Numbers 33:8 is a simple statement of a leg of the Israelites' journey from Egypt, recounting their movements after the Exodus and before reaching Mount Sinai. Let's break down the meaning:
"They traveled from before Hahiroth..." This refers to Pi-Hahiroth, a location near the Red Sea where the Israelites were trapped before God parted the sea for them. The verse indicates they were departing from that site of miraculous deliverance.
"...and crossed through the middle of the sea into the wilderness." This is the pivotal event of the Exodus - the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. They passed through the parted waters and entered the Sinai wilderness on the other side.
"They went three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etham..." The wilderness of Etham was a desert region bordering Egypt. This phrase tells us how far they traveled in that wilderness - three days' worth of journey.
"...and encamped in Marah." After three days of travel, they stopped and set up camp in a place called Marah.
Significance
Reminder of Miraculous Deliverance: The verse highlights the Israelites' dependence on God. They were saved from certain death at the Red Sea, emphasizing God's power and faithfulness.
Transition to Testing: The journey into the wilderness represents a transition from slavery to freedom, but also into a period of testing and learning to trust God.
Marah Foreshadowing: The next verses (Exodus 15:23-26) describe the waters of Marah as bitter, which God then sweetens. This episode foreshadows the trials and provisions that God will provide during their wilderness wanderings.
A part of the journey: The verse is a small segment of a much larger journey, with it's own challenges, triumphs, and encounters with God.
Numbers 33:8 is a simple statement of a leg of the Israelites' journey from Egypt, recounting their movements after the Exodus and before reaching Mount Sinai. Let's break down the meaning:
"They traveled from before Hahiroth..." This refers to Pi-Hahiroth, a location near the Red Sea where the Israelites were trapped before God parted the sea for them. The verse indicates they were departing from that site of miraculous deliverance.
"...and crossed through the middle of the sea into the wilderness." This is the pivotal event of the Exodus - the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. They passed through the parted waters and entered the Sinai wilderness on the other side.
"They went three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etham..." The wilderness of Etham was a desert region bordering Egypt. This phrase tells us how far they traveled in that wilderness - three days' worth of journey.
"...and encamped in Marah." After three days of travel, they stopped and set up camp in a place called Marah.
Significance
Reminder of Miraculous Deliverance: The verse highlights the Israelites' dependence on God. They were saved from certain death at the Red Sea, emphasizing God's power and faithfulness.
Transition to Testing: The journey into the wilderness represents a transition from slavery to freedom, but also into a period of testing and learning to trust God.
Marah Foreshadowing: The next verses (Exodus 15:23-26) describe the waters of Marah as bitter, which God then sweetens. This episode foreshadows the trials and provisions that God will provide during their wilderness wanderings.
A part of the journey: The verse is a small segment of a much larger journey, with it's own challenges, triumphs, and encounters with God.