(The Lord speaking is red text)
And they departed from Rithmah, and pitched at Rimmonparez.
They moved on from Ritmah and camped at Rimmon-Peretz.
They set out from Rithmah and camped at Rimmon-perez.
And they journeyed from Rithmah, and encamped in Rimmon-perez.
And they departed{H5265} from Rithmah{H7575}, and pitched{H2583} at Rimmonparez{H7428}.
1. **Themes:**
- **Divine Guidance:** The verse is part of a larger narrative where the Israelites are led by God through the wilderness, highlighting the theme of divine guidance and faithfulness.
- **Journey and Pilgrimage:** The continuous movement of the Israelites from one place to another emphasizes the motif of a journey, which can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of believers.
- **Providence and Sovereignty of God:** The detailed account of the Israelites' travels underscores God's control over history and His provision for His people, even in the wilderness.
2. **Historical Context:**
- **Exodus and Wilderness Wanderings:** Numbers 33:19 is set during the time of the Exodus, when the Israelites were traveling from Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan. This period is characterized by the Israelites' dependence on God for daily sustenance and direction.
- **Record of Stages:** The verse is part of a section (Numbers 33) that lists the stages of the Israelites' journey, serving as a historical record of the places they camped after leaving Egypt. This list may have served to confirm God's promises to the new generation entering Canaan, reminding them of their history and God's faithfulness.
- **Rithmah and Rimmonparez:** These are two of the many stopping points mentioned in the chapter. The exact locations of these sites are uncertain, but they were likely in the Sinai Peninsula or the Negev desert. The names may suggest certain characteristics of the places, such as "Rimmonparez" possibly referring to a "pomegranate" (rimmon) and a "place of breaches" or "stopping" (parez), although the precise meanings are debated among scholars.
In summary, Numbers 33:19 reflects the broader themes of God's guidance and presence with His people during their historical journey from slavery to the inheritance of the Promised Land, while also serving as a record of their travels, affirming God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)