10They moved from Elim and camped by the Red Sea. 11They moved from the Red Sea and camped in the Wilderness of Sin. 12They journeyed from the Wilderness of Sin and camped at Dophkah. 13They departed from Dophkah and camped at Alush. 14They moved from Alush and camped at Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink.
Original Word: סוּף Transliteration: suph Pronunciation:soof Phonetic Spelling: soof Meaning: a reed, the papyrus
This word is likely derived from an unused root meaning:
to come to an end.
The Hebrew word “suph” primarily refers to a type of plant, specifically a reed or rush, commonly found in marshy or aquatic environments. It is often associated with the “Sea of Reeds” or “Red Sea” (Yam Suph), which is a significant geographical and theological term in the Old Testament. The word can also imply an end or conclusion, reflecting its root meaning.
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, reeds were a common feature of the landscape, especially in Egypt and Mesopotamia. They were used for various purposes, including making papyrus, baskets, and other everyday items. The “Sea of Reeds” is traditionally identified with the body of water that the Israelites crossed during the Exodus from Egypt, a pivotal event in Jewish history. This crossing is celebrated as a miraculous act of God delivering His people from slavery.
For us in our journey, our Heavenly Father has delivered us from the slavery to sin and bondage leading to spiritual death, which is eternal separation from His presence. Our red/reed sea experience is freely given to us as salvation through His grace by the giving of His Son Yeshua/Jesus as the sacrificial sacrifice on our behalf. Then we are immersed/baptized in water. Romans 6:3-11. Being baptized into His death signifies ourdeathtosinGalatians2:20. Christ’s atoning sacrifice breaks the power of sin over us Romans 6:9–14, setting us free to live for God.
3220 [e]
yam- יַם־ the Sea
yam: Sea
Original Word:יָם Transliteration: yam Pronunciation: yahm Phonetic Spelling:(yawm) Meaning: a sea, large body of water, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artificial basin, the west, the south.
From an unused root meaning:
to roar
G2281 (θάλασσα, thalassa): Often used in the New Testament to refer to the sea, such as the Sea of Galilee or the Mediterranean Sea.
The Hebrew word “yam” primarily refers to a large body of water, such as a sea or ocean. It is used in the Bible to describe both literal seas, like the Mediterranean Sea, and metaphorical or symbolic seas, representing chaos or vastness. The term can also refer to large lakes or bodies of water, such as the Sea of Galilee.
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the sea was often seen as a symbol of chaos and disorder, contrasting with the ordered world created by the ‘gods’. In the Hebrew Bible, the sea is sometimes depicted as a place of danger and mystery, yet it is also under God’s sovereign control. The Israelites, primarily a land-based people, viewed the sea with a mixture of awe and trepidation.
The sea of reeds is often spoken of as the red sea. It is called the red sea because the descendants of Esau live in this area; also called Edom. Remember that Esau is associated with the color red because his skin was red and very hairy when he came out of his mothers womb.
Genesis 25:25 The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. 25 The first one was very red at birth and covered with thick hair like a fur coat. So they named him Esau.
Later he traded his birthright for a bowl of red lintel soup and he is also associated with the color red because of his blood lust nature.
Sea of reeds: a reed, especially the papyrus, flag, red sea.
and encamp in the wilderness of Sin;
4057 [e]
bə·miḏ·bar-
בְּמִדְבַּר־
in the Wilderness Prep‑b | N‑msc
midbar: Wilderness, desert
Original Word:מִדְבָּר Transliteration: midbar Pronunciation:mid-BAHR Phonetic Spelling:(mid-bawr’) Meaning:a pasture, a desert, speech
Derived from the root דָּבַר (dabar), meaning:
“to speak” or “to lead.”
G2048 (ἔρημος, erēmos): Often translated as “desert” or “wilderness” in the New Testament, used in contexts such as Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1).
The term “midbar” primarily refers to: a wilderness or desert region adjoining the desert. It is often used in the Hebrew Bible to describe uninhabited, barren, and desolate areas. These regions are typically characterized by sparse vegetation and are often associated with solitude and testing. The “midbar” is not just a physical location but also a place of spiritual significance, where individuals encounter God and undergo transformation.
