Numbers 33:6
And they departed from Succoth, and pitched in Etham, which is in the edge of the wilderness.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּסְע֖וּ
And they departed
H5265
וַיִּסְע֖וּ
And they departed
Strong's:
H5265
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
מִסֻּכֹּ֑ת
from Succoth
H5523
מִסֻּכֹּ֑ת
from Succoth
Strong's:
H5523
Word #:
2 of 7
succoth, the name of a place in egypt and of three in palestine
וַיַּֽחֲנ֣וּ
and pitched
H2583
וַיַּֽחֲנ֣וּ
and pitched
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
3 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
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
Etham was likely located at the western edge of the Sinai Peninsula. This second encampment occurred just days after the Passover (Exodus 12), during the Egyptian's grief over their firstborn. The pillar of cloud/fire that appeared here guided Israel for the next 40 years until they entered Canaan.
Questions for Reflection
- What "edge of the wilderness" transitions have you faced where familiar security ended and faith-dependence began?
- How does God's provision of the cloud and fire demonstrate His awareness of our need for visible assurance in uncertain seasons?
- Why does spiritual growth often require leaving "Egypt" (comfort) for wilderness (testing)?
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Analysis & Commentary
They departed from Succoth, and pitched in Etham—Etham (אֵתָם, possibly from Egyptian khetam, "fortress") was in the edge of the wilderness (בִּקְצֵה הַמִּדְבָּר, biqtseh ha-midbar), marking the boundary between Egyptian cultivation and Sinai wilderness. Exodus 13:20 notes this was where the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night appeared, providing divine guidance for the dangerous wilderness ahead.
Etham represents the threshold moment—Egypt behind, Red Sea and wilderness ahead. Israel was now beyond the protection of Pharaoh's infrastructure, dependent solely on God's presence. This liminal space tested faith: would they trust the visible cloud or panic at visible dangers? The mention of wilderness's "edge" emphasizes the transition from familiar slavery to unknown freedom under divine care.