And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

EXODUS 15:27KJV
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Exodus 15:27 (KJV)

What does Exodus 15:27 mean?

Exodus 15:27 describes how the Israelites arrived at a place called Elim, where they found twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees, and they set up camp there by the water. This verse highlights a moment of relief and provision for the Israelites after their difficult journey through the wilderness.

The verse comes right after the Israelites had struggled with bitter water at Marah. Now, Moses is leading the people, and they reach Elim, which is described as an oasis with abundant water and shade. The numbers—twelve wells and seventy palm trees—likely match the twelve tribes of Israel and seventy elders, emphasizing that there was enough for everyone.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 15:27

  • עֵינֹת (ʿeynoth, "wells"): This word literally means "eyes," but in this context, it refers to springs or wells. The imagery suggests sources of life and refreshment in a dry land.
  • מַיִם (mayim, "water"): This is the basic Hebrew word for water, underscoring the essential need being met for the people.
  • תְּמָרִים (temarim, "palm trees"): Palm trees in the ancient world were a sign of fertility and rest, so their presence would signal comfort and abundance to the original audience.
  • חָנָה (chanah, "encamped"): This verb means to pitch camp or settle temporarily, showing that the Israelites stopped here for a time, not just passing through.

Why Exodus 15:27 matters

  • Exodus 15:27 shows a turning point from hardship to provision, helping readers see that the journey through the wilderness included moments of rest and abundance, not just trials.
  • The specific mention of twelve wells and seventy palm trees connects to the structure of Israel’s community, hinting at God’s care for every tribe and leader.
  • This verse sets up a pattern seen throughout the Exodus story: times of difficulty followed by clear signs of provision, which helps explain the rhythm of trust and testing in the Israelites’ journey.

Where else these words appear

“Elim” Hebrew H362 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 16:1 And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.
  • Numbers 33:9 And they removed from Marah, and came unto Elim: and in Elim were twelve fountains of water, and threescore and ten palm trees; and they pitched there.
  • Numbers 33:10 And they removed from Elim, and encamped by the Red sea.

“trees” Hebrew H8558 · used in 12 verses

  • Leviticus 23:40 And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.
  • Judges 1:16 And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which lieth in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people.
  • Psalms 92:12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

“ten” Hebrew H7657 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 4:24 If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.
  • Numbers 7:79 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
  • 2 Chronicles 2:2 And Solomon told out threescore and ten thousand men to bear burdens, and fourscore thousand to hew in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.

“encamped” Hebrew H2583 · used in 135 verses

  • Genesis 26:17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
  • Numbers 33:11 And they removed from the Red sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin.
  • Judges 6:33 Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.