from רִמּוֹן and פֶּרֶץ; pomegranate of the breach; Rimmon-Perets, a place in the Desert; Rimmon-parez.
Transliteration:Rimmôn Perets
Pronunciation:rim-mone' peh'-rets
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma רִמֹּן פֶּרֶץ (Rimmôn Perets), Strong's H7428, is a compound place name derived from two distinct Hebrew words: רִמּוֹן (rimmon - `{{H7416}}`) and פֶּרֶץ (perets - `{{H6556}}`). The first component, רִמּוֹן, primarily refers to the "pomegranate" fruit, a symbol of fertility, abundance, and the richness of the Promised Land ([[Deuteronomy 8:8]]). It also designates various places and individuals in the biblical text. The second component, פֶּרֶץ, carries the meaning of "a breach," "a breaking forth," "a burst," or "a gap." This can denote a destructive rupture, as in the breaking down of a wall, or a sudden, powerful outburst, whether of divine judgment or blessing.
When combined, "Rimmon Perets" literally translates to "Pomegranate of the Breach" or "Breach of the Pomegranate." This unique combination suggests a location where a significant "breach" or "breaking forth" occurred, perhaps in a place known for pomegranates, or where the "breach" itself led to a state of fruitfulness or abundance, symbolized by the pomegranate. Given its identity as a geographical marker, the name likely describes a physical characteristic of the location, perhaps a wadi or a rocky fissure where pomegranates grew, or a place where a breakthrough or disruption occurred in the landscape or in the journey itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The place name רִמֹּן פֶּרֶץ (Rimmôn Perets) appears exclusively in the book of Numbers, specifically within the detailed itinerary of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. It is mentioned twice:
* [[Numbers 33:19]]: "They moved from Hazeroth and camped at Rimmon-Perets."
* [[Numbers 33:20]]: "They moved from Rimmon-Perets and camped at Libnah."
In this context, Rimmon-Perets serves as one of the many stops or encampments recorded during the forty years of wandering after the exodus from Egypt. The account in Numbers 33 provides a meticulous, almost exhaustive, list of the Israelites' journey, emphasizing the divine guidance and the historical reality of their pilgrimage. Unlike some other locations in the itinerary (e.g., Rephidim, Kadesh), no specific event, miracle, or significant incident is explicitly recorded as having occurred at Rimmon-Perets. Its inclusion primarily highlights its role as a distinct station along their divinely orchestrated path. The precise geographical location of Rimmon-Perets remains uncertain, like many sites in the wilderness itinerary, but its listing underscores the detailed nature of God's leading and the reality of the journey.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of רִמֹּן פֶּרֶץ (Rimmôn Perets) connect it to broader biblical themes and other significant terms.
* **רִמּוֹן (rimmon - `{{H7416}}`):** Beyond its literal meaning as "pomegranate," this word evokes the richness and bounty of the Promised Land, often described as a land of pomegranates ([[Numbers 13:23]], [[Deuteronomy 8:8]]). Pomegranates also adorned the high priestly garments and the pillars of Solomon's Temple ([[Exodus 28:33-34]], [[1 Kings 7:18]]), symbolizing beauty, fruitfulness, and divine order. Other places named Rimmon exist, such as En-Rimmon ([[Nehemiah 11:29]]) or the Rock of Rimmon ([[Judges 20:45]]).
* **פֶּרֶץ (perets - `{{H6556}}`):** This word is crucial for understanding the concept of a "breach." It is famously associated with the place "Perez-Uzzah" ([[2 Samuel 6:8]]), meaning "breach of Uzzah," where Uzzah was struck down for touching the Ark of the Covenant. This highlights the negative connotation of a breach as a divine judgment or rupture. However, "perets" can also imply a "breaking forth" of blessing or power, as in "the Lord has broken through my enemies before me, like the breaking through of waters" ([[2 Samuel 5:20]], referring to Baal-perazim). The concept of "repairing the breach" is also significant, referring to restoration and healing ([[Isaiah 58:12]], [[Amos 9:11]]).
Thus, Rimmon-Perets stands at the intersection of concepts of fruitfulness and rupture/breakthrough, a place marked by both the potential for abundance and the reality of a "breach."
### Theological Significance
While Rimmon-Perets is not a site of dramatic biblical events, its inclusion in the wilderness itinerary carries theological weight.
1. **God's Meticulous Guidance:** The very existence of such a detailed list of encampments in Numbers 33 testifies to God's precise and faithful leading of His people. Every step, every stop, even in seemingly unremarkable places like Rimmon-Perets, was part of His sovereign plan. This underscores the truth that God guides His people through all stages of their journey, known and unknown.
2. **The Reality of the Wilderness Journey:** The wilderness was a place of testing, discipline, and dependence on God. Each station, including Rimmon-Perets, represents a distinct phase of this formative experience. The journey was not a straight path but involved numerous stops, reinforcing the idea that spiritual growth often occurs through a series of stages, some challenging, some providing rest.
3. **Potential Symbolic Resonance:** Although no specific event is recorded, the name "Pomegranate of the Breach" invites contemplation. It might suggest a place where a challenge or "breach" was overcome, leading to a period of refreshment or divine provision (symbolized by the pomegranate). Alternatively, it could signify a "breach" in the monotonous wilderness, revealing an unexpected place of fruitfulness. This subtly reminds us that even in desolate places, God can cause life and blessing to "break forth." It speaks to the paradoxical nature of God's work, where rupture can lead to renewal, and barrenness can give way to fruitfulness.
### Summary
Rimmon-Perets (רִמֹּן פֶּרֶץ, `{{H7428}}`) is a unique Hebrew place name, meaning "Pomegranate of the Breach" or "Breach of the Pomegranate." Composed of רִמּוֹן (pomegranate, symbol of fruitfulness) and פֶּרֶץ (breach, breaking forth), its name suggests a location characterized by either a physical rupture near pomegranates or a metaphorical breakthrough leading to abundance. Biblically, it appears exclusively in [[Numbers 33:19-20]] as one of the encampments of the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. While no specific events are recorded at this site, its inclusion in the detailed itinerary emphasizes God's meticulous guidance and the reality of the journey of faith. Theologically, Rimmon-Perets serves as a quiet testament to God's sovereignty over every step of His people's pilgrimage, hinting that even in obscure places, the divine hand orchestrates both challenge and provision, transforming potential rupture into a source of unexpected fruitfulness.
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