Numbers 11:35

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 11:35 succinctly records the next stage of Israel's journey through the wilderness, marking their departure from Kibrothhattaavah, a place forever etched with the memory of divine judgment following the people's intense craving for meat, and their subsequent arrival and encampment at Hazeroth. This seemingly simple itinerary note serves as a solemn reminder of past rebellion and its consequences, while simultaneously highlighting God's continued, albeit disciplined, leading of His covenant people toward the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 11:35 concludes the dramatic narrative of the Israelites' insatiable craving for meat, often referred to as the "quail incident," which spans the majority of [Numbers 11](/numbers/11 "Numbers 11 - The Quail Incident and God's Judgment"). Following their bitter complaints against God and Moses regarding the manna and their longing for the varied diet of Egypt, as detailed in [Numbers 11:4-6](/numbers/11-4-6 "Numbers 11:4-6 - Israel's Craving for Meat"), the Lord, in a display of both power and judgment, provided an overwhelming abundance of quail. However, the people's gluttonous consumption, driven by a lack of faith and an unholy desire, provoked a severe plague that struck them down while the meat was still in their mouths, as recorded in [Numbers 11:33](/numbers/11-33 "Numbers 11:33 - The Plague Among the People"). The previous encampment, Kibrothhattaavah, meaning "graves of craving" or "graves of greed," was named to commemorate this tragic event and the burial of those who perished, as explained in [Numbers 11:34](/numbers/11-34 "Numbers 11:34 - Naming of Kibrothhattaavah"). Thus, Numbers 11:35 serves as the immediate geographical and narrative transition, documenting the Israelites' movement away from this site of divine wrath to their next destination, Hazeroth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The wilderness journey of the Israelites was a forty-year period of divine testing, purification, and instruction, designed to transform a nation of former slaves into a people ready to inherit the Promised Land. Their nomadic existence, guided by the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, as described in [Numbers 9:15-23](/numbers/9-15-23 "Numbers 9:15-23 - The Cloud and Fire Guiding Israel"), was punctuated by various encampments, each with its own lessons and challenges. The journey from Kibrothhattaavah to Hazeroth represents a typical stage in this divinely orchestrated pilgrimage. Culturally, the naming of places after significant events was a common practice in the ancient Near East, serving as a perpetual memorial and a didactic tool for future generations. Kibrothhattaavah, therefore, was not merely a geographical marker but a theological signpost, reminding Israel of the consequences of discontent and rebellion against their covenant God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Consequences of Discontent and Rebellion**. The very name Kibrothhattaavah permanently etches the lesson of the severe repercussions of unbridled desire and ingratitude towards God's provision. Israel's repeated failures in the wilderness, of which the quail incident is a prime example, serve as stark warnings for future generations, as later highlighted in [1 Corinthians 10:6](/1_corinthians/10-6 "1 Corinthians 10:6 - Warnings from Israel's Past"). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Persistent Guidance**. 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, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His promises despite their unfaithfulness. Lastly, it is a small but significant step in the broader theme of **The Wilderness Journey as a Period of Formation**. This long, arduous trek was designed by God to teach Israel obedience, dependence, and the nature of His holiness and faithfulness, preparing them for their inheritance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kibrothhattaavah (Hebrew, _Qibrôwth hat-Taʼă-vâh'_):** This compound Hebrew word literally means "graves of craving" or "graves of lust." It is a highly significant toponym, not merely a geographical location but a memorial name. It serves as a perpetual, tangible reminder of the Israelites' sin of gluttony, discontent, and lack of faith in God's provision, and the swift, severe judgment that followed. The name itself embodies the historical lesson, ensuring that the tragic consequences of their "craving" would not be forgotten.
* **Hazeroth (Hebrew, _Chătsêrôwth'_):** Meaning "enclosures" or "settlements," Hazeroth is a more neutral name compared to Kibrothhattaavah. It denotes a temporary dwelling place, typical of nomadic encampments. While this verse simply notes their arrival, Hazeroth would later become the site of another significant event: Miriam and Aaron's challenge to Moses' leadership, resulting in Miriam's temporary leprosy, as recorded in [Numbers 12:1-15](/numbers/12-1-15 "Numbers 12:1-15 - Miriam and Aaron's Rebellion"). This highlights that even after experiencing severe judgment, the Israelites' propensity for rebellion persisted.
* **Journeyed (Hebrew, _nâsaʻ'_):** This verb signifies the act of pulling up stakes and moving on, often in the context of a military or nomadic expedition. In the book of Numbers, it frequently describes the divinely directed movements of the Israelites through the wilderness, always under the guidance of the Lord's cloud, as seen in [Numbers 9:17](/numbers/9-17 "Numbers 9:17 - The Cloud's Movement"). Even after the profound failure at Kibrothhattaavah, the Lord continues to lead His people, demonstrating His persistent covenant faithfulness despite their repeated unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the people journeyed from Kibrothhattaavah":** This clause signifies a physical departure from a place of profound spiritual and physical consequence. Leaving Kibrothhattaavah meant moving away from the immediate site of divine judgment, but not necessarily from its lessons. The act of "journeying" implies God's continued guidance, even after a severe disciplinary action, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant purposes for Israel.
* **"unto Hazeroth; and abode at Hazeroth":** This indicates the destination and the subsequent act of settling down, even if temporarily. Hazeroth represents the next stage in their divinely ordained itinerary. The phrase "abode at Hazeroth" confirms their establishment of a new encampment, providing a pause in their travels before the next phase of their journey and, as subsequent chapters reveal, the next set of challenges and tests.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 11:35, though brief, employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Toponymy**, the naming of places, which in this context carries immense theological weight. The preceding verse's naming of Kibrothhattaavah ("graves of craving") is a powerful example of **Etymology** providing a perpetual memorial and a stark reminder of the consequences of the people's sin. This place name functions as a **Mnemonic Device**, ensuring that the lesson of the quail incident and the subsequent plague is not forgotten. The verse also serves as a crucial **Narrative Transition**, smoothly moving the story forward from a point of crisis and judgment to the next stage of the wilderness journey. This transition, from a place named for judgment to a seemingly neutral encampment, subtly highlights God's ongoing **Sovereignty** and **Faithfulness** in leading His people, even in the aftermath of their rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 11:35, while a simple statement of movement, is profoundly theological. It underscores the reality of divine discipline as a necessary component of God's covenant relationship with His people. The memory of Kibrothhattaavah serves as a perpetual reminder that God takes sin seriously and that unchecked desires lead to severe consequences. Yet, the very act of journeying forward demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His patient, persistent guidance. Even in the wake of grievous sin and judgment, God does not abandon His people but continues to lead them, albeit through a path of purification and instruction. This tension between human rebellion and divine faithfulness is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, pointing to the ultimate need for a perfect mediator and a new covenant. The wilderness journey itself is a metaphor for the Christian life, fraught with temptations and trials, but always under the watchful eye and guiding hand of a faithful God who disciplines those He loves.
* [Deuteronomy 8:2-5](/deuteronomy/8-2-5 "God's Purpose in the Wilderness")
* [Psalm 78:26-31](/psalms/78-26-31 "God's Provision and Israel's Rebellion")
* [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "God's Discipline for His Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 11:35 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Just as Kibrothhattaavah stood as a memorial, we are called to reflect on our own past failures and the consequences of desires that contradict God's will. Learning from history, both biblical and personal, is crucial for spiritual growth. The Israelites' craving stemmed from a lack of contentment with God's daily provision, a spiritual malady that can afflict us all. This verse encourages us to cultivate profound gratitude for what God has given us, rather than constantly longing for more or different things, which can lead to spiritual pitfalls and discontentment. True contentment is found not in the abundance of possessions or the satisfaction of every desire, but in Christ alone. Furthermore, the fact that God continued to lead His people even after significant failures provides immense hope. It reminds us that even in our imperfections and after our own moments of spiritual rebellion, God's purposes for us persist, and He continues to guide us forward on our spiritual journey, always working for our good and His glory. We are invited to trust in His persistent grace and to learn from the "graves of craving" in our own lives, turning from self-serving desires to humble dependence on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Kibrothhattaavahs" (places or moments of unholy craving and their consequences) exist in my own spiritual journey, and what lessons should I continually draw from them?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate contentment with God's provision, or do I often find myself longing for things outside of His will?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for God's faithfulness, even when I experience His discipline?**
* **How does the ongoing nature of God's guidance for Israel, despite their failures, encourage me in my own walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary significance of the name Kibrothhattaavah mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: Kibrothhattaavah, meaning "graves of craving" or "graves of lust," is profoundly significant because it serves as a perpetual memorial to the Israelites' sin of gluttony and discontent, and God's subsequent swift and severe judgment. It marks the site where many Israelites died due to a plague after greedily consuming the quail God provided in response to their complaints about the manna. The name itself is a didactic reminder of the spiritual danger of unbridled desires and ingratitude toward divine provision, a lesson emphasized in [Numbers 11:34](/numbers/11-34 "The Naming of Kibrothhattaavah").

