From thence they removed, and pitched in the valley of Zared.

NUMBERS 21:12KJV
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Numbers 21:12 (KJV)

What does Numbers 21:12 mean?

Numbers 21:12 reports that the Israelites left their previous location and set up camp in the valley of Zared. This verse is a brief record of their journey as they traveled through the wilderness toward the Promised Land.

In this part of the book of Numbers, Moses is leading the Israelites, and the text is documenting each stage of their route. The valley of Zared marks a specific stopping point along their journey, showing the careful tracking of their progress as they move closer to Canaan.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 21:12

  • "removed" (נָסַע, nasa‘): This word often means to pull up tent pegs or break camp, highlighting the nomadic lifestyle of the Israelites as they physically moved from one place to another.
  • "pitched" (חָנָה, chanah): This word means to set up camp or settle temporarily, emphasizing that the Israelites were not yet at their final destination but were pausing along the way.
  • "valley" (נַחַל, nachal): This term can refer to a wadi or seasonal stream bed, not just a typical valley, suggesting the kind of landscape where they camped—likely a dry riverbed or ravine.
  • "Zared" (זָרֵד, Zared): This is the name of a specific location east of the Dead Sea, important as a marker in the Israelites’ journey and mentioned elsewhere as a boundary in their travels.

Why Numbers 21:12 matters

  • Numbers 21:12 helps clarify the careful record-keeping of the Israelites’ journey, showing each step mattered in their story and was not random wandering.
  • The mention of the valley of Zared connects to other passages (like Deuteronomy 2:13-14), helping readers trace the route and timing of Israel’s movements.
  • By naming specific places, the verse roots the narrative in real geography, which can help readers see the Bible’s events as happening in actual locations, not just symbolic or abstract settings.

Where else these words appear

“Zared” Hebrew H2218 · used in 3 verses

  • Deuteronomy 2:13 Now rise up, said I, and get you over the brook Zered. And we went over the brook Zered.
  • Deuteronomy 2:14 And the space in which we came from Kadeshbarnea, until we were come over the brook Zered, was thirty and eight years; until all the generation of the men of war were wasted out from among the host, as the LORD sware unto them.

“valley” 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.

“pitched” 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.

“removed” 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 33:32 And they removed from Benejaakan, and encamped at Horhagidgad.