Numbers 33:5

KJV

And the children of Israel removed from Rameses, and pitched in Succoth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} removed {H5265} from Rameses {H7486}, and pitched {H2583} in Succoth {H5523}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The people of Isra'el moved on from Ram'ses and camped at Sukkot.

Berean Standard Bible

The Israelites set out from Rameses and camped at Succoth.

American Standard Version

And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses, and encamped in Succoth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 33:5 records the momentous initial leg of the Israelite Exodus, detailing their departure from the oppressive Egyptian city of Rameses and their first encampment at Succoth. This concise verse marks the tangible beginning of their forty-year wilderness pilgrimage, a journey of liberation and divine guidance that would shape their identity as God's redeemed people, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative of their reliance on Yahweh's provision and direction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 33 serves as a meticulous historical itinerary, chronicling every encampment of the Israelites from their departure from Egypt to their arrival on the plains of Moab. This chapter provides a detailed geographical and chronological record, acting as a divine validation of their journey and God's faithfulness in leading them. Verse 5 specifically initiates this comprehensive list, immediately following a summary statement in [Numbers 33:1-4](/numbers/33-1 "Numbers 33:1-4 - Summary of the Exodus Departure") that sets the stage for the entire wilderness wandering. It establishes the starting point and the first destination, making it foundational to understanding the subsequent movements and the overall structure of the wilderness narrative. The precision of this record underscores its historical reliability and theological significance as a testament to God's direct involvement in Israel's history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The departure from Rameses was a climactic moment following centuries of Israelite enslavement in Egypt, particularly intense forced labor in building store cities like [Pithom and Rameses](/exodus/1-11 "Exodus 1:11 - Israelite Forced Labor in Egypt"). Rameses was a major administrative and military center in the Nile Delta, symbolizing the pinnacle of Egyptian power and Israel's subjugation. Succoth, meaning "booths" or "temporary shelters," likely refers to a region rather than a single city, possibly an area where nomadic peoples would set up temporary dwellings. This first stop immediately after leaving the structured, oppressive environment of Egypt highlights the abrupt transition to a nomadic, wilderness existence. Culturally, the act of "removing" and "pitching" reflects the typical pattern of ancient Near Eastern migratory groups, but here it is imbued with profound theological meaning as a divinely orchestrated pilgrimage, not merely a tribal migration.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, powerfully introduces several overarching themes central to the Pentateuch. It signifies the concrete manifestation of God's promise of [deliverance from bondage](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Promise of Deliverance"), moving the Israelites from a state of slavery to the initial phase of freedom. The very act of movement underscores the theme of **divine guidance**, as the entire Exodus journey, including this first leg, was explicitly led by God through the [pillar of cloud by day and fire by night](/exodus/13-21 "Exodus 13:21 - God's Guidance by Pillar of Cloud and Fire"). Furthermore, it initiates the **journey of faith**, where the Israelites had to trust God's direction and provision in the unknown wilderness, a journey that would test and refine their relationship with Yahweh. This initial step also foreshadows the broader theme of **pilgrimage**, as God's people are called to move from one state to another, always dependent on His leading towards a promised destination.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **removed (Hebrew, _nāsaʻ_):** This verb signifies the act of breaking camp, pulling up tent pegs, and setting out on a journey. It implies a deliberate, organized departure, not a chaotic flight. In the context of the Exodus, it emphasizes the decisive and divinely orchestrated nature of Israel's liberation, moving from a fixed state of oppression to a dynamic state of pilgrimage.
* **pitched (Hebrew, _ḥāna_):** This verb denotes the act of encamping, settling down, or making a temporary stop. It suggests the establishment of a temporary dwelling place, typically for a night or a short period. In this verse, it highlights the transient nature of their journey and their immediate need for a resting place after the initial momentous departure, emphasizing their reliance on God for both movement and rest.
* **Rameses (Hebrew, _Raʻmᵉsēs_):** A prominent store city in Egypt, built by the enslaved Israelites. Its name evokes the memory of their bitter servitude and the oppressive might of Pharaoh. As the starting point, Rameses symbolically represents the "world" or the "land of bondage" from which God's people are called out.
* **Succoth (Hebrew, _Sukkōth_):** Meaning "booths" or "tabernacles," this name itself signifies temporary dwellings. As the first destination, Succoth symbolizes the initial phase of their freedom—a transitional state where they are no longer slaves but are not yet in the Promised Land. It foreshadows the Feast of Tabernacles, commemorating their wilderness wanderings and God's provision in temporary shelters.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Israel removed from Rameses":** This clause establishes the identity of the travelers (the entire Israelite nation, now free) and their point of origin. "Removed" signifies a definitive break from their past of slavery in Egypt, specifically from Rameses, the city that epitomized their forced labor and oppression. This was not merely a change of location but a profound spiritual and existential shift, initiated by God's powerful hand.
* **"and pitched in Succoth":** This clause states their immediate destination and the nature of their first encampment. "Pitched" indicates a temporary stop, reflecting their new nomadic existence. Succoth, with its meaning of "booths," reinforces the provisional nature of their dwelling, highlighting that their journey had just begun and they were now dependent on God for daily provision and guidance in the wilderness, rather than the stability (albeit oppressive) of Egypt.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Itinerary**, as it is the first entry in a detailed list of encampments that forms the backbone of Numbers 33. This precise listing lends an air of historical authenticity and divine oversight to the narrative. **Symbolism** is also heavily at play: Rameses symbolizes the oppressive past and the "world" from which God delivers His people, while Succoth, meaning "booths," symbolizes the temporary, transitional nature of their liberated state and their reliance on God's provision in the wilderness. The simple declarative sentence structure, "And... removed... and pitched," conveys a sense of direct action and divine orchestration, emphasizing the immediate and unhindered commencement of their journey. The **juxtaposition** of Rameses (slavery, permanence) and Succoth (freedom, transience) powerfully underscores the transformative nature of the Exodus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 33:5 serves as a foundational verse for understanding the grand narrative of God's redemptive work. It marks the tangible beginning of Israel's journey from bondage to freedom, a journey not merely geographical but deeply theological, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. This initial step from Rameses to Succoth encapsulates the essence of the Exodus: a divine act of liberation that calls a people out of slavery into a pilgrimage of faith, where their identity is forged through dependence on God's miraculous provision and guidance in the wilderness. It underscores that true freedom is found in following God's appointed path, even if it leads through unfamiliar and challenging terrain.

