Numbers 33:5
And the children of Israel removed from Rameses, and pitched in Succoth.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּסְע֥וּ
removed
H5265
וַיִּסְע֥וּ
removed
Strong's:
H5265
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
בְנֵֽי
And the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 6
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 6
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Historical Context
The Exodus began circa 1446 BC (early dating) from Rameses in the eastern Nile Delta. Succoth is identified with Tell el-Maskhuta. This chapter was written near the end of the 40 years (circa 1406 BC) as Moses compiled an official record of the journey before his death, providing geographical and theological memory for the conquest generation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the name "Succoth" (temporary shelters) teach about the transitional nature of wilderness seasons in God's purposes?
- How does reviewing past stages of your spiritual journey strengthen faith for present challenges?
- Why is it significant that God led Israel incrementally rather than transporting them instantly to the Promised Land?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The children of Israel removed from Rameses (וַיִּסְעוּ מֵרַעְמְסֵס, vayis'u me-Ra'meses)—The verb nasa' (pulled up tent pegs, broke camp) begins the Exodus itinerary. Rameses was the staging ground for Israel's departure (Exodus 12:37), a royal store-city built by Hebrew slave labor (Exodus 1:11). This first leg to Succoth (סֻכֹּת, meaning "booths" or "temporary shelters") covered approximately 30-40 miles, a remarkable feat for 600,000 men plus families and livestock.
Numbers 33 provides a comprehensive retrospective of Israel's 40-year journey, listing 42 encampments from Egypt to Canaan. This verse begins the rehearsal of redemption—from slavery (Rameses) to freedom under God's cloud and fire. Each stage demonstrates covenant faithfulness: God didn't transport them instantly but led them step by step, teaching dependence and obedience through wilderness discipline.