Numbers 33 Study Notes
General
According to 33:39, how old was Aaron when he died?
Answer: 123 years old
Aaron's age at his death on Mount Hor was 123 (33:39). This fits Exodus, which says Aaron was 83 at the time he and Moses confronted Pharaoh (Exodus 7:7), about forty years earlier. Aaron's death is a reminder that every priest under the old covenant eventually died and had to be replaced. Hebrews contrasts this with Jesus, who lives forever and holds a priesthood that never ends, so He is always alive to pray for His people (Hebrews 7:23-25).
- Numbers 33:39 (BSB)“Aaron was 123 years old when he died on Mount Hor.”States Aaron's age when he died on Mount Hor.
- Exodus 7:7 (BSB)“Moses was eighty years old and Aaron was eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.”Gives Aaron's age at the start of the Exodus, fitting the forty years that follow.
- Hebrews 7:23-24 (BSB)“Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood.”Contrasts the many priests removed by death with Jesus' permanent priesthood.
- Hebrews 7:25 (BSB)“Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”Because Jesus always lives, He is able to save completely and intercede forever.
Theological
What age does Numbers 33:39 give for Aaron at his death?
Answer: 123 years old
Aaron died at 123 years of age (33:39), consistent with his age of 83 at the confrontation with Pharaoh (Exodus 7:7) forty years before. His death illustrates the limitation Hebrews identifies in the Levitical order: its priests were many because death kept them from remaining in their office, whereas Jesus, living forever, holds a permanent priesthood and ever lives to make intercession on behalf of those who approach God through Him (Hebrews 7:23-25).
- Numbers 33:39 (BSB)“Aaron was 123 years old when he died on Mount Hor.”States Aaron's age when he died on Mount Hor.
- Exodus 7:7 (BSB)“Moses was eighty years old and Aaron was eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.”Gives Aaron's age at the start of the Exodus, fitting the forty years that follow.
- Hebrews 7:23-24 (BSB)“Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood.”Contrasts the many priests removed by death with Jesus' permanent priesthood.
- Hebrews 7:25 (BSB)“Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”Because Jesus always lives, He is able to save completely and intercede forever.
General
According to 33:38, when did Aaron die on Mount Hor?
Answer: The 1st day of month five, in year forty
Aaron went up Mount Hor as the LORD directed and died on its summit on the 1st day of month five, during year forty after Israel left Egypt (33:38). Chapter 20 tells how Moses took Aaron and Eleazar his son up the mountain, dressed Eleazar in Aaron's priestly clothes, and Aaron died at the top (20:25-26, 28). The date shows that Aaron died near the very end of the forty years, not long before Israel reached Moab's plains.
- Numbers 33:38 (BSB)“At the LORD’s command, Aaron the priest climbed Mount Hor and died there on the first day of the fifth month, in the fortieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt.”Gives the date of Aaron's death on Mount Hor.
- Numbers 20:25-26 (BSB)“Take Aaron and his son Eleazar and bring them up Mount Hor. Remove Aaron’s priestly garments and put them on his son Eleazar. Aaron will be gathered to his people and will die there.””The LORD commands that Aaron's garments be put on Eleazar on Mount Hor before Aaron dies.
- Numbers 20:28 (BSB)“After Moses had removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain.”Records Aaron's death on the mountaintop after Eleazar was clothed in his garments.
Theological
What date does Numbers 33:38 assign to Aaron's death on Mount Hor?
Answer: The 1st of month five, in year forty
The itinerary supplies the precise date that chapter 20 omits: Aaron ascended Mount Hor as the LORD directed and died on the 1st day of month five, in year forty from the Exodus (33:38). The narrative of 20:25-28 records the transfer of his priestly garments to Eleazar before his death on the summit. The date places the high priest's death at the close of the wilderness period, on the threshold of the conquest.
- Numbers 33:38 (BSB)“At the LORD’s command, Aaron the priest climbed Mount Hor and died there on the first day of the fifth month, in the fortieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt.”Gives the date of Aaron's death on Mount Hor.
- Numbers 20:25-26 (BSB)“Take Aaron and his son Eleazar and bring them up Mount Hor. Remove Aaron’s priestly garments and put them on his son Eleazar. Aaron will be gathered to his people and will die there.””The LORD commands that Aaron's garments be put on Eleazar on Mount Hor before Aaron dies.
- Numbers 20:28 (BSB)“After Moses had removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain.”Records Aaron's death on the mountaintop after Eleazar was clothed in his garments.
