Numbers 33:19

KJV

And they departed from Rithmah, and pitched at Rimmonparez.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they departed {H5265} from Rithmah {H7575}, and pitched {H2583} at Rimmonparez {H7428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They moved on from Ritmah and camped at Rimmon-Peretz.

Berean Standard Bible

They set out from Rithmah and camped at Rimmon-perez.

American Standard Version

And they journeyed from Rithmah, and encamped in Rimmon-perez.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 33:19 serves as a concise yet significant entry within the meticulously preserved itinerary of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, recording their departure from Rithmah and encampment at Rimmonparez. This verse, embedded within a comprehensive list of forty-two distinct stopping points, underscores the divine precision and providential oversight that characterized God's guidance of His people from their exodus out of Egypt to the threshold of the Promised Land, transforming a mere geographical notation into a testament of divine faithfulness and historical veracity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 33 stands as a unique and comprehensive itinerary, meticulously listing the forty-two encampments of the Israelites during their forty-year journey through the wilderness. This chapter functions as a historical appendix, summarizing the extensive narrative of the wilderness wanderings detailed in preceding books like Exodus and Numbers itself. It begins with their departure from [Rameses](/exodus/12-37 "Exodus 12:37 - Departure from Rameses") and culminates with their arrival in the plains of Moab, poised to enter Canaan. Numbers 33:19, with its brief mention of Rithmah and Rimmonparez, is one such entry, forming part of a repetitive pattern of "departed from... and pitched at..." that characterizes the entire chapter, emphasizing the sequential and divinely ordered nature of their journey.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical context for Numbers 33:19 is the forty-year period following the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus"). The Israelites, a vast multitude, were transitioning from slavery to nationhood, guided by God through a desolate and often hostile wilderness. Culturally, their existence was nomadic, relying entirely on divine provision for water, food, and direction. The presence of the tabernacle at the center of their camp, and the visible manifestation of God's presence in the [pillar of cloud by day and fire by night](/exodus/13-21 "Exodus 13:21 - The Pillar of Cloud and Fire"), dictated their every movement. Each "departure" and "pitch" was not arbitrary but a direct response to the movement of the cloud, signifying God's direct and moment-by-moment leadership. The precise listing of these locations, even those whose exact modern identification remains elusive, served as a verifiable historical record for future generations, authenticating the reality of God's miraculous intervention and sustained presence.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 33:19, along with the entire itinerary, powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Guidance and Providence**, highlighting God's meticulous oversight and active presence in every step of His people's journey. The detailed record underscores that every movement, every stop, was orchestrated by the Lord, not by human whim. This reinforces the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, even amidst Israel's frequent disobedience. Furthermore, the sheer detail of the itinerary bolsters the **Historical Veracity** of the Exodus narrative, presenting it not as a mythical tale but as a documented historical event with specific, verifiable locations. Finally, the entire wilderness journey serves as a profound **Metaphor for the Journey of Faith**, illustrating the life of dependence on God, characterized by periods of movement and rest, testing and provision, all designed to humble and teach His people, as articulated in [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God's Purpose in the Wilderness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Departed (Hebrew, _nasa'_):** The Hebrew verb נָסַע (_nasa'_) means 'to pull up stakes,' 'to journey,' or 'to set out.' In the context of the wilderness journey, it signifies a divinely initiated movement, often in response to the lifting of the cloud from the Tabernacle. It implies an active, purposeful progression from one location to the next, emphasizing that the Israelites were always on the move according to God's command, never settling permanently until they reached the Promised Land.
* **Pitched (Hebrew, _chanah'_):** The Hebrew verb חָנָה (_chanah_) means 'to encamp,' 'to settle down,' or 'to pitch a tent.' This word denotes the establishment of a temporary dwelling place for the large Israelite community, signifying a period of rest, organization, and preparation. Just as departure was divinely ordained, so too was the duration and location of each encampment, providing necessary respite and opportunity for worship and instruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they departed from Rithmah":** This clause signifies the conclusion of one stage of the journey, moving away from a previously established encampment. Rithmah, whose name is often associated with the 'broom plant' or 'juniper tree,' suggests a location perhaps offering some shade or resources in the arid wilderness. The departure emphasizes the transient nature of their existence and their constant readiness to follow God's leading, leaving behind what was familiar for the unknown path ahead.
* **"and pitched at Rimmonparez":** This clause marks the establishment of a new temporary dwelling place. Rimmonparez, a name potentially meaning 'pomegranate of the breach' or 'pomegranate of the division,' might indicate a place known for pomegranates or a geographical feature like a ravine or pass. The act of 'pitching' implies setting up camp, organizing the tribes, and preparing for a period of rest and replenishment before the next phase of their divinely guided pilgrimage.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 33:19, like every verse in this chapter, primarily employs the literary device of **Itinerary** or **List**. This systematic enumeration of locations serves to create a comprehensive and verifiable historical record, underscoring the meticulousness of God's guidance and the factual reality of the Exodus journey. The consistent phraseology, "And they departed from... and pitched at...," exemplifies **Repetition**, which not only provides structural cohesion to the chapter but also emphasizes the cyclical nature of their journey – periods of movement followed by periods of rest, all under divine direction. This repetitive pattern reinforces the theme of God's unwavering presence and control over every stage of their pilgrimage. Furthermore, the chapter functions as a **Historical Record**, offering concrete geographical markers that lend credibility and authenticity to the broader narrative of God's redemptive work in Israel's history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 33:19, though seemingly a dry geographical note, resonates with profound theological implications. It is a testament to God's meticulous and unwavering faithfulness in guiding His people. Every "departure" and "pitch" was a demonstration of His covenant keeping, ensuring their provision and protection through the desolate wilderness. This divine precision in their physical journey mirrors God's sovereign orchestration of every detail in the spiritual journey of believers, affirming that no step is insignificant in His grand redemptive plan. The wilderness wanderings, meticulously recorded, serve as a powerful metaphor for the life of faith, which is often characterized by periods of uncertainty, testing, and dependence, yet always under the watchful eye of a faithful God.