In ancient Israel, the wilderness was a significant geographical and spiritual concept. It was seen as a place of both danger and divine encounter. The Israelites’ 40-year journey through the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt is a central narrative in the Hebrew Bible, symbolizing a period of testing, reliance on God, and preparation for entering the Promised Land. The wilderness was also a place where prophets, such as Elijah and John the Baptist, retreated to seek God and deliver His messages.
5512 [e]
sîn.
סִֽין׃ of Sin
Ciyn: Sin
Original Word: סִין Transliteration:Ciyn Pronunciation:seen Phonetic Spelling: (seen) Meaning:Sin
Derived from an uncertain root
There is no direct Greek equivalent for the Hebrew “Ciyn” as it is a specific geographical name. However, the Greek term “ἔρημος” (erēmos, Strong’s G2048) is often used in the Septuagint to describe desert or wilderness areas.
The term “Ciyn” refers to a geographical location in the Bible, specifically a desert area. It is most commonly associated with the Wilderness of Sin, a region the Israelites traversed during their exodus from Egypt. The name “Sin” is not related to the English word “sin” (meaning transgression) but is a proper noun designating a specific place.
The Wilderness of Sin is a desert region located between Elim and Mount Sinai. It is part of the larger desert area that the Israelites journeyed through after their escape from Egypt. This wilderness is significant in the biblical narrative as a place of testing and provision, where God provided manna every morning and quail when they complained. The harsh conditions of the desert highlighted the Israelites’ dependence on God for sustenance and guidance. This is also true for each of us on our journey we will experience times of testing and trials when we need to depend solely on our Heavenly Father to meet our needs. So many times we try to figure things out in our own way and ability yet in Matthew 6:5-15 Messiah taught His disciples to pray, thanking the Father for daily provision and to not lead us into hard testings/temptations. He promises in Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Our part is to believe His Word, His promises and trust He will not fail us as He watches over His Word to perform it in our lives and situations.
And they journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, and encamped in Dophkah.
1850
בְּדָפְקָֽה
Dophqah: Dophkah
Original Word:דָּפְקָה Transliteration: Dophqah Pronunciation:DOF-kah Phonetic Spelling: (dof-kaw’) Meaning:Dophkah
Derived from the Hebrew root דָּפַק (daphak),
meaning: “to knock” or “to beat.”
There are no direct Greek equivalents for Dophkah, as it is a specific Hebrew place name. However, the concept of journeying or traveling can be related to Greek words like πορεύομαι (poreuomai – to journey, to travel). It is listed as a stop between the wilderness of Sin and Alush.
Each location mentioned in their journey holds significance in understanding the challenges and divine provisions experienced by the Israelites.
We need to keep in mind, reminding ourselves as we read, that the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness is a significant period in biblical history, representing:
a time of testing,
reliance on God, and
preparation for entering the Promised Land.
These are also very important in our journey. The times of testing reveal in whom and in what we really trust. It also tests our resolve, our faithfulness, do we keep going forward or will we give up and turn from following the Lord. Are we backsliding into our old ways and looking to the world systems to help us, letting them be our support and provision? All these experiences are necessary to prepare us for our eternal future. Our Heavenly Father already knows us better than we know ourselves; however, we need to be honest with ourselves and search our hearts to find out who we really are, and what our true motives and goals are. This life is a journey, it’s not an end in itself. This is not heaven on earth, its not our Eden, our paradise, we are simply passing through; and where our faith and trust is placed will determine our final destination.
The specific locations mentioned, including Dophkah, are part of the itinerary recorded in the Books of Numbers and Exodus. While the exact location of Dophkah is not known today, it is part of the broader narrative of the Exodus, which is central to Jewish identity and faith.
Original Word:אָלוּשׁ Transliteration: Alush Pronunciation: ah-LOOSH Phonetic Spelling:(aw-loosh’) Meaning: Alush
There are no direct Greek equivalents for the place name “Alush” in the Strong’s Greek Dictionary, as it is a specific location mentioned only in the Old Testament.
