Numbers 33:32
They set out from Bene-jaakan and camped at Hor-haggidgad.
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 the readiness to move forward. This reflects the transient nature of the Israelites' journey and their reliance on God's direction. It serves as a metaphor for the Christian life, where believers are called to be ready to move and follow God's leading, leaving behind the familiar for the promise of what lies ahead.

from Bene-jaakan
Bene-jaakan, meaning "sons of Jaakan," refers to a location associated with the descendants of Jaakan, a Horite clan. This place is mentioned in the context of the Israelites' wanderings in the wilderness. The historical and archaeological context suggests a region inhabited by the Horites, who were known to dwell in the land of Seir. This highlights the diverse interactions and encounters the Israelites had with different peoples, reminding believers of the importance of understanding and engaging with the world around them while maintaining their distinct identity in God.

and camped
The act of camping signifies a temporary dwelling, a pause in the journey. The Hebrew word "chanah" is used here, which means to pitch a tent or encamp. This reflects the Israelites' dependence on God's provision and timing, as they moved and rested according to His command. For Christians, this serves as a reminder of the importance of rest and reflection in one's spiritual journey, trusting in God's perfect timing and provision.

at Hor-haggidgad
Hor-haggidgad is a location in the wilderness journey of the Israelites. The name itself is somewhat obscure, but it is believed to mean "cavern of Gidgad" or "mountain of Gidgad." This place, like many others in the wilderness, represents a stage in the Israelites' journey towards the Promised Land. It symbolizes the challenges and unknowns faced along the way, yet also the faithfulness of God in leading His people. For believers, it is a call to trust in God's guidance through the unknowns and challenges of life, knowing that each step is part of His divine plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bene-jaakan
This is a location mentioned in the Israelites' wilderness journey. The name means "sons of Jaakan," referring to a group or clan associated with this place. It is part of the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites.

2. Hor-haggidgad
Another campsite during the Israelites' journey. The name can be translated to mean "cave of Gidgad" or "mountain of Gidgad," indicating a geographical feature that was significant enough to be noted in their travels.

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 transient nature of their travels and the various places they encountered.
Teaching Points
God's Guidance in Our Journey
Just as God guided the Israelites through the wilderness, He guides us in our life's journey. We must trust His direction even when the path seems uncertain.

The Importance of Remembering Our Journey
The detailed record of the Israelites' journey serves as a reminder to reflect on our own spiritual journey and recognize God's faithfulness in our lives.

Transience and Trust
The Israelites' constant movement from place to place teaches us about the transient nature of life and the importance of placing our trust in God rather than in our circumstances.

Community and Support
The journey of the Israelites was a communal experience. Similarly, our spiritual journey is strengthened by the support and fellowship of our faith community.

Obedience and Faithfulness
The Israelites' journey required obedience to God's commands. Our spiritual growth is also dependent on our willingness to obey and remain faithful to God's Word.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the journey of the Israelites from Bene-jaakan to Hor-haggidgad reflect the broader theme of God's guidance in our lives?

2. In what ways can we relate the transient nature of the Israelites' journey to our own life experiences?

3. How can reflecting on our past spiritual journey help us grow in faith and trust in God?

4. What role does community play in our spiritual journey, and how can we support one another as the Israelites did?

5. How can we apply the lessons of obedience and faithfulness from the Israelites' journey to our daily walk with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 10:6-7
This passage provides additional context about the journey of the Israelites, mentioning Bene-jaakan and other locations, which helps to cross-reference and understand the route taken by the Israelites.

Exodus 17:1
This verse discusses the Israelites' journey and the importance of following God's guidance, which is a recurring theme throughout their wilderness wanderings.

Psalm 136:16
This psalm reflects on God's guidance and provision for the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness, emphasizing His enduring love and faithfulness.
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, Encamp, Encamped, Haggidgad, Hor, Hor-haggidgad, Hor-haggid'gad, Horhagidgad, Hor-hagidgad, Jaakan, Journey, Journeyed, 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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