Numbers 33:36 (KJV)

What does Numbers 33:36 mean?

Numbers 33:36 records that the Israelites left a place called Eziongaber and set up camp in the wilderness of Zin, specifically at a location named Kadesh. This verse is part of a list describing the stages of Israel’s journey through the wilderness after leaving Egypt.

In context, Moses is recounting the Israelites’ travels to the people, listing each stop along the way. Eziongaber was a location near the Red Sea, and the wilderness of Zin, where Kadesh is found, was a significant desert region on the edge of the Promised Land. This movement marks a transition toward the final stages of their journey.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 33:36

• "removed" (נָסַע, nasaʿ): This word means to pull up or set out, often used for breaking camp and moving on. It highlights the Israelites’ ongoing journey and the temporary nature of each stop.
• "pitched" (חָנָה, chanah): This word means to set up camp or settle temporarily. It emphasizes that Kadesh was another stop, not a permanent settlement.
• "wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbar): This term refers to a desert or uninhabited land. The wilderness of Zin was a harsh, dry region, underscoring the challenges the Israelites faced.
• "Zin" (צִן, Tzin): This is the name of the desert area where Kadesh was located. It distinguishes this wilderness from others mentioned in the Israelites’ journey.
• "Kadesh" (קָדֵשׁ, Qadesh): Kadesh was a key location in Israel’s wilderness wanderings, known for significant events like Moses striking the rock for water.

Why Numbers 33:36 matters

• Numbers 33:36 helps clarify the route the Israelites took, showing their movement from Eziongaber to the wilderness of Zin at Kadesh, which is important for understanding the geography of their journey.
• Mentioning Kadesh highlights a place where several major events happened, connecting this verse to earlier and later stories in the Torah.
• This verse shows the careful record-keeping of Israel’s travels, emphasizing that each stage of the journey was remembered and had significance in their history.