* [Exodus 12:37](/exodus/12-37 "Exodus 12:37 - Israel's Departure from Rameses to Succoth")
* [Exodus 13:20](/exodus/13-20 "Exodus 13:20 - From Succoth to Etham")
* [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God's Leading in the Wilderness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 33:5, though a historical record of ancient Israel, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that spiritual liberation often begins with a decisive "removal" from places, habits, or mindsets that hold us in spiritual bondage, much like Israel left Rameses. This initial step, though perhaps small, is crucial for embarking on the journey God has for us. It also highlights the reality that freedom often leads to a period of transition—a "Succoth" phase—where we are no longer in the old, but not yet fully in the new. This transitional wilderness experience is not a sign of abandonment but an opportunity for God to deepen our faith, teach us dependence, and reveal His provision in ways we might not otherwise experience. The verse encourages us to trust God with the first step, knowing that His guidance, though sometimes leading through the unknown, is always faithful and purposeful, ultimately leading us towards His promised destination.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Rameses" (places, habits, or mindsets of bondage) might God be calling you to "remove" from in your own life?**
* **How does the idea of "pitching in Succoth" (a temporary dwelling) resonate with your current season of life or spiritual journey?**
* **What is one "first step" of faith or obedience that God might be asking you to take, even if the entire path isn't clear?**

### FAQ

**Why is Numbers 33:5 so specific about the first two locations?**

Answer: The meticulous detail in [Numbers 33](/numbers/33 "Numbers 33 - The Wilderness Itinerary") regarding the Israelites' journey serves several crucial purposes. First, it underscores the historical veracity of the Exodus event, providing a precise itinerary that would have been familiar to the original audience. Second, it highlights God's direct and detailed guidance; every movement, every encampment, was under His divine orchestration, symbolized by the [pillar of cloud and fire](/exodus/13-21 "Exodus 13:21 - God's Guidance"). Third, it functions as a theological record, demonstrating God's faithfulness in leading His people out of bondage and through the wilderness, fulfilling His promises. The specificity of Rameses and Succoth marks the definitive break from Egypt and the immediate transition into a life of dependence on God.

**What is the significance of "Rameses" and "Succoth" beyond their geographical location?**

Answer: Rameses and Succoth carry significant symbolic weight. [Rameses](/exodus/1-11 "Exodus 1:11 - Rameses as a Store City") represents the place of intense oppression and slavery, the power of Pharaoh, and the "world" from which God delivers His people. It is the symbol of their past bondage. [Succoth](/exodus/12-37 "Exodus 12:37 - Israel's First Stop at Succoth"), meaning "booths" or "temporary shelters," symbolizes the initial phase of their newfound freedom. It signifies a transitional period where they are no longer slaves but are not yet in the Promised Land. It emphasizes their nomadic existence and their complete reliance on God for provision and protection in the wilderness, foreshadowing the [Feast of Tabernacles](/leviticus/23-42 "Leviticus 23:42 - The Feast of Tabernacles"), which commemorates this period of temporary dwellings and divine care.

**Does this verse have any connection to the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)?**

Answer: Yes, there is a direct and significant connection. The name "Succoth" (סֻכּוֹת, _sukkōth_) literally means "booths" or "tabernacles." The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, is one of the three major pilgrimage festivals in ancient Israel, commanded in [Leviticus 23:42-43](/leviticus/23-42 "Leviticus 23:42-43 - Command for the Feast of Tabernacles"). During this feast, Israelites were commanded to live in temporary booths for seven days to remember that God made them dwell in booths when He brought them out of the land of Egypt. Numbers 33:5, by naming Succoth as their first encampment, directly links to the historical reality that this feast commemorates, emphasizing God's provision and their transient, wilderness journey under His care.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 33:5, detailing Israel's initial step out of Egyptian bondage, profoundly foreshadows the greater spiritual Exodus accomplished through Jesus Christ. Just as Israel was called to "remove" from Rameses, the oppressive city of slavery, humanity is called to "remove" from the bondage of sin and death, a liberation uniquely provided by Christ. Jesus is the ultimate deliverer, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose sacrifice frees us from the spiritual "Egypt" of our fallen state. Our journey of faith, like Israel's, begins with a decisive break from the old life and an embarkation into a new, Spirit-led existence. The "pitching in Succoth," a temporary dwelling, reflects the Christian's pilgrimage through this world; we are [strangers and exiles](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Christians as Sojourners and Exiles") on earth, not yet in our eternal home. Our ultimate "Promised Land" is not a geographical location but the new heavens and new earth, where we will dwell eternally with God, a reality secured by Christ's resurrection and ascension. He is the [way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life"), guiding us through our wilderness journey by His Spirit, just as God guided Israel by the pillar of cloud and fire, leading us to our eternal rest 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.