Numbers 33:1

¶ These [are] the journeys of the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt with their armies under the hand of Moses and Aaron.

These are the journeys {H4550} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, which went forth {H3318} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} with their armies {H6635} under the hand {H3027} of Moses {H4872} and Aaron {H175}.

These are the stages in the journey of the people of Isra'el as they left the land of Egypt divided into groups under the leadership of Moshe and Aharon.

These are the journeys of the Israelites when they came out of the land of Egypt by their divisions under the leadership of Moses and Aaron.

These are the journeys of the children of Israel, when they went forth out of the land of Egypt by their hosts under the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Commentary

Numbers 33:1 serves as the introductory verse to a unique and comprehensive itinerary detailing the forty-year wilderness journey of the Israelites after their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage. This chapter is a meticulous record of every encampment and movement, highlighting God's direct involvement in leading His people.

Context

This verse opens a significant historical section in the Book of Numbers, providing a retrospective look at the entire wilderness period. Coming near the end of the Israelites' forty-year journey, just before they are poised to enter the Promised Land, it serves as a divine and human witness to the path they traversed. It underscores the reliability of the biblical narrative, meticulously chronicling each stage of their exodus from the land of Egypt.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance and Faithfulness: The emphasis on "journeys" (Hebrew: mas'a'ei) underscores that every step of Israel's path was ordained and directed by God. It speaks to His unwavering faithfulness in leading His people through the wilderness, even during times of rebellion and hardship.
  • Historical Record and Verification: This verse, and the detailed list that follows, functions as a precise historical document, affirming the reality of the Exodus and the subsequent forty years of wandering. It’s a testament to God's actions in history.
  • Organized Deliverance: The phrase "with their armies" (Hebrew: tsaba', meaning "hosts" or "organized multitudes") highlights that the Israelites did not wander aimlessly but were led out of Egypt in an orderly fashion, under divine command. This speaks to God's power and ability to organize and sustain a vast multitude.
  • Leadership Under God: The mention of "under the hand of Moses and Aaron" emphasizes the crucial, divinely appointed leadership roles these two brothers played. They were God's instruments in guiding the nation, but ultimately, it was God's hand that directed the journey, as seen in Psalm 77:20.

Practical Application

Numbers 33:1 reminds believers that life is a journey, and God is intimately involved in every stage. Just as He meticulously guided the Israelites, He guides our steps today. This verse encourages us to:

  • Remember God's Past Faithfulness: Reflecting on how God has led us through past challenges can build confidence for future ones.
  • Trust His Direction: Even when our path seems difficult or circuitous, we can trust that God is leading us with a purpose, just as He did for Israel in the wilderness.
  • Acknowledge Divine Authority: Recognize that true leadership, both in the church and in personal life, operates "under the hand" of God, seeking His will and direction.

This detailed record serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign plan and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, providing comfort and assurance for our own spiritual journey.

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Cross-References

  • Micah 6:4 (4 votes)

    For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.

  • Psalms 77:20 (4 votes)

    Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

  • 1 Samuel 12:8 (2 votes)

    When Jacob was come into Egypt, and your fathers cried unto the LORD, then the LORD sent Moses and Aaron, which brought forth your fathers out of Egypt, and made them dwell in this place.

  • Exodus 13:18 (2 votes)

    But God led the people about, [through] the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.

  • Joshua 24:5 (2 votes)

    I sent Moses also and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt, according to that which I did among them: and afterward I brought you out.

  • Exodus 12:51 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass the selfsame day, [that] the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.

  • Exodus 12:37 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot [that were] men, beside children.