Numbers 33:14
And they removed from Alush, and encamped at Rephidim, where was no water for the people to drink.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּסְע֖וּ
And they removed
H5265
וַיִּסְע֖וּ
And they removed
Strong's:
H5265
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙
and encamped
H2583
וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙
and encamped
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
3 of 10
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
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָ֨יָה
H1961
הָ֨יָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שָׁ֥ם
H8033
מַ֛יִם
where was no water
H4325
מַ֛יִם
where was no water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
8 of 10
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Historical Context
Rephidim was the final major encampment before Mount Sinai, located in the Wadi Refayid area. The water crisis occurred approximately 2.5 months after the Exodus (Exodus 19:1 indicates Sinai was reached in month three). The rock-striking incident typologically anticipates Christ as the smitten Rock (Isaiah 53; 1 Cor 10:4).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Israel's question "Is the LORD among us?" expose the heart issue behind most anxiety and complaining?
- What does the rock-striking at Rephidim reveal about Christ's death as the source of living water (John 7:37-39)?
- Why does God allow His people to reach desperate situations (no water) where only He can provide relief?
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Analysis & Commentary
Removed from Alush, and encamped at Rephidim—Rephidim (רְפִידִם, possibly "rests" or "supports") became one of Israel's most significant pre-Sinai encampments. The defining detail: where was no water for the people to drink (אֵין מַיִם לָעָם לִשְׁתּוֹת, ein mayim la'am lishtot). This water crisis (Exodus 17:1-7) provoked Israel to quarrel with Moses, asking "Is the LORD among us, or not?" Moses struck the rock at Horeb, and water gushed forth—a Christological type (1 Corinthians 10:4, "that Rock was Christ").
Rephidim also witnessed Joshua's first military leadership, defeating Amalek while Moses held up his hands (Exodus 17:8-16). The juxtaposition of water-crisis and warfare introduces key themes: God provides for physical needs and protects from spiritual enemies, but both require persistent dependence (Moses's upheld hands) and active engagement (Joshua's fighting). The site name "Rephidim" ironically means "rests," yet Israel found no rest without water—true rest comes only through trusting the LORD's provision.