Numbers 33:20

And they departed from Rimmonparez, and pitched in Libnah.

And they departed {H5265} from Rimmonparez {H7428}, and pitched {H2583} in Libnah {H3841}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Numbers 33:20 KJV is a concise verse detailing one specific leg of the Israelite journey through the wilderness: "And they departed from Rimmonparez, and pitched in Libnah." This verse, like many others in Numbers chapter 33, serves as a meticulous record of the various encampments and movements of the children of Israel during their forty years of wandering after the Exodus from Egypt.

Context

Numbers chapter 33 provides a detailed itinerary of the entire wilderness journey, from their departure from Rameses to their arrival on the plains of Moab. This extensive list of locations, including Rimmonparez and Libnah, emphasizes the literal and historical nature of their pilgrimage. It underscores God's faithful presence and divine guidance as He led His people through challenging and often desolate terrain. Each "departed" and "pitched" signifies an act of obedience to God's command, as they moved only when the pillar of cloud lifted.

Key Themes

  • Divine Direction: The meticulous record of each stop, even seemingly minor ones like Rimmonparez and Libnah, highlights that every step of the Israelite journey was under God's precise direction. This illustrates God's active involvement in the lives of His people, guiding their path.
  • God's Faithfulness: Despite their frequent grumbling and disobedience, God remained faithful to His covenant promises, leading them step by step towards the Promised Land. This chapter is a testament to His enduring patience and provision throughout the wilderness wanderings.
  • The Journey of Faith: The Israelites' journey serves as a metaphor for the believer's walk of faith. Life is a pilgrimage with various stages, some known and some unknown, requiring trust and obedience to God's leading.

Linguistic Insights

The names of the places themselves, "Rimmonparez" (Hebrew: ืจึดืžึผื•ึนืŸ ืคึผึธืจึถืฅ, possibly meaning "pomegranate of the breach") and "Libnah" (Hebrew: ืœึดื‘ึฐื ึธื”, meaning "whiteness" or "purity"), do not have specific narrative significance attached to them in this particular verse. Their importance lies primarily in their role as geographical markers within the divinely orchestrated itinerary. The focus is not on the meaning of the names, but on the fact that these were real places where God's people rested and moved according to His will.

Practical Application

For the modern believer, Numbers 33:20, and indeed the entire chapter, offers profound lessons. It reminds us that our lives are a journey with God as our ultimate guide. Even in the seemingly mundane or uneventful phases of life ("departed from... pitched in..."), God is present, leading, and providing. We are called to trust His timing and direction, knowing that He has a purpose for every stage of our personal pilgrimage. Reflecting on this ancient itinerary encourages us to recognize God's hand in our own past and to anticipate His continued faithfulness in the future.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.

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