General
True or False: The list of stages mentions that Arad's Canaanite king, who ruled in the Negev, learned that Israel was approaching.
Answer: True
This is true. Right after Aaron's death, the itinerary notes that Arad's Canaanite king, whose home was in the Negev, learned of Israel's approach (33:40). Chapter 21 tells what followed: he attacked Israel, Israel vowed to the LORD to destroy his towns completely, and the LORD gave them victory, so the place was named Hormah (21:1-3). Arad's king later appears in the list of kings Israel defeated (Joshua 12:14). The short note in chapter 33 points back to that first victory on the way to the land.
- Numbers 33:40 (BSB)“Now the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev in the land of Canaan, heard that the Israelites were coming.”Notes that the king of Arad heard Israel was coming.
- Numbers 21:1-3 (BSB)“When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming along the road to Atharim, he attacked Israel and captured some prisoners. So Israel made a vow to the LORD: “If You will deliver this people into our hands, we will devote their cities to destruction.” And the LORD heard Israel’s plea and delivered up the Canaanites. Israel devoted them and their cities to destruction; so they named the place Hormah.”Tells the full account of Arad's attack and the LORD's deliverance at Hormah.
- Joshua 12:14 (BSB)“the king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one;”Lists the king of Arad among the kings Israel defeated.
Theological
True or False: Numbers 33:40 interrupts the list of stages to note that Arad's Canaanite king heard of Israel's approach.
Answer: True
This is true. Immediately after Aaron's death notice, the itinerary pauses to mention that Arad's Canaanite king in the Negev learned of Israel's approach (33:40). The note recalls 21:1-3, where Arad attacked, Israel vowed to devote the cities to the LORD, and the LORD delivered the Canaanites into their hand at Hormah, an early foretaste of the conquest; Joshua 12:14 later counts Arad's king among the defeated kings.
- Numbers 33:40 (BSB)“Now the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev in the land of Canaan, heard that the Israelites were coming.”Notes that the king of Arad heard Israel was coming.
- Numbers 21:1-3 (BSB)“When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming along the road to Atharim, he attacked Israel and captured some prisoners. So Israel made a vow to the LORD: “If You will deliver this people into our hands, we will devote their cities to destruction.” And the LORD heard Israel’s plea and delivered up the Canaanites. Israel devoted them and their cities to destruction; so they named the place Hormah.”Tells the full account of Arad's attack and the LORD's deliverance at Hormah.
- Joshua 12:14 (BSB)“the king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one;”Lists the king of Arad among the kings Israel defeated.
General
According to 33:3, when did Israel leave Rameses?
Answer: The 15th day of month one
Israel left Rameses on the 15th day of month one, the day following the Passover (33:3). The Passover began at dusk on the 14th, and the seven-day feast of bread made without yeast began on the 15th (Leviticus 23:5-6). Exodus says the LORD led Israel out of Egypt that same day, arranged in their tribal companies (Exodus 12:51). The date ties the whole journey to the night God rescued His people.
- Numbers 33:3 (BSB)“On the fifteenth day of the first month, on the day after the Passover, the Israelites set out from Rameses. They marched out defiantly in full view of all the Egyptians,”Dates the departure from Rameses to the day after the Passover.
- Leviticus 23:5-6 (BSB)“The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread.”Fixes Passover on the fourteenth and Unleavened Bread from the fifteenth of the first month.
- Exodus 12:51 (BSB)“And on that very day the LORD brought the Israelites out of the land of Egypt by their divisions.”Records that the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt on that very day.
Theological
How does Numbers 33:3 date Israel's departure from Rameses?
Answer: The 15th of month one, after Passover
The departure is dated to the 15th day of month one, the day following the Passover (33:3). This matches the festal calendar, with Passover at dusk on the 14th and Unleavened Bread beginning on the 15th (Leviticus 23:5-6), and the Exodus narrative's note that the LORD brought Israel out in their tribal companies that same day (Exodus 12:51). The itinerary thus anchors the entire wilderness journey in the redemption of Passover night.
- Numbers 33:3 (BSB)“On the fifteenth day of the first month, on the day after the Passover, the Israelites set out from Rameses. They marched out defiantly in full view of all the Egyptians,”Dates the departure from Rameses to the day after the Passover.
- Leviticus 23:5-6 (BSB)“The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread.”Fixes Passover on the fourteenth and Unleavened Bread from the fifteenth of the first month.
