Numbers 12:16
And afterward the people removed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran.
Original Language Analysis
וְאַחַ֛ר
And afterward
H310
וְאַחַ֛ר
And afterward
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
נָֽסְע֥וּ
removed
H5265
נָֽסְע֥וּ
removed
Strong's:
H5265
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
הָעָ֖ם
the people
H5971
הָעָ֖ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ
and pitched
H2583
וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ
and pitched
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
Cross References
Numbers 11:35And the people journeyed from Kibroth-hattaavah unto Hazeroth; and abode at Hazeroth.Numbers 33:18And they departed from Hazeroth, and pitched in Rithmah.Numbers 10:12And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran.
Historical Context
Hazeroth (meaning 'enclosures') was a wilderness station in the Sinai Peninsula. Paran would be the location for the tragic spy incident (Numbers 13). The transition from this chapter to the next shows the pattern of Numbers: cycles of sin, judgment, intercession, restoration, and continued journey. The wilderness journey tested Israel repeatedly, revealing the need for the New Covenant's internal transformation.
Questions for Reflection
- How should churches reintegrate disciplined members without lingering suspicion?
- What does moving forward after discipline teach about God's redemptive purposes?
- How do we balance remembering lessons learned with not holding past sins against restored believers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The summary 'afterward the people removed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran' shows normal life resuming after discipline. The Hebrew nasa (removed/journeyed) indicates that once restoration occurred, the community moved forward without dwelling on past offense. This teaches that restored sinners should be fully reintegrated, not perpetually marked by former sin. The church must not hold past confessed sins against restored members. Forward movement after discipline shows that God's purposes continue despite human failures.