Numbers 33:7 (KJV)

What does Numbers 33:7 mean?

Numbers 33:7 describes how the Israelites left Etham, turned back toward Pihahiroth (a location near Baalzephon), and set up camp in front of Migdol. This verse records a specific stage in their journey out of Egypt, listing the places they traveled through and where they stopped.

In this part of the book, Moses is recounting the Israelites’ route during the Exodus. The verse is part of a detailed travel log, showing the exact path the people took as they moved away from Egypt. Mentioning these locations helps trace their journey and highlights the significant places where they camped before crossing the Red Sea.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 33:7

• "removed" (נָסַע, nasa‘): This word means to pull up (as in tent stakes) and set out on a journey. It emphasizes the Israelites’ movement from one place to another, not just leaving but actively traveling.
• "again" (וַיָּשֻׁבוּ, vayyashuvu): This word means to turn back or return. It shows that the Israelites did not travel in a straight line but changed direction, possibly retracing part of their route.
• "before" (לִפְנֵי, lifnei): This word means "in front of" or "facing." It clarifies that the Israelites camped directly opposite or near these landmarks, helping pinpoint their location.

Why Numbers 33:7 matters

• Numbers 33:7 helps clarify the route the Israelites took, showing they did not take the most direct path but followed a route that involved turning back, which is important for understanding the events leading up to the crossing of the Red Sea.
• The mention of specific locations like Pihahiroth, Baalzephon, and Migdol connects this verse to the dramatic events in Exodus 14, where the Israelites are trapped by the sea and Pharaoh’s army pursues them.
• This verse shows the careful record-keeping of Israel’s journey, emphasizing the historical detail and the significance of each stage in their deliverance from Egypt.