Numbers 33:10
And they removed from Elim, and encamped by the Red sea.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּסְע֖וּ
And they removed
H5265
וַיִּסְע֖וּ
And they removed
Strong's:
H5265
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ
and encamped
H2583
וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ
and encamped
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
3 of 6
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
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
This stage occurred approximately 3-4 weeks after the Exodus (circa 1446 BC). The route from Elim back toward the Red Sea suggests a southeastern trajectory along the western Sinai coast. Exodus 15-16 indicates this period bridged Elim's oasis and the Wilderness of Sin, where Israel first complained about food.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God sometimes lead us from places of abundance back to places of barrenness and testing?
- How might encamping by the Red Sea have served as a faith-reminder before new trials arose?
- What does the non-linear wilderness route teach about spiritual formation versus efficient destination-reaching?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They removed from Elim, and encamped by the Red sea—After Marah's bitter water (33:8-9), Israel found Elim with its 12 springs and 70 palm trees (Exodus 15:27), an oasis providing refreshment. Yet they didn't stay long; God led them back toward the Red sea (יַם־סוּף, Yam Suph). This return to the sea that witnessed their deliverance seems geographically puzzling, but demonstrates God's non-linear path. Wilderness wandering wasn't efficient travel; it was transformative testing.
The movement from Elim's abundance back to the barren sea coast teaches that spiritual formation alternates between refreshment and renewed testing. God doesn't lead His people from oasis to oasis but through cycles of provision and dependence. This encampment by the Red Sea likely evoked fresh memories of God's power, strengthening faith for challenges ahead—particularly the manna provision that would soon begin (Exodus 16).