- Exodus 12:51 (BSB)“And on that very day the LORD brought the Israelites out of the land of Egypt by their divisions.”Records that the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt on that very day.
General
According to 33:54, how were the clans to receive their shares of the land?
Answer: By lot, with larger clans getting larger shares
The land was to be assigned by casting lots among the clans, and a bigger clan was to receive a bigger inheritance, a smaller clan a smaller one (33:54). This repeats the rule given after the second census (26:53-56). Using the lot left the final assignment in God's hands, and Joshua later assigned territory by lot to the tribes west of the Jordan, following the command given through Moses (Joshua 14:2).
- Numbers 33:54 (BSB)“And you are to divide the land by lot according to your clans. Give a larger inheritance to a larger clan and a smaller inheritance to a smaller one. Whatever falls to each one by lot will be his. You will receive an inheritance according to the tribes of your fathers.”Commands division of the land by lot according to clan size.
- Numbers 26:53-56 (BSB)““The land is to be divided among the tribes as an inheritance, according to the number of names. Increase the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one; each tribe is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those registered. Indeed, the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers. Each inheritance is to be divided by lot among the larger and smaller tribes.””The earlier instruction on dividing the land by lot, larger or smaller by tribe size.
- Joshua 14:2 (BSB)“Their inheritance was assigned by lot for the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses.”Shows the land later assigned by lot as the LORD commanded through Moses.
- Proverbs 16:33 (BSB)“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.”Teaches that the decision of the lot comes from the LORD.
Theological
What principle of allotment does Numbers 33:54 lay down?
Answer: Division by lot, proportioned to clan size
Allotment combines two principles: the lot determines location, while size of inheritance is proportioned to the clan, bigger to bigger and smaller to smaller (33:54). The rule restates 26:53-56. The lot placed the decision under divine sovereignty rather than human preference (Proverbs 16:33), and Joshua carried it out for the tribes west of the Jordan according to the command given through Moses (Joshua 14:2).
- Numbers 33:54 (BSB)“And you are to divide the land by lot according to your clans. Give a larger inheritance to a larger clan and a smaller inheritance to a smaller one. Whatever falls to each one by lot will be his. You will receive an inheritance according to the tribes of your fathers.”Commands division of the land by lot according to clan size.
- Numbers 26:53-56 (BSB)““The land is to be divided among the tribes as an inheritance, according to the number of names. Increase the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one; each tribe is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those registered. Indeed, the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers. Each inheritance is to be divided by lot among the larger and smaller tribes.””The earlier instruction on dividing the land by lot, larger or smaller by tribe size.
- Joshua 14:2 (BSB)“Their inheritance was assigned by lot for the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses.”Shows the land later assigned by lot as the LORD commanded through Moses.
- Proverbs 16:33 (BSB)“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.”Teaches that the decision of the lot comes from the LORD.
General
According to 33:52, what were the Israelites told to destroy when they entered Canaan?
Answer: The carved images, cast idols, and high places
In Moab's plains, God told Israel that after crossing the Jordan they must expel the land's inhabitants, destroy their carved and molten idols, and tear down their high places, the hilltop shrines used for idol worship (33:51-52). Other passages give the reason: if the nations stayed, they would lead Israel to sin by serving their gods (Exodus 23:33), so every place of idol worship was to be destroyed (Deuteronomy 12:2-3). The nations were being driven out because of their own wickedness, not because Israel was righteous (Deuteronomy 9:4-5). This command belonged to Israel's unique setting as God's people entering the land He was giving them, and its aim was to keep Israel from idolatry.
- Numbers 33:51-52 (BSB)““Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, you must drive out before you all the inhabitants of the land, destroy all their carved images and cast idols, and demolish all their high places.”God commands Israel to drive out the inhabitants and destroy their idols and high places.
- Exodus 23:33 (BSB)“They must not remain in your land, lest they cause you to sin against Me. For if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.””Explains that the nations must not remain lest they lead Israel into serving their gods.
- Deuteronomy 12:2-3 (BSB)“Destroy completely all the places where the nations you are dispossessing have served their gods—atop the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree. Tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, burn up their Asherah poles, cut down the idols of their gods, and wipe out their names from every place.”Repeats the command to destroy completely every place where the nations served their gods.
