Numbers 33:18

KJV

And they departed from Hazeroth, and pitched in Rithmah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they departed {H5265} from Hazeroth {H2698}, and pitched {H2583} in Rithmah {H7575}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They moved on from Hatzerot and camped at Ritmah.

Berean Standard Bible

They set out from Hazeroth and camped at Rithmah.

American Standard Version

And they journeyed from Hazeroth, and encamped in Rithmah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 33:18 is a concise yet profoundly significant entry within the meticulously recorded itinerary of Israel's wilderness wanderings, documenting their movement from the encampment at Hazeroth to Rithmah. This verse, like the many others in this chapter, serves as a testament to God's precise and faithful guidance of His people through every stage of their forty-year journey from Egyptian bondage to the borders of the Promised Land, underscoring the divine order and purpose behind each step of their pilgrimage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 33:18 is embedded within a unique and comprehensive list found in [Numbers 33](/numbers/33 "Numbers 33 - The Israelite Itinerary"), which meticulously chronicles the 42 encampments of the Israelites from their departure from Rameses in Egypt to the plains of Moab. This chapter functions as a historical summary, a detailed travelogue that validates the historical veracity of the Exodus narrative and the subsequent wilderness period. Each brief entry, such as "And they departed from Hazeroth, and pitched in Rithmah," represents a distinct stage in their divinely orchestrated journey. The preceding verses detail their departure from the Red Sea and other significant locations, leading up to Hazeroth, which held particular narrative importance. The precise, almost bureaucratic, nature of this list emphasizes God's meticulous oversight and His unwavering fulfillment of His covenant promises to bring His people to the land He swore to their ancestors, as seen in the broader narrative of [Exodus](/exodus/1 "Exodus - The Departure from Egypt") and [Numbers](/numbers/1 "Numbers - The Wilderness Journey").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The wilderness journey was a nomadic existence, characterized by constant movement and temporary encampments. The Israelites, numbering perhaps two million people, would have traveled with their families, livestock, and possessions, guided by the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, which symbolized God's tangible presence and direction ([Exodus 13:21-22](/exodus/13-21-22 "Exodus 13:21-22 - The Pillar of Cloud and Fire")). Each "departing" and "pitching" was a massive logistical undertaking, requiring divine instruction and human obedience. Hazeroth (meaning "enclosures" or "settlements") was a significant location where Miriam and Aaron challenged Moses' leadership, resulting in Miriam's temporary leprosy and subsequent healing ([Numbers 12:1-16](/numbers/12-1-16 "Numbers 12:1-16 - Miriam and Aaron Challenge Moses")). This event underscored the sanctity of Moses' unique prophetic role and the severe consequences of rebellion against divinely appointed authority. Rithmah, likely named for the "juniper" or "broom tree" common in desert regions, would have offered some recognizable landmark or minimal resources, though the wilderness remained a place of absolute dependence on God for daily provision, as recounted in [Numbers 11](/numbers/11 "Numbers 11 - Quail and Manna").
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader itinerary, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Guidance and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's active and precise leading of His people through every stage of their journey, even the seemingly mundane movements. The meticulous record underscores that no step was accidental or undirected; every encampment and departure was part of His perfect plan. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of the **Wilderness as a School of Faith**. The forty years were a period of testing, discipline, and learning absolute dependence on God for provision, protection, and direction ([Deuteronomy 8:2-3](/deuteronomy/8-2-3 "Deuteronomy 8:2-3 - God's Testing in the Wilderness")). Even the transitions between places like Hazeroth and Rithmah were integral to this process of spiritual formation. Thirdly, the detailed nature of this itinerary, likely compiled from official records, powerfully affirms the **Historical Veracity** of the Exodus and the wilderness period, lending strong credibility to the biblical account of God's interaction with His chosen people. The journey from [Hazeroth](/numbers/12 "Numbers 12 - Miriam's Leprosy at Hazeroth") to Rithmah specifically marks a continuation of their journey following a significant moment of divine discipline and restoration, emphasizing the ongoing nature of God's covenant faithfulness despite human failings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **departed (Hebrew, _nâsaʻ'_):** This verb (H5265), a primitive root, means "to pull up" (especially tent-pins), "to start on a journey," or "to move away." In the context of the wilderness wanderings, it often carries the connotation of a divinely initiated movement. The Israelites did not move arbitrarily but at the command of the Lord, often signified by the lifting of the cloud from the Tabernacle. Thus, "departed" is not merely a description of physical movement but an act of obedience and faith in response to God's leading, signifying the breaking of camp and the resumption of their pilgrimage.
* **pitched (Hebrew, _chânâh'_):** Derived from the primitive root (H2583), this verb means "to incline," and by implication, "to decline" (as of slanting rays of evening), but specifically "to pitch a tent" or "to encamp." This word describes the establishment of a temporary dwelling place. Just as their departures were divinely directed, so too were their arrivals and the duration of their stays. "Pitched" signifies a moment of rest and temporary stability, always under God's watchful eye and within His overarching plan for their journey, providing a necessary respite before the next leg of their travels.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they departed from Hazeroth":** This clause signifies the continuation of the Israelite journey from a specific, previously mentioned location. Hazeroth was a place of significant events, including the rebellion of Miriam and Aaron and Miriam's subsequent leprosy and healing ([Numbers 12:1-16](/numbers/12-1-16 "Numbers 12:1-16 - Miriam and Aaron's Rebellion and Miriam's Leprosy")). The departure from Hazeroth marks the end of that particular episode and the resumption of their physical and spiritual pilgrimage, demonstrating God's continued guidance even after moments of discipline and the need for a period of waiting.
* **"and pitched in Rithmah":** This second clause indicates their arrival and establishment of a new temporary camp. Rithmah, likely named after the broom or juniper tree (Hebrew: _rethem_), was another waypoint in the vast, arid wilderness. The act of "pitching" implies a period of rest, replenishment, and continued dependence on God for provision in a new, often challenging, environment. It underscores the cyclical nature of their journey—movement followed by rest, always under divine direction and within the larger framework of God's unfolding plan.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 33:18 primarily employs **Conciseness** and **Repetition** as its key literary devices. The verse is remarkably brief, stating only the origin and destination of the journey, mirroring the laconic style of the entire chapter. This conciseness emphasizes the factual, record-keeping nature of the itinerary, focusing on the progression rather than elaborate narrative details for each stop. The consistent use of the formula "And they departed from X, and pitched in Y" throughout [Numbers 33](/numbers/33 "Numbers 33 - The Israelite Itinerary") creates a powerful sense of **Repetition**, which serves to underscore the methodical and orderly nature of God's guidance. This repetitive structure is not monotonous but rather reinforces the divine pattern, demonstrating God's consistent presence and control over every single stage of their journey. It also lends an air of **Historical Record** and **Veracity** to the text, presenting the events as verifiable facts of Israel's journey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 33:18, as part of the broader wilderness itinerary, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness over His people's journey. It reveals that every "departing" and "pitching" was not random but part of a divine blueprint, teaching Israel dependence, obedience, and endurance. The wilderness was a crucible for their faith, where God demonstrated His ability to provide in barren lands and lead them through unknown territories, proving His covenant loyalty. This detailed record serves as a powerful reminder that God is intimately involved in every transition and resting place of our lives, orchestrating our paths for His purposes and our ultimate good, even when the way seems uncertain or difficult.