**What happened at Hazeroth after the Israelites arrived there?**

Answer: While Numbers 11:35 simply states their arrival and encampment at Hazeroth, the subsequent chapter, [Numbers 12](/numbers/12 "Miriam and Aaron Challenge Moses"), records another significant event occurring at this location. It was at Hazeroth that Miriam and Aaron challenged Moses' unique prophetic authority and leadership. As a result of their rebellion and questioning of God's chosen leader, Miriam was afflicted with leprosy for a period, serving as another powerful demonstration of divine judgment against those who oppose God's appointed servants.

**Why is a verse that simply describes a journey important for theological understanding?**

Answer: Although seemingly a mere logistical detail, Numbers 11:35 is theologically significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights God's continued faithfulness and sovereignty in leading His people, even after a severe act of judgment. The journey forward demonstrates that God's covenant plan persists despite human sin. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of remembering historical lessons; the very act of leaving Kibrothhattaavah implies a movement away from a place of consequences, urging reflection on past failures. Thirdly, it underscores the wilderness journey as a process of divine formation and purification, where each stop, whether a place of judgment or a new beginning, contributes to Israel's spiritual development and preparation for the Promised Land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 11:35, marking the movement from the "graves of craving" to the next encampment, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The Israelites' insatiable craving for meat, leading to death, foreshadows humanity's deeper spiritual hunger for satisfaction outside of God, a hunger that ultimately leads to spiritual death. Jesus, however, declares Himself to be the "bread of life," as recorded in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life"), the true manna from heaven that fully satisfies spiritual hunger and grants eternal life, unlike the temporary quail that brought judgment. The wilderness journey, with its cycles of rebellion, judgment, and God's persistent leading, points to Christ as the ultimate faithful leader and guide. While Israel repeatedly failed to trust God's provision and guidance, Jesus perfectly obeyed His Father, even enduring the ultimate wilderness experience of temptation, as recounted in [Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness"). He is the true Lamb of God, whose sacrifice takes away the sin of the world, as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering forgiveness and a new beginning far beyond any mere geographical transition from a place of judgment. Through Christ, believers are led not just from one encampment to another, but from spiritual death to life, from the bondage of sin to the freedom of grace, ultimately to the heavenly Promised Land, a journey made possible by His perfect obedience and atoning work, as anticipated in [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "The Rest for God's People"). He is the one who satisfies every true longing of the soul, ensuring that those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst again, a promise reiterated in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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

¶ 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.