- Deuteronomy 9:4-5 (BSB)“When the LORD your God has driven them out before you, do not say in your heart, “Because of my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land.” Rather, the LORD is driving out these nations before you because of their wickedness. It is not because of your righteousness or uprightness of heart that you are going in to possess their land, but it is because of their wickedness that the LORD your God is driving out these nations before you, to keep the promise He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”Shows that the nations were driven out for their wickedness and to keep God's promise, not for Israel's righteousness.
Theological
Which objects does Numbers 33:52 specifically command Israel to destroy in Canaan?
Answer: Carved images, cast idols, and high places
The command of 33:51-52 couples dispossession of the inhabitants with the destruction of their carved and molten idols and their high places, the elevated cultic sites of Canaanite worship. The rationale is protective: the nations left in the land would draw Israel into serving their gods (Exodus 23:33), so every site of idolatrous worship was to be eradicated (Deuteronomy 12:2-3). The dispossession was God's judgment on the nations' wickedness, not a reward for Israel's righteousness (Deuteronomy 9:4-5). The command is specific to Israel's theocratic entry into the land under God's direct mandate, and its target is idolatry.
- Numbers 33:51-52 (BSB)““Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, you must drive out before you all the inhabitants of the land, destroy all their carved images and cast idols, and demolish all their high places.”God commands Israel to drive out the inhabitants and destroy their idols and high places.
- Exodus 23:33 (BSB)“They must not remain in your land, lest they cause you to sin against Me. For if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.””Explains that the nations must not remain lest they lead Israel into serving their gods.
- Deuteronomy 12:2-3 (BSB)“Destroy completely all the places where the nations you are dispossessing have served their gods—atop the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree. Tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, burn up their Asherah poles, cut down the idols of their gods, and wipe out their names from every place.”Repeats the command to destroy completely every place where the nations served their gods.
- Deuteronomy 9:4-5 (BSB)“When the LORD your God has driven them out before you, do not say in your heart, “Because of my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land.” Rather, the LORD is driving out these nations before you because of their wickedness. It is not because of your righteousness or uprightness of heart that you are going in to possess their land, but it is because of their wickedness that the LORD your God is driving out these nations before you, to keep the promise He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”Shows that the nations were driven out for their wickedness and to keep God's promise, not for Israel's righteousness.
General
According to 33:9, what did Israel find when they camped at Elim?
Answer: 12 springs and 70 palm trees
After leaving Marah, Israel came to Elim, an oasis with 12 springs and 70 palms, and pitched camp there (33:9). Exodus tells the same event, adding that they camped beside the water (Exodus 15:27). Just before this, at Marah, the water had been too bitter to drink (Exodus 15:23), so Elim was a place of generous refreshment that God provided on the way.
- Numbers 33:9 (BSB)“They set out from Marah and came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there.”Records the camp at Elim with its springs and palm trees.
- Exodus 15:27 (BSB)“Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there by the waters.”The Exodus account of Elim gives the same number of springs and palm trees.
- Exodus 15:23 (BSB)“And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.)”Shows that the stop just before Elim, Marah, had bitter water, making Elim's springs a clear provision.
Theological
Which detail does the itinerary preserve about the camp at Elim (Numbers 33:9)?
Answer: It had 12 springs and 70 palm trees
Elim is remembered for its 12 springs and 70 palms (33:9), the same detail given in the Exodus account, where Israel encamped beside the water (Exodus 15:27). Coming directly after the bitter water of Marah (Exodus 15:23), the oasis displays the LORD's provision for His people along the route He chose for them.
- Numbers 33:9 (BSB)“They set out from Marah and came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there.”Records the camp at Elim with its springs and palm trees.
- Exodus 15:27 (BSB)“Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there by the waters.”The Exodus account of Elim gives the same number of springs and palm trees.
- Exodus 15:23 (BSB)“And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.)”Shows that the stop just before Elim, Marah, had bitter water, making Elim's springs a clear provision.
General
According to 33:48-49, where did the list of stages end?
Answer: On Moab's plains beside the Jordan, facing Jericho
The final stage brought Israel from the Abarim range down to Moab's plains beside the Jordan, facing Jericho, where the camp stretched between Beth-jeshimoth and Abel-shittim (33:48-49). This is where they had arrived in 22:1, and where the rest of Numbers takes place. From Shittim, Joshua would later lead them across the Jordan (Joshua 3:1). The journey that began at Rameses ends on the very doorstep of the promised land.
- Numbers 33:48-49 (BSB)“They set out from the mountains of Abarim and camped on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho. And there on the plains of Moab they camped by the Jordan, from Beth-jeshimoth to Abel-shittim.”Records the last stage of the journey and the extent of the camp by the Jordan.
