And they removed from Kadesh, and pitched in mount Hor, in the edge of the land of Edom.

NUMBERS 33:37KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 33:37 (KJV)

What does Numbers 33:37 mean?

Numbers 33:37 records that the Israelites left Kadesh and set up camp at Mount Hor, which is located on the border of the land of Edom. This verse marks a specific stage in the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness as they moved closer to the Promised Land.

In this part of the book, Moses is listing each stop the Israelites made after leaving Egypt. The mention of Kadesh and Mount Hor helps track their route and shows their movement toward Edom, a neighboring territory. This verse also sets the scene for later events at Mount Hor, including the death of Aaron.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 33:37

  • "removed" (נָסַע, nasaʿ): This word means to pull up or set out, often used for breaking camp. It emphasizes the Israelites’ journey as a series of deliberate moves, not just wandering.
  • "pitched" (חָנָה, chanah): This word means to encamp or settle temporarily. It shows that the Israelites were not just passing through but stopping to stay for a time at Mount Hor.
  • "edge" (קָצֶה, qatzeh): This word refers to the border or extremity. Mentioning the "edge of the land of Edom" clarifies that the Israelites were right at the boundary of another nation, highlighting the significance of their location.

Why Numbers 33:37 matters

  • This verse helps readers follow the Israelites’ route and understand the geography of their journey, especially as they approach Edom, which becomes important in later chapters.
  • By naming Mount Hor, the verse prepares for the significant event of Aaron’s death, which takes place there, linking the travel log to key moments in Israel’s story.
  • The detailed record of each stop underscores that the journey was purposeful and guided, not random wandering, which is a theme throughout Numbers 33.

Where else these words appear

“Hor” Hebrew H2023 · used in 12 verses

  • Numbers 20:22 And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh, and came unto mount Hor.
  • Numbers 20:27 And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation.
  • Numbers 33:41 And they departed from mount Hor, and pitched in Zalmonah.

“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.

“edge” Hebrew H7097 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 8:3 And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated.
  • Joshua 4:19 And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.
  • Psalms 46:9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

“Edom” Hebrew H123 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 25:30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.
  • 1 Kings 11:15 For it came to pass, when David was in Edom, and Joab the captain of the host was gone up to bury the slain, after he had smitten every male in Edom;
  • Psalms 137:7 Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.