And they removed from Eziongaber, and pitched in the wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh.

NUMBERS 33:36KJV
Know the Bible

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.

Where else these words appear

“Eziongaber” Hebrew H6100 · used in 7 verses

  • Numbers 33:35 And they departed from Ebronah, and encamped at Eziongaber.
  • 1 Kings 9:26 And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Eziongeber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom.
  • 2 Chronicles 8:17 Then went Solomon to Eziongeber, and to Eloth, at the sea side in the land of Edom.

“Zin” Hebrew H6790 · used in 9 verses

  • Numbers 13:21 So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.
  • Numbers 27:14 For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.
  • Deuteronomy 32:51 Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel.

“Kadesh” Hebrew H6946 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 14:7 And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar.
  • Numbers 20:14 And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us:
  • Deuteronomy 32:51 Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel.

“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.