feminine of רֶתֶם; Rithmah, a place in the Desert; Rithmah.
Transliteration:Rithmâh
Pronunciation:rith-maw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma רִתְמָה (Rithmâh, `{{H7575}}`) is a feminine proper noun, specifically a geographical place name. Its etymology is directly linked to the common noun רֶתֶם (rethem, `{{H7574}}`), which denotes the broom tree (*Retama raetam*). This plant is characteristic of desert and arid regions, known for its long, slender branches, sparse foliage, and white, pea-like flowers. It often grows into a substantial shrub or small tree, providing one of the few sources of shade in the wilderness. Therefore, the name "Rithmah" literally signifies "place of broom trees" or "broom-tree place," indicating a location distinguished by the presence of these specific desert shrubs. As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to this singular geographical point in the wilderness itinerary of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word Rithmah (`{{H7575}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Numbers:
* [[Numbers 33:18]]: "They journeyed from Hazeroth and camped at Rithmah."
In this sole occurrence, Rithmah is listed as one of the numerous encampments of the Israelites during their forty-year sojourn in the wilderness, following their exodus from Egypt. It is part of a detailed itinerary presented in [[Numbers 33]], which meticulously records the stages of their journey from Rameses to the plains of Moab. The text provides no further narrative details or significant events associated with the Israelites' stay at Rithmah. Its inclusion serves primarily to document the precise route taken under divine guidance. The name itself, "place of broom trees," likely describes a notable feature of the landscape at that particular stop, offering a small descriptive detail within the otherwise terse geographical list.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to Rithmah (`{{H7575}}`) is its root word, רֶתֶם (rethem, `{{H7574}}`), the "broom tree." This plant is mentioned elsewhere in scripture, often in contexts that highlight its desert habitat and its use:
* In [[1 Kings 19:4]], the prophet Elijah takes refuge under a broom tree in the wilderness, seeking shade and rest.
* In [[Job 30:4]], the roots of the broom tree are described as food for the destitute, indicating its role as a survival resource in harsh conditions.
Conceptually, Rithmah is related to the broader theme of the Israelite wilderness journey, a pilgrimage marked by divine provision, testing, and revelation. It stands alongside other named encampments such as Elim, Marah, and Kadesh-barnea, all of which contribute to the meticulous record of God's leading His people through the desert. As a descriptive place name, Rithmah also aligns with other biblical locations named after prominent natural features, such as "En-gedi" (spring of the kid) or "Beer-sheba" (well of the oath/seven).
### Theological Significance
Although Rithmah (`{{H7575}}`) is a seemingly minor waypoint with no specific narrative attached to it, its presence in the detailed itinerary of [[Numbers 33]] carries significant theological weight.
* **Divine Meticulousness and Providence:** The very act of meticulously listing every encampment, including Rithmah, underscores the precise and unwavering nature of God's guidance. It testifies to the divine hand in every step of Israel's journey, demonstrating that their wanderings were not random but part of a divinely orchestrated plan. God was intimately involved in leading His people, even to places like Rithmah, ensuring their safety and progress towards the Promised Land.
* **The Wilderness as a Place of Formation:** The wilderness journey, of which Rithmah is a part, serves as a profound theological metaphor for the life of faith – a pilgrimage marked by dependence on God, testing, and spiritual growth. Each location, whether a place of hardship or refreshment, contributes to the overarching narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and His presence with His people.
* **Reality of the Journey:** The name "Rithmah," indicating a "place of broom trees," subtly reminds the reader of the harsh, arid reality of the wilderness environment. It highlights the challenging conditions through which God sustained Israel, emphasizing the miraculous nature of His provision (e.g., manna, water from the rock) in such an inhospitable landscape.
### Summary
Rithmah (`{{H7575}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, a geographical place name meaning "place of broom trees," derived from the word for the broom tree (רֶתֶם, `{{H7574}}`). Its sole biblical appearance is in [[Numbers 33:18]], where it is listed as one of the encampments of the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. While no specific events are recorded at Rithmah, its inclusion within the meticulous itinerary of [[Numbers 33]] is theologically significant. It underscores God's precise and faithful guidance of His people through the wilderness, demonstrating His meticulous providence over every stage of their journey. The name itself subtly evokes the desert environment, reminding the reader of the challenging conditions through which God sustained Israel. Rithmah, though a minor waypoint, contributes to the larger theological narrative of the wilderness as a period of divine testing and unwavering divine presence.
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