The Hebrew word Rithmâh, represented by H7575, is the name for Rithmah, a place in the Desert. According to its base definition, it is the feminine of רֶתֶם. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. Its sole function is to identify a specific encampment location for the Israelites during their wilderness journey.
In the biblical narrative, H7575 is mentioned only in the log of Israel's travels in the book of Numbers. It marks the encampment immediately following Hazeroth, as the text states, "And they departed from Hazeroth, and pitched in Rithmah" Numbers 33:18. It also serves as the point of departure for the next location, with the subsequent verse noting, "And they departed from Rithmah, and pitched at Rimmonparez" Numbers 33:19.
Several related words clarify the context of Rithmah's place in the journey:
- H5265 nâçaʻ: A primitive root meaning to pull up, especially the tent-pins, and to start on a journey. This action marks both the movement to and the departure from Rithmah Numbers 33:18-19.
- H2583 chânâh: This root means to pitch a tent or to encamp. It describes the action of the Israelites settling at Rithmah as a temporary stopping place Numbers 33:18.
- H2698 Chătsêrôwth: Meaning "yards," this is the name of Hazeroth, the location from which the Israelites departed before camping at Rithmah, establishing a clear sequence in their travels Numbers 33:18.
- H7428 Rimmôn Perets: This name means "pomegranate of the breach" and identifies Rimmon-parez, the destination immediately following Rithmah, further defining its position in the wilderness itinerary Numbers 33:19.
The significance of H7575 is entirely tied to its role in the narrative of Israel's travels.
- A Marker in Israel's Journey: The primary function of H7575 is to serve as a named waypoint in the detailed list of Israel's encampments in the desert, as documented in the book of Numbers.
- A Point of Transition: Rithmah is defined by movement. The narrative consistently frames it with the actions of departing from a previous location to pitch a new camp Numbers 33:18 and then departing from it to the next Numbers 33:19.
- Wilderness Context: The base definition of Rithmah as "a place in the Desert" situates it firmly within the overarching theme of Israel's wanderings, emphasizing the setting of this stage of their journey.
In summary, H7575 is a proper noun for a specific geographic location. It does not carry symbolic or theological weight within the provided scriptures but serves a crucial logistical and historical function. Its mention in the Bible provides a precise marker in the chronicle of the Israelites' journey, defined by the actions of encamping H2583 and departing H5265 as they moved from Hazeroth H2698 to Rimmon-parez H7428.
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