The journey through the wilderness was a formative period for the Israelites, as they transitioned from slavery in Egypt to becoming a covenant community under Yahweh’s guidance. Again, we too experience the transformation from being a slave to sin in the worlds systems; when we transition into the renewed covenant provided through Messiahs blood in His death and resurrection. We become part of the covenant community of Messianic believers; and through that covenant we are now part of Gods family, sons and daughters of the Most High.
14They moved from Alush and camped at Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink.
Their journey can also be found in Exodus/ Sh’mot 17:1-16.
Derived from the root רָפָה (raphah), meaning “to support” or “to refresh.” Masc plural as of a railing as spreading along, balusters,
There is no direct Greek equivalent for Rephidim in the Strong’s Greek Dictionary, as it is a specific Hebrew place name.
Rephidim is a geographical location mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the context of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. It is noted as a place where the Israelites camped and experienced significant events, including a lack of water and a battle. Here where once again the Israelites complained; they had been tested and had failed the test. Instead of trusting the same God who had parted the red/reed sea, they had no faith that He would not leave them to die of thirst. Their first reaction to the situation was to complain and be negative.
This is another lesson for us, that we are to have faith in every situation and not doubt that our Heavenly Father knows our needs even before we do; and He has the solution and provision ready just at the perfect time. He requires us to have faith and faith is supported by our waiting patiently, trusting Him to meet all our needs. Faith is fundamental and aabsolutely necessary to our wilderness journey.
But without faith it is impossibleto please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6.
How do we get that faith?
Faith is produced in the heart we are told in Romans 10:17: “Faith comes from hearing the message, and hearing by the word of God.
Rephidim is traditionally identified as a camp in the wilderness journey of the Israelites. It is significant for its association with two major events:
the miraculous provision of water from the rock
and the battle against the Amalekites.
The Hebrew word for rock is tzur.
Though often translated as rock, it means:
an enormous rock or boulder or even a rock formation made up of boulders.
Ex.1.7:7 The place was named Massah meaning testing and M’rivah/Meribah meaning quarrelling; because of the quarelling of the people of Israel and because they tested Adonai by asking “Is Adonai with us or not”. Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Refidim.
Vs. 8-13 describe the battle with Amalek and Moses arms being held up by Aaron and Hur.
In verse 15 it is recorded that Moses built an altar and called it Adonai Nissi – Adonai is my banner/miracle; one of the many names of God.
War with amalek which is still going on today with their descendants.
Deuteronomy 25: 17 Remember what Amalek did to you on your journey out of Egypt, how they surprised you on the road and cut off all the weak people at your rear, when you were parched and weary [from the journey], and they did not fear [retribution from] God [for hurting you].
The significance of the attack is that the enemy of our souls will always be waiting for us to be in a weakened state. When we are thirsty, hungry, tired, weak and lagging far behind spiritually, then we are most vulnerable to demonic attacks. We are to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Ephesians 6.
When we pull away from the Lord we become gradually separated from Him and fall away/backslide. When we press in to the Lord we are spiritually fed and our thirst is quenched. We are refreshed and revived as at Elim and are ready to go forward, and not be surprised by the sneaky attacks of the enemy. Another point is that when we see our fellow believers struggling, we are to come alongside and encourage them. The stronger are always to help the weaker ones and bear one anothers burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.
The location of Rephidim is often considered to be in the Sinai Peninsula, although its exact historical location remains uncertain.
The events at Rephidim highlight themes of:
divine provision
and protection,
as well as the challenges they faced.
Even with their complaints
the Lord showed them more miracles,
water from a rock
and manna from heaven.
We must remember that as our Father, He loves us unconditionally, even though at times we all need discipline, correction and guidance; Messiah reminded His listeners that God is good…ALL the time. He will always meet our needs but not necessarily our ‘wants’!
Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Matthew 7:9
The journey will continue in Part 3..
Shalom mishpachah/family
and cheverim/friends!
It’s all about Life and Relationship,
NOT Religion.
You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.
NOT SURE?
YOU CAN BE..
SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…
Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.
I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.
Continuing our journey through the wilderness.
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