- Numbers 22:1 (BSB)“Then the Israelites traveled on and camped in the plains of Moab near the Jordan, across from Jericho.”Earlier notes Israel's arrival at this same camp opposite Jericho.
- Joshua 3:1 (BSB)“Early the next morning Joshua got up and left Shittim with all the Israelites. They went as far as the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over.”Joshua later leads Israel from Shittim to the Jordan to cross into the land.
Theological
Where does the itinerary of Numbers 33 bring Israel to rest in 33:48-49?
Answer: Moab's plains beside the Jordan, facing Jericho
The itinerary closes with Israel encamped on Moab's plains along the Jordan facing Jericho, stretching between Beth-jeshimoth and Abel-shittim (33:48-49), the setting reached in 22:1 and maintained through the rest of the book. From Shittim Joshua would lead the crossing of the Jordan (Joshua 3:1). The list thus traces a completed journey from Rameses to the threshold of the promised inheritance.
- Numbers 33:48-49 (BSB)“They set out from the mountains of Abarim and camped on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho. And there on the plains of Moab they camped by the Jordan, from Beth-jeshimoth to Abel-shittim.”Records the last stage of the journey and the extent of the camp by the Jordan.
- Numbers 22:1 (BSB)“Then the Israelites traveled on and camped in the plains of Moab near the Jordan, across from Jericho.”Earlier notes Israel's arrival at this same camp opposite Jericho.
- Joshua 3:1 (BSB)“Early the next morning Joshua got up and left Shittim with all the Israelites. They went as far as the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over.”Joshua later leads Israel from Shittim to the Jordan to cross into the land.
General
According to 33:3-4, what were the Egyptians doing as Israel marched out?
Answer: Burying the firstborn sons the LORD had killed
Israel marched out boldly as the Egyptians watched, while the Egyptians were busy burying their firstborn sons, killed by the LORD (33:3-4). The verse adds that the LORD had judged Egypt's gods, just as He had announced before the Passover (Exodus 12:12). The death of the firstborn reached from Pharaoh's own son to the son of the captive in prison (Exodus 12:29). Egypt's gods could not protect their people; the LORD alone showed Himself to be God.
- Numbers 33:3-4 (BSB)“On the fifteenth day of the first month, on the day after the Passover, the Israelites set out from Rameses. They marched out defiantly in full view of all the Egyptians, who were burying all their firstborn, whom the LORD had struck down among them; for the LORD had executed judgment against their gods.”Describes Israel marching out as Egypt buried its firstborn, and says the LORD judged Egypt's gods.
- Exodus 12:12 (BSB)“On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD.”The LORD announced beforehand that He would strike the firstborn and judge all the gods of Egypt.
- Exodus 12:29 (BSB)“Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn among the livestock.”Records the striking down of every firstborn in Egypt, from Pharaoh's house to the prisoner's.
- Exodus 14:8 (BSB)“And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out defiantly.”Confirms that Israel went out of Egypt boldly, even as Pharaoh pursued.
Theological
What scene does Numbers 33:3-4 describe as Israel marched out of Rameses?
Answer: Egypt burying the firstborn the LORD had slain
Israel departed defiantly before the eyes of Egypt while the Egyptians were burying the firstborn the LORD had slain (33:3-4). The itinerary interprets the plague theologically: it was the LORD's judgment on Egypt's gods, fulfilling His Passover announcement (Exodus 12:12) in a stroke that fell on every household from Pharaoh's throne to the prison (Exodus 12:29). The Exodus was a contest between the LORD and Egypt's gods, and it exposed them as powerless.
- Numbers 33:3-4 (BSB)“On the fifteenth day of the first month, on the day after the Passover, the Israelites set out from Rameses. They marched out defiantly in full view of all the Egyptians, who were burying all their firstborn, whom the LORD had struck down among them; for the LORD had executed judgment against their gods.”Describes Israel marching out as Egypt buried its firstborn, and says the LORD judged Egypt's gods.
- Exodus 12:12 (BSB)“On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD.”The LORD announced beforehand that He would strike the firstborn and judge all the gods of Egypt.
- Exodus 12:29 (BSB)“Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn among the livestock.”Records the striking down of every firstborn in Egypt, from Pharaoh's house to the prisoner's.
- Exodus 14:8 (BSB)“And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out defiantly.”Confirms that Israel went out of Egypt boldly, even as Pharaoh pursued.
