### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼÊthâm**, represented by `{{H864}}`, is the proper name for **Etham, a place in the Desert**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. All occurrences of this name are found within the narrative of Israel's exodus from Egypt, marking it as a key waypoint in their journey.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Etham serves as a crucial geographical marker. The Israelites first travel from Succoth `{{H5523}}` and make camp at Etham, a location described as being "in the edge of the wilderness" ([[Exodus 13:20]], [[Numbers 33:6]]). This positions Etham as the final encampment before they enter the vast wilderness. Following this, they are directed to turn from Etham and pitch before Pihahiroth `{{H6367}}` [[Numbers 33:7]]. After crossing the sea, they travel for three days through the "wilderness of Etham" before pitching in Marah `{{H4785}}` [[Numbers 33:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the context of Etham's role in the Exodus journey:
* `{{H5265}}` **nâçaʻ** (to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e. start on a journey): This verb is used to describe the Israelites' movement as they "departed" from Succoth to Etham [[Numbers 33:6]] and "removed" from Etham onward [[Numbers 33:7]].
* `{{H2583}}` **chânâh** (to pitch atent; gen. to encamp): This word denotes the action of settling at a location, as the Israelites "pitched" [[Numbers 33:6]] or "encamped" [[Exodus 13:20]] in Etham.
* `{{H4057}}` **midbâr** (a desert; wilderness): This term defines the geographical setting of Etham, which is on the "edge of the wilderness" [[Exodus 13:20]] and also the name of the region they traveled through after crossing the sea [[Numbers 33:8]].
* `{{H7097}}` **qâtseh** (an extremity; edge): This word specifies Etham's location on the "edge" of the wilderness, highlighting its role as a transitional point [[Numbers 33:6]].
### Theological Significance
The geographical placement of `{{H864}}` carries significant narrative weight in the story of Israel's deliverance.
* **The Threshold of the Wilderness:** Etham is explicitly noted as being on "the edge of the wilderness" [[Exodus 13:20]]. It represents the boundary between the land of their captivity and the unknown expanse where their faith would be tested.
* **A Pivotal Turning Point:** The journey does not continue in a straight line from Etham. Instead, the Israelites "removed from Etham, and turned again" [[Numbers 33:7]], a maneuver that led them to be trapped between Pharaoh's army and the sea. This stop marks a critical moment of divine redirection.
* **The First Steps of Freedom:** After the miracle at the sea, the "wilderness of Etham" is the setting for the people's first journey as a redeemed nation, a three-day trek that culminates at the bitter waters of Marah `{{H4785}}` [[Numbers 33:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H864}}` is more than just a place name; it is a landmark of transition in the Exodus account. Etham functions as the gateway to the wilderness, a site of divine course correction, and the backdrop for the Israelites' initial steps into a new life of freedom and dependence on God. Its few appearances are central to the geography of one of the most pivotal events in scripture.
TRV