Numbers 33:32
And they removed from Bene-jaakan, and encamped at Hor-hagidgad.
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
Historical Context
The wilderness of Paran and the Arabah region contained numerous rocky wadis that provided some shelter from desert winds. Israel's survival in such inhospitable terrain was a standing miracle of divine preservation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's attention to the specific geographic details of Israel's journey encourage you about His providence in your life?
- What does it mean that even desolate places like 'cavern of clefts' were part of God's perfect plan?
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Analysis & Commentary
Removed from Bene-jaakan, and encamped at Hor-hagidgad—חֹר הַגִּדְגָּד (Ḥōr haggidgād, 'cavern of Gidgad' or 'hole of clefts'). Deuteronomy 10:7 calls this Gudgodah, possibly referring to rocky gorges or wadis in the desert terrain.
The geographic precision—cavern (חֹר, ḥōr) suggests a particular gorge—demonstrates that God cares about the specific details of His people's journey. No encampment was accidental; each was divinely ordained. Romans 8:28 applies this principle: 'All things work together for good' because God superintends every step.