General
According to 33:16, where did Israel camp right after leaving Sinai?
Answer: Kibroth-hattaavah
The first stop after Sinai was Kibroth-hattaavah (33:16). The name recalls what happened there in chapter 11: the people craved meat, the LORD sent a severe plague, and they buried those who had craved (11:33-34). The psalmist says God gave them what they asked for yet sent a wasting illness among them (Psalm 106:14-15), and Paul says these things are examples to keep believers from craving evil as they did (1 Corinthians 10:6). Even a bare place name in the list carries a warning.
- Numbers 33:16 (BSB)“They set out from the Wilderness of Sinai and camped at Kibroth-hattaavah.”Lists Kibroth-hattaavah as the camp following the Wilderness of Sinai.
- Numbers 11:33-34 (BSB)“But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and the LORD struck them with a severe plague. So they called that place Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had craved other food.”Explains the name: there Israel buried the people who craved other food.
- Psalm 106:14-15 (BSB)“They craved intensely in the wilderness and tested God in the desert. So He granted their request, but sent a wasting disease upon them.”Interprets the craving in the wilderness as testing God, answered with judgment.
- 1 Corinthians 10:6 (BSB)“These things took place as examples to keep us from craving evil things as they did.”Paul applies the craving in the wilderness as an example and warning for believers.
Theological
Numbers 33:16 lists which camp as Israel's first stop after Sinai?
Answer: Kibroth-hattaavah
Leaving Sinai, Israel camped first at Kibroth-hattaavah (33:16), whose name memorializes the judgment of chapter 11, where those who craved other food were struck by plague and buried (11:33-34). Psalm 106:14-15 interprets the episode as God granting their desire while sending wasting on them, and Paul applies it directly to the church as an example against evil craving (1 Corinthians 10:6). The itinerary's place names thus preserve the wilderness warnings.
- Numbers 33:16 (BSB)“They set out from the Wilderness of Sinai and camped at Kibroth-hattaavah.”Lists Kibroth-hattaavah as the camp following the Wilderness of Sinai.
- Numbers 11:33-34 (BSB)“But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and the LORD struck them with a severe plague. So they called that place Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had craved other food.”Explains the name: there Israel buried the people who craved other food.
- Psalm 106:14-15 (BSB)“They craved intensely in the wilderness and tested God in the desert. So He granted their request, but sent a wasting disease upon them.”Interprets the craving in the wilderness as testing God, answered with judgment.
- 1 Corinthians 10:6 (BSB)“These things took place as examples to keep us from craving evil things as they did.”Paul applies the craving in the wilderness as an example and warning for believers.
General
According to 33:53, on what basis was Israel to occupy the land?
Answer: God had given the land to them
Israel was to occupy the land and live in it because God Himself had given it to them (33:53). This goes back to God's promise to Abram that He would grant this land to his offspring (Genesis 12:7) as a lasting possession (Genesis 17:8). The land was a gift of God's grace, not something Israel earned. Joshua later says that none of the good things the LORD promised Israel failed; every one came true (Joshua 21:45).
- Numbers 33:53 (BSB)“You are to take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess.”Grounds Israel's possession of the land in God's gift.
- Genesis 12:7 (BSB)“Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.”God first promises to give this land to Abram's offspring.
- Genesis 17:8 (BSB)“And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.””God promises all of Canaan to Abraham's descendants as a lasting possession.
- Joshua 21:45 (BSB)“Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel had failed; everything was fulfilled.”Records that every one of the LORD's good promises to Israel was fulfilled.
Theological
What ground does Numbers 33:53 give for Israel's possession of Canaan?
Answer: The LORD had given them the land
Israel's right to the land rests on divine gift: they are to occupy and dwell in it because the LORD has given it to them (33:53). The promise reaches back to Abram (Genesis 12:7) and the covenant grant of Canaan to be an everlasting possession (Genesis 17:8). The conquest is thus the outworking of God's sovereign covenant faithfulness to the patriarchs despite the wilderness generation's failure, a faithfulness Joshua later declares complete, with not one good promise failing (Joshua 21:45).
- Numbers 33:53 (BSB)“You are to take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess.”Grounds Israel's possession of the land in God's gift.
- Genesis 12:7 (BSB)“Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.”God first promises to give this land to Abram's offspring.
- Genesis 17:8 (BSB)“And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.””God promises all of Canaan to Abraham's descendants as a lasting possession.
