### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼÂlûwsh**, represented by `{{H442}}`, identifies **Alush, a place in the Desert**. Its derivation is uncertain. This term appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses**, marking a specific location in the biblical narrative of Israel's journey.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H442}}` is mentioned exclusively as a campsite for the Israelites during their exodus. The Israelites departed from Dophkah and encamped in **Alush** [[Numbers 33:13]]. Subsequently, they removed from **Alush** and encamped at Rephidim, a place noted for its lack of water for the people to drink [[Numbers 33:14]]. Alush serves as a geographical marker, one stop in the long journey through the wilderness.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the context of Alush's place in the journey:
* `{{H5265}}` **nâçaʻ** (to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e. start on a journey): This word describes the action of leaving a location. The Israelites "departed" from Dophkah to reach Alush, and later "removed" from Alush to continue their journey [[Numbers 33:13-14]].
* `{{H2583}}` **chânâh** (to pitch a tent; gen. to encamp): This term denotes the act of settling in a location for a time. The Israelites "encamped" in Alush after leaving Dophkah [[Numbers 33:13]].
* `{{H1850}}` **Dophqâh** (Dophkah, a place in the Desert): This was the encampment immediately preceding Alush, from which the Israelites departed [[Numbers 33:13]].
* `{{H7508}}` **Rᵉphîydîym** (Rephidim, a place in the Desert): This was the encampment immediately following Alush, setting the stage for a subsequent crisis of thirst [[Numbers 33:14]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H442}}` is found entirely within its narrative context:
* **A Stop in the Exodus:** Alush functions as a waypoint, a recorded stop in the Israelites' journey through the desert. Its mention confirms the detailed and orderly nature of their travels from one location to the next [[Numbers 33:13]].
* **Precursor to Hardship:** The account positions Alush immediately before the arrival at Rephidim, which is explicitly described as having "no water for the people to drink" [[Numbers 33:14]]. This places the stop at Alush just before a significant test of the people's faith.
* **A Link in the Itinerary:** Alush is part of a list of encampments, connecting the journey from Dophkah to Rephidim. It emphasizes the movement of the people `{{H5971}}` as they were led through the wilderness.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H442}}` is a proper noun identifying a specific location, Alush. While the word itself does not carry deep theological meaning, its presence in scripture is significant as a geographical pin in the map of the Israelite exodus. It serves as a narrative link, documenting the progression of God's people from one stage of their journey to the next and marking the moment just before a major trial at Rephidim.
TRV