthroughs and growth.

Reflecting on God's Guidance
As we reflect on the Israelites' journey, we are reminded to look back on our own lives and recognize the ways God has guided and provided for us.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the transition from Rimmon-perez to Libnah teach us about handling changes in our own lives?

2. How can we apply the concept of "whiteness" or purity from Libnah to our spiritual walk today?

3. In what ways have you experienced God's guidance during a period of transition or uncertainty?

4. How does the Israelites' journey through the wilderness encourage us to trust in God's promises?

5. Can you identify a time when a challenging situation led to spiritual growth or a breakthrough in your life? How does this relate to the Israelites' journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 13:21-22
This passage describes how God led the Israelites with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. It connects to Numbers 33:20 by emphasizing God's guidance and presence throughout their journey.

Deuteronomy 8:2
This verse reflects on the purpose of the wilderness journey, which was to humble and test the Israelites. It connects to the various stages of their journey, including their time at Rimmon-perez and Libnah, as part of God's refining process.

Hebrews 11:8-10
This passage speaks of Abraham's faith in journeying to an unknown land. It parallels the Israelites' journey, highlighting the theme of faith and trust in God's promises.
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, Libnah, Perez, Pitched, Removed, Rimmon, Rimmonparez, Rimmon-parez, Rimmon-perez, Rim'mon-per'ez, 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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