Numbers 33:27
They set out from Tahath and camped at Terah.
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, and thus to start on 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 what is to come.

from Tahath
Tahath is one of the many encampments of the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. The name "Tahath" in Hebrew can mean "beneath" or "below," suggesting a place of humility or lowliness. This can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual journey, where humility is a key virtue. The Israelites' journey from Tahath can symbolize moving from a place of humility to a new stage in their spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of growth and progress in faith.

and camped
The act of camping signifies a temporary stop, a place of rest and reflection. The Hebrew word "chanah" is used here, which means to pitch a tent or encamp. This reflects the transient nature of life and the need for periods of rest and reflection. In the Christian journey, these moments are essential for spiritual renewal and preparation for the next phase of the journey. It is a reminder that while life is a journey, there are times when God calls us to pause, reflect, and prepare for what lies ahead.

at Terah
Terah, like many of the places mentioned in the Israelites' journey, is not well-documented archaeologically, but its mention holds significance. The name "Terah" is also the name of Abraham's father, which can evoke a sense of heritage and promise. In the context of the Israelites' journey, camping at Terah can symbolize a connection to the promises made to the patriarchs, reminding the Israelites of God's faithfulness to His covenant. For Christians, it serves as a reminder of the spiritual heritage and the promises of God that are fulfilled in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Tahath
A location in the wilderness where the Israelites camped during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The name "Tahath" may imply a place of rest or a stopping point in their journey.

2. Terah
Another campsite for the Israelites. The name "Terah" is also the name of Abraham's father, which may symbolize a connection to the patriarchal heritage and the journey of faith.

3. The Israelites
The people of God, led by Moses, who are journeying through the wilderness as they follow God's guidance to the Promised Land.

4. The Wilderness Journey
The broader context of the Israelites' 40-year journey, which is a period of testing, reliance on God, and preparation for entering the Promised Land.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is guiding them according to God's instructions.
Teaching Points
God's Guidance in Our Journey
Just as God guided the Israelites from Tahath to Terah, He guides us in our life's journey. We must trust His leading, even when the path is unclear.

The Importance of Rest and Reflection
The Israelites' stops at various campsites remind us of the importance of taking time to rest and reflect on God's faithfulness in our lives.

Faith in the Unknown
Like the Israelites, we often journey into the unknown. Our faith is strengthened as we trust in God's promises and His plan for our lives.

Learning from the Past
The names and places in the Israelites' journey connect to their history and heritage. We should learn from our spiritual heritage and past experiences to grow in faith.

Preparation for the Promised Land
The wilderness journey was a time of preparation for the Israelites. Similarly, our life experiences prepare us for the future God has planned for us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we discern God's guidance in our personal journey, similar to how the Israelites followed God's lead from Tahath to Terah?

2. What are some practical ways we can incorporate rest and reflection into our spiritual lives, as the Israelites did during their stops?

3. In what areas of your life are you being called to trust God in the unknown, and how can the example of the Israelites encourage you?

4. How can reflecting on your spiritual heritage and past experiences help you grow in your faith journey?

5. What steps can you take to prepare for the future God has planned for you, drawing parallels from the Israelites' preparation for the Promised Land?
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, emphasizing His constant guidance and presence during their journey.

Deuteronomy 8:2-3
These verses reflect on the purpose of the wilderness journey, highlighting how God used it to humble and test the Israelites, teaching them reliance on Him.

Hebrews 11:8-10
This New Testament passage connects the journey of faith of the Israelites to the faith of Abraham, who also journeyed without knowing his final destination, trusting 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, Pitched, Removed, Tahath, Tarah, Tents, Terah, 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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