* [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God's Testing in the Wilderness")
* [Psalm 77:11](/psalm/77-11 "Psalm 77:11 - Remembering God's Works")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly simple movement from Hazeroth to Rithmah, recorded in Numbers 33:18, holds profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as God meticulously guided Israel through every single stage of their wilderness journey, He continues to orchestrate the "departures" and "pitchings" in our own lives. There are seasons of transition, where we are called to leave a familiar place or situation, and seasons of rest, where we are invited to settle and learn. This verse reminds us that even the most uneventful-seeming movements are under God's sovereign hand, part of a larger, divine narrative of our spiritual formation. It calls us to cultivate a radical trust in His timing and direction, knowing that He is faithfully leading us toward His promised destination, even when the path is unclear or the terrain challenging. Reflecting on God's past faithfulness in our own "itinerary" strengthens our faith for the steps yet to come, enabling us to embrace both the movements and the moments of stillness with confidence and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you recognize God's guidance in the "departures" and "pitchings" of your own life?**
* **What lessons has God taught you during seasons of transition or waiting, similar to Israel's journey between encampments?**
* **How does remembering God's faithfulness in your past "itinerary" strengthen your trust for future steps?**

### FAQ
**Why is this detailed itinerary in Numbers 33 important?**

Answer: The detailed itinerary in [Numbers 33](/numbers/33 "Numbers 33 - The Israelite Itinerary") is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it lends strong historical credibility to the Exodus narrative, demonstrating the factual basis of the Israelites' journey. It's not a mythical tale but a meticulously recorded historical account, affirming the reliability of the biblical record. Secondly, it underscores God's faithfulness and meticulous guidance. Every "departing" and "pitching" was under His sovereign hand, illustrating His constant presence and provision, even in the most barren of landscapes. Thirdly, it serves as a theological reminder that God is intimately involved in every stage of His people's lives, leading them through challenges and transitions toward His ultimate purposes. It validates the covenant promises and shows God's commitment to bringing His people to the Promised Land, despite their wanderings and failings.

**What was significant about Hazeroth, the previous encampment?**

Answer: Hazeroth was a significant location because it was where Miriam and Aaron challenged Moses' unique prophetic authority and leadership, questioning his marriage to a Cushite woman ([Numbers 12:1](/numbers/12-1 "Numbers 12:1 - Miriam and Aaron Speak Against Moses")). As a result of their rebellion, Miriam was struck with leprosy as a divine judgment. After Moses interceded, she was healed but had to remain outside the camp for seven days, emphasizing the seriousness of their offense. This incident underscored the sanctity of Moses' role as God's chosen leader and the severe consequences of defying divine authority. The departure from [Hazeroth](/numbers/12 "Numbers 12 - Miriam's Leprosy at Hazeroth") marked the end of this period of divine discipline and the resumption of the journey, emphasizing God's justice and mercy in both judgment and restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The wilderness journey of Israel, meticulously recorded in passages like Numbers 33:18, serves as a profound type and shadow pointing to Christ and the spiritual journey of believers. Just as Israel was led by the pillar of cloud and fire, symbolizing God's tangible presence and guidance, so too is the church led by the indwelling Holy Spirit, guided by the ultimate Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Their "departing" from Hazeroth and "pitching" in Rithmah reflects the ongoing pilgrimage of faith, where believers are called to leave behind the "old self" and the ways of the world, pressing forward towards the "heavenly country" and the city whose builder and maker is God ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - The Heavenly Country")). Christ Himself endured a wilderness temptation ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")) to demonstrate perfect obedience where Israel failed, proving His faithfulness. He is the true "Rest" for our souls, providing the ultimate "pitching place" from the weariness of sin and striving ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The detailed record of Israel's journey ultimately foreshadows the perfect leadership of Christ, who faithfully brings His people through the wilderness of this world to the true Promised Land—eternal life and rest in Him ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - A Sabbath Rest Remains for the People of God")). Every step of their journey, including the seemingly small ones like from Hazeroth to Rithmah, points to the grand redemptive plan fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus, who is "the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, The Way, The Truth, The 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 12:16

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