Numbers 33:42

KJV

And they departed from Zalmonah, and pitched in Punon.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they departed {H5265} from Zalmonah {H6758}, and pitched {H2583} in Punon {H6325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They moved on from Tzalmonah and camped at Punon.

Berean Standard Bible

They set out from Zalmonah and camped at Punon.

American Standard Version

And they journeyed from Zalmonah, and encamped in Punon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 33:42 is a concise yet profoundly significant entry in the divinely inspired itinerary of the Israelites' wilderness journey, meticulously recording their departure from Zalmonah and subsequent encampment at Punon. This brief geographical notation serves as a powerful testament to God's precise and unwavering guidance of His people through the vast and often challenging desert, underscoring His unceasing faithfulness in leading them step by step toward the fulfillment of His covenant promises and their ultimate destination in the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 33 functions as a unique and comprehensive historical register, meticulously listing over 40 encampments of the Israelites from their miraculous exodus out of Egypt to their arrival on the plains of Moab. This chapter is not merely a dry list of locations but a divinely inspired chronicle, emphasizing the factual and ordered progression of an entire nation under God's direct supervision. Numbers 33:42 specifically falls within the latter portion of this itinerary, immediately following their departure from Mount Hor, a significant waypoint where Aaron, the high priest, died ([Numbers 33:41](/numbers/33-41 "Numbers 33:41 - Departure from Mount Hor and Aaron's Death")). The brevity of this verse, mirroring many others in the chapter, highlights the administrative precision of this divine record, underscoring the continuous, guided movement of the people as they drew ever closer to their promised inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The journey from Zalmonah to Punon transpired during the concluding stages of Israel's forty-year sojourn in the wilderness, a period characterized by both divine provision and the nation's ongoing struggles with obedience and faith. Punon, often identified with modern Feinan in present-day Jordan, was a historically prominent site within the ancient territory of Edom, renowned for its extensive copper mines and smelting operations dating back millennia. This geographical detail suggests that the Israelites were led through areas that, while potentially harsh and remote, were not entirely uninhabited or devoid of human activity. The meticulous charting of these specific locations, even those seemingly obscure, reinforces the historical veracity of the Exodus narrative and the reality of a massive nation moving through distinct geographical points under the direct, purposeful guidance of God, rather than wandering aimlessly.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as an integral part of the broader itinerary in Numbers 33, powerfully reinforces several foundational themes. Firstly, **Divine Guidance and Providence** are paramount; the precise listing of each stop, including Zalmonah and Punon, demonstrates God's intimate involvement in every stage of Israel's journey, orchestrating their movements through the visible manifestation of His presence in the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night ([Numbers 9:15-23](/numbers/9-15-23 "Numbers 9:15-23 - The Cloud and Fire Guide Israel")). Secondly, the **Faithfulness of God** is profoundly evident; despite the Israelites' frequent complaints, rebellions, and periods of unbelief, God remained steadfast in His covenant promises, continually leading and providing for them. This unwavering commitment is a testament to His enduring faithfulness to bring them to their destination, as He had promised to Abraham generations earlier ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Lastly, the **Historical Veracity** of the biblical narrative is undeniably underscored; the meticulous detail of this itinerary lends significant historical weight, presenting a tangible, verifiable record of God's interaction with His people and the reality of their journey from bondage in Egypt ([Exodus 12:37](/exodus/12-37 "Exodus 12:37 - The Exodus from Rameses")) to the very threshold of the Promised Land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **departed (Hebrew, _nâçaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H5265) primarily means "to pull up," especially referring to the pulling up of tent-pins, thereby signifying the act of starting on a journey or setting out. In the context of the wilderness itinerary, it emphasizes a deliberate, divinely commanded movement, not a random wandering. It speaks to the active will of God initiating each stage of Israel's pilgrimage, ensuring their progress toward the promised land.
* **Zalmonah (Hebrew, _Tsalmônâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "shadiness" (H6758), Zalmonah suggests a location characterized by shade, darkness, or perhaps a difficult, obscure pass. While its exact geographical identification remains debated, its inclusion signifies a specific, divinely appointed waypoint. The name itself might subtly hint at the challenging or perhaps less hospitable nature of this particular stop, yet it was still a place where God led His people.
* **pitched (Hebrew, _chânâh'_):** This primitive root (H2583) means "to incline," and by implication, "to decline" (like the slanting rays of evening), specifically "to pitch a tent," or generally, "to encamp." It denotes the establishment of a temporary dwelling or a period of rest. The act of pitching signifies a divinely ordained pause, a moment of respite and re-establishment for the vast Israelite camp, even in a potentially challenging or unfamiliar location like Punon.
* **Punon (Hebrew, _Pûwnôn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "perplexity" (H6325), Punon was a historically significant site in Edom, renowned for its ancient copper mines. The name's potential connection to "perplexity" might subtly allude to the challenges or difficulties associated with this mining region, yet it was a divinely chosen destination. Its identification with modern Feinan provides a concrete geographical marker, grounding the narrative in verifiable ancient geography and highlighting the diverse environments through which God guided His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they departed from Zalmonah":** This clause signifies the continuation of the Israelites' divinely guided journey, marking a transition from one encampment to the next. The verb "departed" underscores that their movements were not aimless wandering but were directed by God's presence, indicating His active involvement in every transition and stage of their pilgrimage through the wilderness. It speaks to the obedience of the people in breaking camp at God's command.
* **"and pitched in Punon":** This phrase denotes the establishment of a new, temporary encampment. The act of "pitched" refers to the setting up of tents and the organization of the camp for a period of rest, signifying a divinely ordained pause in their journey. This pause was a moment of respite and re-establishment under God's watchful eye, even in a potentially challenging or unfamiliar location like Punon, known for its mining activities, demonstrating God's provision and presence in all circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 33:42, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is the **Itinerary** or **Register**. This meticulous listing of geographical locations creates a detailed historical record, emphasizing the factual and verifiable nature of the Israelites' journey. The **Repetition** of the formula "departed from X, and pitched in Y" creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical, pattern that underscores the structured and divinely ordered progression of the nation. This repetitive, concise style also highlights the **Conciseness** of the divine record, focusing on the essential movements rather than elaborate descriptions, thereby lending an air of authoritative historical truth and divine intentionality to the narrative. Furthermore, the very names of the places, such as "Zalmonah" (shadiness) and "Punon" (perplexity), might employ subtle **Symbolism**, hinting at the nature of the challenges or experiences encountered at these specific waypoints, though the primary focus remains on the historical record.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 33:42, though a simple geographical marker, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous and sovereign guidance over His people. It reveals that every step of Israel's journey, even through seemingly obscure or challenging places like Zalmonah and Punon, was part of a divine plan. This detailed itinerary testifies to God's omnipresence and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, demonstrating that He is intimately involved in the lives of His people, leading them through every phase of their pilgrimage. For the believer, this underscores that our lives are not random wanderings but a guided journey under the watchful eye of our faithful God, who has a purpose for every "Zalmonah" (difficult or obscure period) and "Punon" (perplexing or challenging place) we encounter, shaping us for His glory and our ultimate good.

