Numbers 33:8

And they departed from before Pihahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days' journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah.

And they departed {H5265} from before {H6440} Pihahiroth {H6367}, and passed through {H5674} the midst {H8432} of the sea {H3220} into the wilderness {H4057}, and went {H3212} three {H7969} days {H3117}' journey {H1870} in the wilderness {H4057} of Etham {H864}, and pitched {H2583} in Marah {H4785}.

They moved on from P'nei-Hachirot, passed through the sea to the desert, continued three days' journey into the Etam Desert and camped at Marah.

They set out from Pi-hahiroth and crossed through the sea, into the wilderness, and they journeyed three days into the Wilderness of Etham and camped at Marah.

And they journeyed from before Hahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness: and they went three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etham, and encamped in Marah.

Commentary

Context of Numbers 33:8

Numbers 33 serves as a detailed itinerary of the Israelite journey from Egypt to the plains of Moab, outlining 42 encampments. This particular verse, Numbers 33:8, details a significant stage immediately following the dramatic deliverance from Pharaoh's army. It marks the transition from the miraculous Red Sea crossing into the initial stages of their wilderness wandering. The previous verses in this chapter set the scene by listing earlier encampments after their departure from Rameses.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance: The meticulous listing of stopping points in Numbers 33, including the one in verse 8, underscores God's precise and constant leading of His people through challenging terrain. Even in the wilderness, their movements were directed by Him.
  • Transition and Testing: Passing through the sea into the wilderness of Etham signifies a move from immediate, overwhelming deliverance to a period of dependency and testing. The wilderness was not just a geographical location but a spiritual proving ground for the Israelites' faith and obedience.
  • Encountering Hardship: The mention of Marah, known for its bitter waters (as described in Exodus 15:23), highlights that the journey immediately presented challenges, even after a great miracle. This foreshadows the many trials and complaints that would characterize their time in the desert.

Geographical Insights

The locations mentioned in this verse are crucial to understanding the early stages of the Exodus:

  • Pihahiroth: This place, "before Pihahiroth" (meaning "mouth of the gorges" or "place of the canals"), was the last encampment before the Red Sea, where the Israelites were trapped between the sea and Pharaoh's pursuing army.
  • "The midst of the sea": This refers to the miraculous division of the Red Sea (Hebrew: Yam Suph), allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground, a pivotal event in their liberation.
  • Wilderness of Etham: This was the immediate desert region encountered upon crossing the Red Sea, forming the eastern border of Egypt. The "three days' journey" indicates the initial stretch of their trek into the arid wilderness.
  • Marah: Located within the Wilderness of Etham, Marah became infamous for its undrinkable bitter water, which prompted the Israelites' first major complaint after the Red Sea miracle. God then showed Moses a tree to cast into the waters, making them sweet (Exodus 15:25).

Practical Application

Numbers 33:8 offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  1. God's Faithfulness in Transition: Just as God led Israel from a place of great deliverance (the Red Sea) into a challenging new environment (the wilderness), He guides us through significant life transitions. Even when we move from triumph into uncertainty, His presence remains constant.
  2. Expect Challenges After Breakthroughs: The immediate journey into the bitter waters of Marah after the Red Sea miracle reminds us that spiritual breakthroughs do not guarantee an end to trials. Difficulties often follow moments of great blessing, serving to test our faith and deepen our reliance on God.
  3. Trust in God's Provision: The Israelites were led into a wilderness where provision was scarce, yet God consistently provided. This verse encourages us to trust that even in barren or difficult seasons, God knows our needs and will make a way, just as He did at Marah. It's a call to trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 14:21

    ¶ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided.

  • Exodus 14:31

    And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

  • Exodus 15:22

    ¶ So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

  • Exodus 15:26

    And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee.
← Back