- Joshua 21:45 (BSB)“Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel had failed; everything was fulfilled.”Records that every one of the LORD's good promises to Israel was fulfilled.
General
True or False: The list of stages notes that at Rephidim the people had no water to drink.
Answer: True
This is true. The itinerary mentions only a few events along the way, and at Rephidim it records that the people had nothing to drink (33:14). Exodus tells the full story: the people quarreled with Moses, and God told him to strike a rock at Horeb; when he did, water flowed out (Exodus 17:1, 6). Paul later says that the rock which went with Israel was Christ, the true source of life for His people (1 Corinthians 10:4).
- Numbers 33:14 (BSB)“They set out from Alush and camped at Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink.”Notes the lack of water at the Rephidim camp.
- Exodus 17:1 (BSB)“Then the whole congregation of Israel left the Desert of Sin, moving from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.”The Exodus account records the same lack of water at Rephidim.
- Exodus 17:6 (BSB)“Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. And when you strike the rock, water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.”God provides water from the rock at Horeb when Moses strikes it.
- 1 Corinthians 10:4 (BSB)“and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.”Paul says the spiritual rock that accompanied Israel was Christ.
Theological
True or False: Numbers 33:14 records that Rephidim was a camp where the people had no water to drink.
Answer: True
This is true. Among its sparse annotations, the itinerary notes the lack of water at Rephidim (33:14), recalling the episode in which the LORD supplied water from a rock at Horeb when Moses struck it before the elders (Exodus 17:1, 6). Paul identifies the rock that went with Israel, in a spiritual sense, as Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4), the one from whom God's people receive life.
- Numbers 33:14 (BSB)“They set out from Alush and camped at Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink.”Notes the lack of water at the Rephidim camp.
- Exodus 17:1 (BSB)“Then the whole congregation of Israel left the Desert of Sin, moving from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.”The Exodus account records the same lack of water at Rephidim.
- Exodus 17:6 (BSB)“Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. And when you strike the rock, water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.”God provides water from the rock at Horeb when Moses strikes it.
- 1 Corinthians 10:4 (BSB)“and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.”Paul says the spiritual rock that accompanied Israel was Christ.
General
According to 33:2, why did Moses write down the list of places where Israel camped?
Answer: The LORD commanded him to record them
Moses kept this record of Israel's journey because the LORD told him to (33:2). The list runs from the departure out of Egypt, led by Moses and Aaron (33:1), to the camp on the Moabite plains, stage after stage. Later Moses called Israel to remember the whole route by which God had led them for forty years, humbling and testing them (Deuteronomy 8:2). The psalms praise God for guiding His people across the desert like a shepherd with a flock (Psalm 77:20; Psalm 136:16). The record is a written memorial of God's faithful leading, and Paul says the wilderness events were written down to instruct and warn believers (1 Corinthians 10:11).
- Numbers 33:1-2 (BSB)“These are the journeys of the Israelites when they came out of the land of Egypt by their divisions under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. At the LORD’s command, Moses recorded the stages of their journey. These are the stages listed by their starting points:”Introduces the list of Israel's journeys and says Moses recorded them at the LORD's command.
- Deuteronomy 8:2 (BSB)“Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments.”Moses calls Israel to remember the whole forty-year journey as the LORD's leading and testing.
- Psalm 77:20 (BSB)“You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.”Celebrates God leading His people like a flock through Moses and Aaron, the leaders named in 33:1.
- Psalm 136:16 (BSB)“He led His people through the wilderness. His loving devotion endures forever.”Praises God for leading His people through the wilderness because of His enduring loving devotion.
- 1 Corinthians 10:11 (BSB)“Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.”Paul says the wilderness events were written down as warnings for believers.
Theological
What reason does Numbers 33:2 give for Moses' written record of Israel's stages?
Answer: It was made at the LORD's express command
The itinerary is not Moses' private travel diary; he wrote down the stages by the LORD's direction (33:2), from the Exodus under Moses and Aaron (33:1) to the Moabite plains. The record serves memory: Moses later summons Israel to recall the entire forty-year route by which the LORD led, humbled, and tested them (Deuteronomy 8:2), and the psalmists celebrate that same shepherding through the wilderness (Psalm 77:20; Psalm 136:16). Paul states that these events were inscripturated as warnings and examples for the church (1 Corinthians 10:11).
