From thence they journeyed unto Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbath, a land of rivers of waters.

DEUTERONOMY 10:7KJV
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Deuteronomy 10:7 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 10:7 mean?

Deuteronomy 10:7 records a stage in Israel’s journey through the wilderness. The people traveled through Gudgodah and then reached Jotbath, a place described as having abundant water. The description gives the destination a feature that would stand out in a dry region.

Moses is recalling the journey to the Israelites. Following the account of Aaron’s death and burial in verse 6, the route continues toward Jotbath. The phrase “rivers of waters” brings the landscape into view, rather than giving only another place name.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 10:7

  • “rivers” — נַחַל (naḥal): This word can refer to a stream or to a valley where water flows. In a dry region, such a watercourse could carry water seasonally rather than all year.

Why Deuteronomy 10:7 matters

  • The verse places Israel’s travels in a real landscape, not just a sequence of names. “A land of rivers of waters” distinguishes Jotbath by its watercourses.
  • The journey continues after a change in leadership. Verse 6 records Aaron’s death and says that his son Eleazar became priest in his place; verse 7 then moves on to the next stages of travel.

Where else these words appear

“Jotbath” Hebrew H3193 · used in 3 verses

  • Numbers 33:33 And they went from Horhagidgad, and pitched in Jotbathah.
  • Numbers 33:34 And they removed from Jotbathah, and encamped at Ebronah.

“rivers” Hebrew H5158 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 26:17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
  • Judges 5:21 The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
  • Job 28:4 The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.

“journeyed” Hebrew H5265 · used in 140 verses

  • Genesis 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
  • Numbers 10:22 And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elishama the son of Ammihud.
  • Numbers 33:31 And they departed from Moseroth, and pitched in Benejaakan.