And they removed from Libnah, and pitched at Rissah.

NUMBERS 33:21KJV
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Numbers 33:21 (KJV)

What does Numbers 33:21 mean?

Numbers 33:21 records that the Israelites left a place called Libnah and set up camp at a new location named Rissah during their journey through the wilderness. This verse is part of a detailed list tracking each stage of their travels after leaving Egypt.

The book of Numbers here is recounting, step by step, every stop the Israelites made as they moved toward the Promised Land. Moses is the narrator, listing these places for the people of Israel, likely as a way to remember their journey and God’s guidance. This verse simply marks one transition in a long sequence of moves.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 33:21

  • "removed" (נָסַע, nasaʿ, H5265) means to pull up or set out, often used for breaking camp. This highlights the temporary nature of their stay at Libnah and the ongoing movement of the people.
  • "pitched" (חָנָה, chanah, H2583) means to set up camp or settle temporarily. This word emphasizes that Rissah was another stop, not a permanent home.

Why Numbers 33:21 matters

  • This verse is part of a careful record, showing that every stage of the journey was remembered and had meaning for the Israelites.
  • The mention of specific places like Libnah and Rissah helps ground the story in real geography, reminding readers that these were actual travels, not just symbolic.
  • The verse fits into a larger pattern in Numbers 33, where each move is listed, highlighting the long and sometimes difficult path the Israelites took before reaching their destination.

Where else these words appear

“Rissah” Hebrew H7446 · used in 2 verses

  • Numbers 33:22 And they journeyed from Rissah, and pitched in Kehelathah.

“Libnah” Hebrew H3841 · used in 17 verses

  • Numbers 33:20 And they departed from Rimmonparez, and pitched in Libnah.
  • Joshua 12:15 The king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one;
  • 2 Kings 23:31 Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.

“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 33:10 And they removed from Elim, and encamped by the Red sea.
  • 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.