Numbers 33:35

KJV

And they departed from Ebronah, and encamped at Eziongaber.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they departed {H5265} from Ebronah {H5684}, and encamped {H2583} at Eziongaber {H6100}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They moved on from Avronah and camped at 'Etzyon-Gever.

Berean Standard Bible

They set out from Abronah and camped at Ezion-geber.

American Standard Version

And they journeyed from Abronah, and encamped in Ezion-geber.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 33:35 is a concise yet significant entry within the meticulously recorded itinerary of Israel's wilderness wanderings, marking their movement from Ebronah to Eziongaber. This verse, like the others in Numbers 33, serves as a testament to the literal and historical reality of the Exodus journey, underscoring God's unwavering and detailed guidance of His people through every stage of their forty-year pilgrimage from Egyptian bondage to the borders of the Promised Land. It highlights the divine oversight of even the seemingly mundane movements of a vast nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 33 stands as a unique and comprehensive travelogue, meticulously detailing the forty-two encampments of the Israelites from their departure from [Rameses in Egypt](/exodus/12-37 "Exodus 12:37 - Israel's Departure from Rameses") to the plains of Moab. This chapter, attributed to Moses himself ([Numbers 33:2](/numbers/33-2 "Numbers 33:2 - Moses Records the Stages")), functions as a historical chronicle, authenticating the journey and emphasizing the literal nature of God's leading. Numbers 33:35 specifically falls within the latter stages of the wilderness journey, after the major period of wandering and closer to the time of their entry into Canaan, providing a continuous record of their divinely orchestrated movements. The repetitive formula "they departed from X and encamped at Y" reinforces the continuous, divinely directed progression.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The locations mentioned, Ebronah and Eziongaber, place the Israelites in the vicinity of the Gulf of Aqaba (the eastern arm of the Red Sea). While Ebronah is an obscure site mentioned only here, Eziongaber (also spelled Ezion-geber) is historically significant. It was a well-known port city at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, serving as a strategic hub for maritime trade. Later, [King Solomon](/1_kings/9-26 "1 Kings 9:26 - Solomon's Fleet at Ezion-geber") built a fleet of ships there, and [King Jehoshaphat](/1_kings/22-48 "1 Kings 22:48 - Jehoshaphat's Ships") also attempted to launch ships from this location. The Israelites' presence in this region indicates their trajectory around Edom and Moab, avoiding direct conflict with these nations as commanded by God. The wilderness journey itself was an arduous undertaking for millions, requiring divine provision for water, food, and protection in a harsh, unforgiving environment.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader itinerary in Numbers 33, contributes significantly to several overarching themes. First, it powerfully underscores **Divine Guidance and Providence**. The very existence of such a detailed list, down to specific encampments, demonstrates God's meticulous and hands-on involvement in every step of Israel's journey, proving His faithfulness in leading His people through challenging terrain, as highlighted in [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God's Leading in the Wilderness"). Second, it emphasizes **God's Enduring Faithfulness Through the Journey**. Each "departure" and "encampment" represents a moment where God continued to provide, protect, and teach His people, even when the path was long and arduous. Finally, the specific naming of places like Ebronah and Eziongaber reinforces the **Historical Veracity** of the biblical narrative, lending credibility and authenticity to the Israelite Exodus and wilderness wanderings, affirming them as real historical events.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Departed (Hebrew, _nasa'_):** This verb, נָסַע (_nasa'_), means "to pull up stakes," "to set out," or "to journey." In the context of Israel's wilderness wanderings, it consistently denotes the act of breaking camp and continuing the journey, often at the command or leading of God (e.g., by the cloud or fire). It emphasizes movement, progression, and the transient nature of their existence in the wilderness, always moving towards the promised destination.
* **Encamped (Hebrew, _chanah'_):** The verb חָנָה (_chanah'_), meaning "to pitch a tent," "to encamp," or "to settle down," signifies a temporary halt in the journey. These encampments were not permanent residences but divinely appointed resting places where the people would set up their tents, often around the Tabernacle. This word highlights the periods of rest, provision, and instruction that punctuated the Israelites' continuous movement, demonstrating God's care in providing respite amidst their travels.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they departed from Ebronah":** This clause signifies the continuation of Israel's divinely guided journey. "Ebronah" is an otherwise unknown location, its obscurity emphasizing that every single stopping point, whether famous or forgotten, was part of God's meticulously planned itinerary for His people. The act of "departing" speaks to the ongoing pilgrimage and the necessity of moving forward in faith.
* **"and encamped at Eziongaber":** This clause marks the next temporary resting place in their journey. "Eziongaber" was a geographically significant location, a port city on the Gulf of Aqaba. The act of "encamping" highlights God's provision for rest and sustenance for His vast nation, even in the wilderness. It underscores the pattern of movement followed by periods of temporary settlement, all under divine direction.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 33:35, though simple in its phrasing, functions primarily as part of a larger **Chronicle** or **Itinerary**. The entire chapter is a detailed list, and this verse contributes to the systematic, ordered record of Israel's journey. This literary device emphasizes the historical reality and divine oversight of the Exodus. Furthermore, the use of **Toponymy** (the naming of places) is crucial. Even for an obscure location like Ebronah, its inclusion, alongside the more identifiable Eziongaber, lends an air of authenticity and historical grounding to the narrative. The consistent pairing of "departed from" and "encamped at" throughout the chapter also creates a subtle **Repetition** that underscores the relentless, yet divinely ordered, nature of their forty-year wilderness pilgrimage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple record of movement from Ebronah to Eziongaber carries profound theological weight, illustrating God's active involvement in the minute details of His people's lives. It underscores the biblical theme of God as the ultimate Guide and Shepherd, orchestrating every step of their journey, providing for their needs, and bringing them to their intended destination. The wilderness journey itself serves as a metaphor for the spiritual pilgrimage of believers, marked by periods of movement and rest, challenges and provisions, all under the sovereign hand of God. It reminds us that even in the mundane or difficult stages of our lives, God is present, leading us with purpose.

* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man are Ordered by the Lord")
* [Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Hebrews 11:13 - Pilgrims and Strangers on Earth")
* [Deuteronomy 2:7](/deuteronomy/2-7 "Deuteronomy 2:7 - God's Provision in the Wilderness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 33:35, while a mere geographical notation, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care and faithfulness in leading His people through every stage of their journey. For the contemporary believer, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that our lives, too, are a divinely guided pilgrimage. Just as God orchestrated every "departure" and "encampment" for Israel, He is intimately involved in our daily steps, our transitions, and our resting points. This should cultivate a deep trust in His providence, even when the path is unclear, challenging, or seems to involve repetitive cycles. It encourages us to recognize God's presence not only in the dramatic miracles but also in the seemingly ordinary movements of life, fostering patience and perseverance as we trust in His perfect timing and ultimate destination for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record of Israel's journey in Numbers 33 encourage your trust in God's detailed guidance in your own life?**
* **In what "departures" or "encampments" (periods of transition or rest) in your life have you most clearly seen God's hand?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of patience and perseverance in our spiritual journey, even when the path seems long or repetitive?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible include such a detailed list of encampments in Numbers 33?**

Answer: The detailed itinerary in [Numbers 33](/numbers/33 "Numbers 33 - The Stages of Israel's Journey") serves multiple crucial purposes. First, it provides historical verification, authenticating the literal reality of the Exodus and the forty-year wilderness wandering. This level of detail is unusual for ancient travelogues and underscores the divine inspiration behind the text. Second, it powerfully demonstrates God's meticulous providence and faithfulness. Every "departure" and "encampment" was under His direct guidance, showing His constant presence and care for His people, even in the harsh wilderness. Finally, it serves as a testament to God's patience and enduring covenant loyalty, as He led a often rebellious people to their promised inheritance.

**What was Eziongaber's significance beyond this verse?**

Answer: Eziongaber (also spelled Ezion-geber) was a strategically important port city located at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, an arm of the Red Sea. Its significance is highlighted in later biblical history. [King Solomon](/1_kings/9-26 "1 Kings 9:26 - Solomon's Fleet at Ezion-geber") established a major naval base there, where he built a fleet of ships for trade with Ophir, bringing back gold and other valuable goods. Later, [King Jehoshaphat of Judah](/1_kings/22-48 "1 Kings 22:48 - Jehoshaphat's Attempted Fleet") also attempted to build ships at Eziongaber, though his venture was unsuccessful. Its mention in Numbers 33:35 places the Israelites in a known geographical and historical location, further solidifying the historical grounding of the Exodus narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The wilderness journey of Israel, meticulously documented in Numbers 33, serves as a profound type and shadow pointing to Christ. Just as God meticulously guided Israel through every "departure" and "encampment," so too does Christ, the ultimate Shepherd, lead His people through the wilderness of this fallen world. He is the one who provides the true "rest" that the temporary encampments could only foreshadow, inviting all who are weary and burdened to find solace in Him ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The journey itself, with its trials and provisions, mirrors the Christian walk of faith, where believers are pilgrims and sojourners, looking for a better, heavenly country ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - They Desire a Better Country")). Christ is not just the destination but the Way itself ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), the living bread and water who sustains His people through every stage of their spiritual pilgrimage, ensuring they reach their eternal inheritance, the true Promised Land found in Him.

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

Deuteronomy 2:8

¶ And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.

1 Kings 9:26

And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Eziongeber, which [is] beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom.

1 Kings 22:48

Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber.

Numbers 14:25

(Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) To morrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea.

2 Chronicles 20:36

And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Eziongeber.