Numbers 33:16 - They traveled from the wilderness of Sinai, and encamped in Kibroth Hattaavah.

Generated Verse: Numbers 33:16

What does "Numbers 33:16" mean?


Numbers 33 is a summary of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the plains of Moab, right before they were about to enter the Promised Land. Verse 16, "They traveled from the wilderness of Sinai, and encamped in Kibroth Hattaavah," is a specific stop along that journey. Let's break down what this means:

"They traveled from the wilderness of Sinai": This refers to the period after the Israelites spent approximately a year at Mount Sinai. At Sinai, they received the Ten Commandments, the rest of the Law, and the plans for the Tabernacle. The wilderness of Sinai, therefore, was a very significant and foundational place for the formation of Israel as a nation.

"and encamped in Kibroth Hattaavah": This indicates a location where the Israelites set up camp for a time. The name "Kibroth Hattaavah" literally means "graves of craving" or "graves of lust." This name is significant because it's connected to a specific event in the Book of Numbers (specifically Chapter 11).

Context from Numbers 11 (the reason for the name "Kibroth Hattaavah")

In Numbers 11, the Israelites grew tired of eating manna, the miraculous food God provided. They started to "crave" (or "lust" after) meat, remembering the food they had in Egypt, even though they were slaves. They complained loudly to Moses. God, in his anger and to test them, provided them with quail in abundance. However, while the meat was still between their teeth, a plague struck, and many people died. This plague occurred because of their lack of faith and ingratitude towards God's provision. Those who craved the other foods were punished with death.

In Summary

The verse marks a specific point in the Israelites' journey after leaving the Sinai wilderness.

The location, Kibroth Hattaavah, is a reminder of a significant sin of craving and complaining against God's provision, which resulted in divine punishment. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of discontentment and the importance of trusting in God's plan.

What categories does "Numbers 33:16" have?