Numbers 33

Numbers 33:1-8

NUMBERS - CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE Verses 1-8: Moses’ written account of Israel’s journeys was by the commandment of Jehovah. It was to be a reminder of His leadership and provision, for future generations. Israel’s journey from Rameses began at night, on the fifteenth day of the first month, following the Passover, Exodus 12:2, 29-36. The plagues upon Egypt were in the nature of judgment upon their false gods, Exodus 12:12 The text traces briefly the route from Israel’s point of departure, to the experience at Marah, Exodus 12:1 to Exodus 15:26.

Numbers 33:9-15

Verses 9-15: The text traces Israel’s journey from Marah, to their encampment at Sinai where they received the Law, Exodus 15:27 to Exodus 40:38. The second encampment by the Red Sea, and the stations at Dophkah and Alush are not mentioned in the Exodus account.

Numbers 33:16-36

Verses 16-36: The Wilderness of Sinai, the place of the giving of the Law, see Exodus 19:1. Some of the stations listed in this text are not noted elsewhere. The site of many are unknown today. Kibroth-hattavah, the site of Israel’s murmuring, and of the excess of quails, Numbers 11:31-35. Libnah, mentioned in Deuteronomy 1;1, apparently derived its name from the white limestone cliffs at its site. Hashmonah, possibly Hesmon, Joshua 15:27. Moseroth, likely the place mentioned in Deuteronomy 10:6. Bene-jaakan, the same as Deuteronomy 10:6, where it is given as Beeroth-bent-Jaakan, “.the walls of the children of Jaakan.” Jaakan (Arkan), a grandson of Esau, Genesis 36:20, 27; 1 Chronicles 1:42. Hor-hagidgad, possibly the same as Gudgodah, Deuteronomy 10:7. Jotbathah, Deuteronomy 10:7, “a land of rivers and waters.” Ebronah, or Abronah, meaning “beach, passage, fords.” Ezion-gaber, meaning “the giant’s backbone.” This later became the site of the harbor of Solomon’s navy, 1 Kings 9:26; 2 Chronicles 8:17. Wilderness of Zin, or Kadesh, the encampment from which the spies went to investigate the Land of Canaan, see chapters 12:16-14:45, and 10:1-21. Israel returned to this site at the end of their wanderings, to resume their journey, Numbers 20:1.

Numbers 33:37-39

Verses 37-39: The journey from Kadesh by way of Mount Hor was made necessary because of Edom’s refusal to allow Israel passage through their territory, Numbers 20:14-21. Aaron died during their brief stay in this camp, Numbers 20:22-29.

Numbers 33:40-49

Verses 40-49: Following the death of Aaron, there was conflict with Arad, a king of one of the Canaanite tribes, Numbers 21:1-3. Zalmonah is not mentioned in any other passage. This may have been the site of the incident of the brazen serpent, Numbers 21:14-19. Punon, possibly the same as Genesis 36:41. Oboth. . Ije-abarim, see Numbers 21:10, 11. lim, a site east of Jordan not otherwise identified. Dibon-gad, possibly the same as Nahaliel or Bamoth, Numbers 21:19. Amon-diblathaim, likely the same as Beth-diblathaim. This town is identifed in Jeremiah 43:22 as belonging to Moab, and was located near to Dibon, Nebo, and Kiriathaim. The mountains of Abarim, also called “the top of Pisgah,” Numbers 21:20. Nebo, the name of a city and also of a mountain, see Numbers 27:12. Beth-jesimoth, meaning “house of wastes,” the southwest boundary of the territory of Sihon, near where Jordan empties into the Dead Sea. Abel-shittim, “meadow of the acadias,” also known as “Shittim,” Numbers 25:1; Micah 6:5. Its exact site is unknown. The Talmud identifies it as located about twelve miles north of the mouth of Jordan. The Plains of Moab, the site of Israel’s final encampment before crossing Jordan to enter Canaan.

Numbers 33:50-56

Verses 50-56: The text begins the final section of the Book of Numbers, this being Moses’ final instructions to Israel’s new generation just prior to his death. This text is a repetition of the earlier instructions regarding Israel’s relationship with the inhabitants of Canaan, Exodus 23:23-33; 34:11-17. “Drive out,” yarash, “dispossess,” so translated in verse 53. “Pictures,” maskith, “imagery, imagination,” a stone shaped into a likeness of a human, Leviticus 26:1. “Molten images,” tselem massekah, see Exodus 32:4-17. “Quite pluck down,” literally, “completely demolish.” “High places,” shrines and temples of pagan deities erected on the hilltops or mountains. The Canaanites’ immorality and idolatry polluted the Land, and for this reason God dispossessed them. He then deeded the Land to His people Israel. The Land was to be equitably divided among the tribes, see Numbers 26:52-56. Israel was to expel the Canaanites from the Land. Jehovah promised to help them in this. But if they failed to do so, the natives would become a snare to them. “Pricks,” sek, a slender-pointed thorn. Sept. kentron. “Thorns,” tseninim, a large thorn, see Joshua 23:13. God promises blessings for obedience, and judgment and chastening for disobedience.