Numbers 11:35

[And] the people journeyed from Kibrothhattaavah unto Hazeroth; and abode at Hazeroth.

And the people {H5971} journeyed {H5265} from Kibrothhattaavah {H6914} unto Hazeroth {H2698}; and abode at Hazeroth {H2698}.

From Kivrot-HaTa'avah the people traveled to Hatzerot, and they stayed at Hatzerot.

From Kibroth-hattaavah the people moved on to Hazeroth, where they remained for some time.

From Kibroth-hattaavah the people journeyed unto Hazeroth; and they abode at Hazeroth.

Commentary

Numbers 11:35 marks a pivotal geographical transition in the Israelite's wilderness journey, serving as a solemn reminder of recent divine judgment. This verse succinctly describes their departure from a place of tragedy and their arrival at the next encampment.

Context

This verse concludes the narrative of the Israelites' intense craving for meat, known as the "quail incident." After complaining bitterly about the manna and longing for the food they had in Egypt (Numbers 11:4-6), God provided an abundance of quails. However, their insatiable greed led to a severe plague, resulting in many deaths. The previous location, Kibrothhattaavah, literally means "graves of craving" or "graves of greed," a memorial to this tragic event (Numbers 11:34). From this somber site, the people journeyed to Hazeroth, the next stage in their divinely guided, yet often rebellious, wilderness wanderings.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Discontent: The very name Kibrothhattaavah permanently etched the lesson of the severe consequences of unbridled desire and ingratitude towards God's provision. It highlights how Israel's failures serve as warnings for future generations.
  • Divine Judgment and Mercy: While God's judgment was swift and severe, He nonetheless continued to lead His people forward. The journey to Hazeroth signifies that even after experiencing the consequences of sin, God's plan for His covenant people continued to unfold.
  • The Wilderness Journey: This verse is a small but significant step in the long, arduous journey through the wilderness, a period designed to teach Israel obedience, dependence, and the nature of God.

Linguistic Insights

The name Kibrothhattaavah (Hebrew: ืงึดื‘ึฐืจื•ึนืช ื”ึทืชึทึผืึฒื•ึธื”) is highly significant. It is a compound word meaning "graves of craving" or "graves of lust." This geographical marker serves as a perpetual reminder of the Israelites' sin of gluttony and discontent, and God's subsequent judgment. The place name itself embodies the historical lesson. Hazeroth (Hebrew: ื—ึฒืฆึตืจื•ึนืช) means "enclosures" or "settlements," a more neutral name, but it would later become the site of Miriam and Aaron's challenge to Moses' leadership (Numbers 12:1).

Practical Application

Numbers 11:35 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Remembering Past Lessons: Just as Kibrothhattaavah was a memorial, we should reflect on past failures and the consequences of our own desires when they contradict God's will. Learning from history, both personal and biblical, is crucial for spiritual growth.
  • Contentment and Gratitude: The Israelites' craving stemmed from a lack of contentment with God's daily provision. This verse encourages us to cultivate gratitude for what God has given us, rather than constantly longing for more or different things, which can lead to spiritual pitfalls (Philippians 4:11-13).
  • God's Ongoing Guidance: Even after significant failures, God continues to lead His people. This provides hope that even in our imperfections, God's purposes for us persist, and He continues to guide us forward on our spiritual journey.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 33:17

    And they departed from Kibrothhattaavah, and encamped at Hazeroth.

  • Numbers 12:16

    And afterward the people removed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran.

  • Deuteronomy 1:1

    ยถ These [be] the words which Moses spake unto all Israel on this side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the Red [sea], between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab.
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