* [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God's Purpose in the Wilderness Journey")
* [Psalm 78:14](/psalms/78-14 "Psalm 78:14 - God's Guidance by Cloud and Fire")
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8 "Hebrews 11:8-10 - Abraham's Journey of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane record of Numbers 33:19 offers a powerful reminder for contemporary believers: God is intimately involved in the minutiae of our lives, just as He was with Israel. Our spiritual journey, much like their physical one, is marked by periods of transition ("departures") and seasons of rest or challenge ("pitches"). This verse encourages us to recognize God's sovereign hand in every phase, trusting that even the most difficult or seemingly insignificant moments are part of His purposeful design for our growth and ultimate good. It calls us to cultivate a posture of dependence, moving when He leads and resting when He provides, knowing that His presence is our constant guide through every wilderness and into every promised land.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "wilderness" areas of your life do you need to trust God's meticulous guidance, even in the "departures" and "pitches"?**
* **How does recognizing God's sovereignty over every detail of the Israelites' journey encourage you to surrender control in your own life?**
* **What "Rimmonparez" – a place of rest or challenge – might God be leading you to now, and what might He be teaching you there?**

### FAQ
**Why is this detailed itinerary included in the Bible?**

Answer: The detailed itinerary in Numbers 33, including verses like Numbers 33:19, serves several crucial purposes. First, it provides a powerful testament to the historical veracity of the Exodus and the wilderness wanderings, offering a verifiable record of God's miraculous intervention and sustained presence with His people. It demonstrates that the events were not mythical but occurred in real geographical locations. Second, it underscores God's meticulous providence and faithfulness, showing that every step of Israel's journey was under His direct guidance and control, from their departure from [Rameses](/exodus/12-37 "Exodus 12:37 - Departure from Rameses") to their arrival at the plains of [Moab](/numbers/33-49 "Numbers 33:49 - Encampment in the Plains of Moab"). Third, it serves as a pedagogical tool, teaching future generations about the importance of obedience, dependence on God, and the consequences of rebellion during their journey of faith, as highlighted in passages like [Deuteronomy 8](/deuteronomy/8 "Deuteronomy 8 - Remembering God's Provision in the Wilderness").

**Do we know where Rithmah and Rimmonparez are today?**

Answer: While the general route of the Exodus is understood, the precise identification of many of the sites listed in Numbers 33, including Rithmah and Rimmonparez, remains a subject of scholarly debate and archaeological investigation. The names themselves (Rithmah possibly meaning 'broom plant' and Rimmonparez 'pomegranate of the breach') offer some clues about their characteristics, but definitive modern locations are often elusive. This lack of precise identification, however, does not diminish the historical or theological significance of the itinerary. The purpose of the list is not primarily to serve as a modern travel guide but to affirm the reality of the journey and the faithfulness of God in guiding His people through specific, real places in the wilderness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous record of Israel's journey in Numbers 33:19, and indeed the entire chapter, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. The wilderness journey itself, marked by divine guidance and provision, foreshadows the spiritual pilgrimage of believers led by Christ, the true [Shepherd of our souls](/1_peter/2-25 "1 Peter 2:25 - Christ the Shepherd"). Just as God faithfully led Israel to the Promised Land, Christ leads His church through the wilderness of this world to the ultimate promised rest found in Him, a rest that transcends any earthly territory ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")). The detailed historical account of God's faithfulness in guiding His people also points to Christ as the faithful [Son over God's house](/hebrews/3-6 "Hebrews 3:6 - Christ as Faithful Son"), the one who perfectly fulfills God's covenant promises. Every "departure" and "pitch" in the Old Testament narrative ultimately finds its meaning in the greater journey of redemption inaugurated by Christ's life, death, and resurrection, which opened the way for us to enter into true spiritual freedom and an eternal inheritance ([Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11-14 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). The meticulousness of God's record-keeping underscores His sovereign plan, which culminates in the person and work of Jesus, the [Alpha and the Omega](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega"), the beginning and the end of all salvation history.

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.