- Numbers 33:1-2 (BSB)“These are the journeys of the Israelites when they came out of the land of Egypt by their divisions under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. At the LORD’s command, Moses recorded the stages of their journey. These are the stages listed by their starting points:”Introduces the list of Israel's journeys and says Moses recorded them at the LORD's command.
- Deuteronomy 8:2 (BSB)“Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments.”Moses calls Israel to remember the whole forty-year journey as the LORD's leading and testing.
- Psalm 77:20 (BSB)“You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.”Celebrates God leading His people like a flock through Moses and Aaron, the leaders named in 33:1.
- Psalm 136:16 (BSB)“He led His people through the wilderness. His loving devotion endures forever.”Praises God for leading His people through the wilderness because of His enduring loving devotion.
- 1 Corinthians 10:11 (BSB)“Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.”Paul says the wilderness events were written down as warnings for believers.
General
According to 33:55-56, what would happen if Israel let the land's inhabitants remain?
Answer: They would harass Israel, and God would do to Israel what He planned for them
God warned that any inhabitants Israel allowed to remain would become like barbs in their eyes and like thorns piercing their sides, troubling them in the land (33:55). Worse, God said He would then treat Israel the way He had intended to treat those nations (33:56). Leviticus gives the same warning: the land would expel Israel just as it expelled the nations before them (Leviticus 18:24-28). Sadly, Judges records that Israel did not obey, and the nations became thorns in their sides just as God had said (Judges 2:1-3).
- Numbers 33:55-56 (BSB)“But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land before you, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides; they will harass you in the land where you settle. And then I will do to you what I had planned to do to them.””Warns that remaining inhabitants would trouble Israel and that God would treat Israel as He planned to treat them.
- Leviticus 18:24-28 (BSB)“Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves. Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants. But you are to keep My statutes and ordinances, and you must not commit any of these abominations—neither your native-born nor the foreigner who lives among you. For the men who were in the land before you committed all these abominations, and the land has become defiled. So if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it spewed out the nations before you.”Warns that if Israel defiles the land it will expel them as it did the nations before them.
- Joshua 23:12-13 (BSB)“For if you turn away and cling to the rest of these nations that remain among you, and if you intermarry and associate with them, know for sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become for you a snare and a trap, a scourge in your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you.”Joshua repeats the warning that the remaining nations would become a snare and thorns in Israel's eyes.
- Judges 2:1-3 (BSB)“Now the angel of the LORD went up from Gilgal to Bochim and said, “I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land that I had promised to your fathers, and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you, and you are not to make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall tear down their altars.’ Yet you have not obeyed My voice. What is this you have done? So now I tell you that I will not drive out these people before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.””Records that Israel disobeyed and the nations became thorns in their sides as warned.
Theological
What twofold consequence does Numbers 33:55-56 attach to failing to expel the inhabitants?
Answer: Ongoing trouble from them, and God treating Israel as He meant to treat them
The warning has two parts: those left in the land will become barbs and thorns that harass Israel (33:55), and the LORD will treat Israel as He intended to treat the nations (33:56). Leviticus 18:24-28 states the same principle, that the defiled land would expel Israel as it had expelled its former inhabitants. Judges 2:1-3 records the first stage of fulfillment when Israel failed to obey. The covenant gift of the land did not remove the covenant's warnings.
- Numbers 33:55-56 (BSB)“But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land before you, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides; they will harass you in the land where you settle. And then I will do to you what I had planned to do to them.””Warns that remaining inhabitants would trouble Israel and that God would treat Israel as He planned to treat them.
- Leviticus 18:24-28 (BSB)“Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves. Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants. But you are to keep My statutes and ordinances, and you must not commit any of these abominations—neither your native-born nor the foreigner who lives among you. For the men who were in the land before you committed all these abominations, and the land has become defiled. So if you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it spewed out the nations before you.”Warns that if Israel defiles the land it will expel them as it did the nations before them.
- Joshua 23:12-13 (BSB)“For if you turn away and cling to the rest of these nations that remain among you, and if you intermarry and associate with them, know for sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become for you a snare and a trap, a scourge in your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you.”Joshua repeats the warning that the remaining nations would become a snare and thorns in Israel's eyes.
- Judges 2:1-3 (BSB)“Now the angel of the LORD went up from Gilgal to Bochim and said, “I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land that I had promised to your fathers, and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you, and you are not to make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall tear down their altars.’ Yet you have not obeyed My voice. What is this you have done? So now I tell you that I will not drive out these people before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.””Records that Israel disobeyed and the nations became thorns in their sides as warned.