Numbers 33:22 (KJV)

What does Numbers 33:22 mean?

Numbers 33:22 records that the Israelites traveled from a place called Rissah and set up camp at a new location named Kehelathah. This verse is part of a detailed list tracking each stop the Israelites made during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

In this section, Moses is recounting the stages of Israel’s wilderness journey to the people, listing each place where they camped. The verse simply marks another step in their long travels, showing the movement and progression of the nation as they followed God’s guidance through the desert.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 33:22

• The word "journeyed" (נָסַע, nasa‘) means to pull up stakes or set out, emphasizing the act of leaving one place for another. This highlights the temporary and mobile nature of Israel’s life in the wilderness.
• "Pitched" (חָנָה, chanah) means to set up camp or settle temporarily, showing that each stop was not permanent but a pause along the way.
• The names "Rissah" (רִסָּה, Rissah) and "Kehelathah" (קְהֵלָתָה, Kehelathah) are locations whose meanings are uncertain, but their mention helps track the specific route taken.

Why Numbers 33:22 matters

• This verse is part of a larger list that helps readers trace the actual journey of the Israelites, grounding the story in real places and events.
• By recording each stop, the passage emphasizes God’s ongoing guidance and care for Israel, even in seemingly minor or repetitive details.
• The careful listing of locations serves as a reminder of the Israelites’ dependence on God’s direction and the importance of remembering their history.