Numbers 33:31
They set out from Moseroth and camped at Bene-jaakan.
They set out
This phrase indicates the movement and journey of the Israelites as they followed God's guidance through the wilderness. The Hebrew root for "set out" is "nasa," which means to pull up, especially the tent pegs, signifying a readiness to move forward. This action reflects obedience and trust in God's plan, as the Israelites were continually moving towards the Promised Land. It serves as a metaphor for the Christian journey of faith, where believers are called to be ready to move and follow God's leading in their lives.

from Moseroth
Moseroth, or Moserah, is a location mentioned in the wilderness journey of the Israelites. The name is derived from the Hebrew root "masar," meaning "to bind" or "to discipline." This could symbolize a place of learning and growth, where the Israelites were being prepared and disciplined by God for the challenges ahead. It reminds believers of the importance of spiritual discipline and growth in their walk with God.

and camped
The act of camping signifies a temporary resting place, 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 serves as a reminder that life on earth is temporary. For Christians, it emphasizes the importance of finding rest and renewal in God amidst life's journey, knowing that our ultimate home is with Him.

at Bene-jaakan
Bene-jaakan, meaning "sons of Jaakan," refers to a location associated with the descendants of Jaakan, a Horite clan. The mention of this place highlights the historical and geographical context of the Israelites' journey. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in leading His people through diverse and challenging terrains. For believers, it underscores the assurance that God is present in every step of their journey, guiding them through both familiar and unfamiliar territories.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moseroth
A location in the wilderness where the Israelites camped during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It is part of the detailed itinerary of the Israelites' wanderings.

2. Bene-jaakan
Another campsite in the wilderness. The name means "sons of Jaakan," possibly referring to a clan or family group associated with the area.

3. The Israelites
The people of God, led by Moses, who are journeying from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land, Canaan.

4. The Wilderness Journey
The 40-year period during which the Israelites wandered in the desert due to their disobedience and lack of faith.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in the Journey
Despite the Israelites' repeated failures, God remained faithful, guiding them through each stage of their journey. This reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness in our own lives, even when we falter.

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites' journey was prolonged due to their disobedience. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obeying God's commands and trusting His timing.

Spiritual Growth through Trials
The wilderness journey was a time of testing and growth for the Israelites. Similarly, our own trials can be opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God.

The Significance of Remembering
The detailed record of the Israelites' journey encourages us to remember and reflect on God's past faithfulness in our lives, strengthening our faith for the future.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the journey from Moseroth to Bene-jaakan teach us about God's guidance in our own lives?

2. How can we apply the lessons of obedience and faith from the Israelites' wilderness journey to our current circumstances?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are sensitive to God's leading, as the Israelites were guided by the pillar of cloud and fire?

4. How does reflecting on past experiences of God's faithfulness help us face current challenges?

5. What practical steps can we take to avoid the pitfalls of disobedience and unbelief that the Israelites experienced?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 10:6-7
This passage also mentions the journey from Moseroth to Bene-jaakan, providing additional context and details about the Israelites' travels.

Exodus 13:21-22
Describes God's guidance of the Israelites through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, emphasizing His constant presence.

Hebrews 3:7-19
Reflects on the Israelites' wilderness journey as a lesson in faith and obedience, warning against hardening one's heart.
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
Bene, Benejaakan, Bene-jaakan, Bene-ja'akan, Camped, Departed, Encamp, Encamped, Jaakan, Journey, Journeyed, Moseroth, Mose'roth, 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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