* [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God's Purpose in the Wilderness")
* [Psalm 107:4-7](/psalm/107-4-7 "Psalm 107:4-7 - God Guides the Wanderer")
* [Isaiah 48:21](/isaiah/48-21 "Isaiah 48:21 - God's Provision in the Desert")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief mention of Zalmonah and Punon in Numbers 33:42 serves as a powerful reminder that God's guidance extends to every detail of our lives, even the seemingly insignificant or challenging waypoints. Just as He meticulously led Israel through every encampment, He orchestrates our paths, ensuring that no experience is without purpose in His grand design for our spiritual growth and ultimate good. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereign leading, recognizing that even in periods of uncertainty, difficulty, or what feels like "shadiness" or "perplexity"—our own "Zalmonahs" or "Punons"—He is present, providing, and moving us closer to His intended destination for us. It encourages patience and perseverance, reminding us that God's timing is perfect, and His promises will ultimately be fulfilled, regardless of the terrain we traverse. Our response should be one of faithful obedience, breaking camp when He leads and pitching our tents where He directs, confident in His unfailing love and wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's meticulous guidance in the wilderness journey encourage your trust in His leading in your own life, especially in uncertain times?**
* **What "Zalmonahs" (difficult or obscure places/periods) or "Punons" (perplexing or challenging situations) in your life might God be using for a specific purpose?**
* **How can the Israelites' journey from point to point, even through harsh environments, inspire perseverance and faithful obedience in your personal faith walk?**

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

Answer: The detailed itinerary in Numbers 33, including verses like Numbers 33:42, serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides a meticulous historical record, validating the reality and scope of the Exodus and the forty-year wilderness journey. This level of detail lends significant credibility to the biblical narrative, demonstrating that it is not a vague myth but an account of real events involving a real people in real geographical locations. Secondly, it profoundly underscores God's meticulous and sovereign guidance over His people. Every departure and encampment was orchestrated by divine command, emphasizing that Israel's movements were not random wanderings but a divinely directed pilgrimage. This highlights God's faithfulness and His active presence throughout their journey, from their initial departure from [Rameses](/exodus/12-37 "Exodus 12:37 - The Exodus from Rameses") to their arrival on the plains of Moab. Finally, it teaches future generations about God's covenant keeping and His power to lead His people through any circumstance.

**What is the significance of "Punon" specifically?**

Answer: Punon, often identified with the ancient site of Feinan in modern-day Jordan, holds particular historical and geographical significance. This region was well-known in antiquity for its extensive copper mining and smelting operations, which date back thousands of years. Its inclusion in the itinerary means that the Israelites were led through a distinct and potentially challenging industrial landscape, not just barren desert. This detail further grounds the narrative in verifiable geography and illustrates the diverse environments through which God guided His people. It also reminds us that God's provision and guidance extend even to difficult, resource-oriented, or seemingly inhospitable areas, demonstrating His ability to sustain His people regardless of their surroundings and to fulfill His purposes even in unexpected places.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The wilderness journey of Israel, marked by specific waypoints like Zalmonah and Punon, serves as a profound typology for the spiritual pilgrimage of believers in Christ. Just as God meticulously guided Israel through the desert, providing manna and water, Jesus Christ is our ultimate Guide and Provision in the wilderness of this fallen world. He is the true [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who alone sustains our souls, and the [Living Water](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water") that satisfies our deepest spiritual thirst. The Israelites' journey towards the earthly Promised Land foreshadows the believer's journey towards the heavenly rest found in Christ, a rest that remains for the people of God and into which we are called to enter by faith ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Rest of God")). Every "Zalmonah" and "Punon" in our lives—every difficult, obscure, or perplexing stage—is part of God's sovereign plan to conform us to the image of His Son. Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to lead His people, not merely to a physical land, but to eternal communion with Him, for He is [the Way, the Truth, and the Life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life") through whom we access the Father. The spiritual food and drink provided to Israel in the wilderness were themselves symbolic of Christ, who is the spiritual Rock from which they drank ([1 Corinthians 10:1-4](/1_corinthians/10-1-4 "1 Corinthians 10:1-4 - Spiritual Food and Drink in the Wilderness")), demonstrating that from the very beginning, God's ultimate redemptive plan was centered on His Son, our faithful Shepherd and Guide.

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.