And they removed from Elim, and encamped by the Red sea.

NUMBERS 33:10KJV
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Numbers 33:10 (KJV)

What does Numbers 33:10 mean?

Numbers 33:10 states that the Israelites left a place called Elim and set up camp by the Red Sea during their journey out of Egypt. This verse records one specific stage in their long route through the wilderness, marking their movement from one location to another.

The book of Numbers, written as a record of Israel’s travels, lists each stop the people made after leaving Egypt. Here, Moses is recounting the journey to the Israelites, showing the order and places where they camped. Elim was known for its water and palm trees, and the Red Sea was a significant landmark, so this verse helps track their progress and the geography of their route.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 33:10

  • "removed" (נָסַע, nasa‘): This word means to pull up stakes or set out, describing the act of breaking camp and moving on. It emphasizes the temporary and mobile nature of the Israelites' journey.
  • "encamped" (חָנָה, chanah): This word means to settle down or pitch camp. It highlights the pattern of travel—moving, then stopping to rest as a group.
  • "Red" (סוּף, suf) and "sea" (יָם, yam): Together, "Red Sea" (יַם־סוּף, yam suf) refers to the body of water the Israelites traveled near and famously crossed earlier. The name can also mean "Sea of Reeds," which sometimes leads to discussion about the exact location.

Why Numbers 33:10 matters

  • This verse helps readers trace the actual route the Israelites took, making the journey more concrete and grounded in real places.
  • By mentioning both Elim and the Red Sea, the verse connects to earlier stories in Exodus, reminding readers of God’s provision and the challenges faced.
  • The pattern of moving and camping shows the Israelites’ dependence on guidance, reinforcing the theme of trust and obedience throughout their wilderness journey.

Where else these words appear

“Elim” Hebrew H362 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 15:27 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 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.

“Red” Hebrew H5488 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 2:3 And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink.
  • Numbers 33:11 And they removed from the Red sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin.
  • Nehemiah 9:9 And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea;

“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.

“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.