What does the children of Israels’ journey through the wilderness to the promised land have to do with us?

The story of the Israelites’ wandering in the wilderness is one of the most well-known and powerful stories in the Bible. According to Exodus, after being led out of Egypt by Moses, the Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness before finally reaching the Promised Land. But have you ever wondered exactly where they traveled during this time? 

The places where they stopped and the names of those places all had a purpose and a meaning. Our walk/ halakah is our journey along the Way/derek from our exodus /deliverance from the worlds systems and a sinful life; to our entering into the promised land of the heavens and eternal presence of our Heavenly Father.

We too go through places on our journey that have both purpose and meaning, and they affect our walk/halakah as we go along the way/Derek. Our Heavenly Father is pointing out things we need to change, adjust, stop doing and start doing in our lives. Their journey is our journey. Many new believers are told that their troubles are over now they have accepted Messiah as Savior, Lord and King. It is unfortunately a wrong picture and then people get upset and fall away when things do not seem to go well for them. We need to see and understand the reality of what following Christ/Messiah is all about. Studying what happened to the children of Israel will help us to identify many of our own struggles tests and trials; and what we need to know and do to be victorious both in our own shortcomings, and when the enemy attacks us.

All of us will go through a series of experiences in life which are individually designed to test our faith in our Heavenly Fathers provision and protection; and to train us in obedience, humility, perseverance and faithfulness to the commandments of our Lord and Savior Messiah Yeshua/Jesus Christ.

For the children of Israel it was a long 40 years in the wilderness. This was not a quick ‘road trip’. The account of their journey can be found in Bamidbar/Numbers 33:1 – 36:13. There are 42 camping locations listed in these chapters. Some of the locations are given different names, so as not to be as harsh of a reminder of the rebellious incidents that took place there. The children of Israel did enjoy some extended periods of rest in the 42 camping locations.

Numbers 33 lists the 42 geographical markers and 12 stops from Israels starting point of Rameses, to their final encampment at the Yarden/Jordan. Divided into 3 sections the path of the exodus includes 12 stops from Rameses to the Sinai wilderness; vs 5-15. 21 stops from Sinai to Kadesh, vs 16-36; and 9 stops from Kadesh to Mo’av, vs 37-39.

Before the spies returned with an evil report, there were 14 locations and there were 8 locations where they camped after Aarons death in the 40^th year. This leaves only 20 camping locations during the 38 middle years.

This indicates that on average they only travelled from one location to the next about every 2 years and the places where they camped were not cities that can be found today. However the question remains, why did the Lord God have Moses record all the names? They were written to the last generation that came out of Egypt, only Joshua and Caleb lived to enter the promised land. The number of camping locations, 42, is also the number of months in Revelation pointing to times of tribulation. Is this a prophetic message to the final generation alive during the culmination of the ages? Is it written for those who will understand that this is to show them that the Egyptian exodus which followed the first Passsover/Pesach was a type and shadow of the greater exodus to come when the Messiah returns?

Numbers 33:1-4 it began as the children of Israel left Egypt

These are the journeys of the children of Israel.

Verse 2. And Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of the Lord: and these are their journeys according to their goings out.

It is significant that reversal of the words in the same sentence may be pointing to that future exodus; it also expresses these events from both our Heavenly Fathers perspective and from mans perspective.

We tend to look at a journey in terms of it as being physically going to some place, and we usually feel that the quicker we get there the better. Many times we are impatient because it seems to be taking too long, and we would like it much better if the Lord would just take us quickly to where we going.

Our Heavenly Father doesn’t see us going on a journey in terms of simply arriving at a destination, but rather as the process of our maturing through the experience. In all our journeys we learn to trust in Him, we learn to walk according to the still small voice, we learn not to complain, we learn that He will supply our needs, and we learn His Word and His Ways.

This process of learning to live a mature life in Messiah/Christ requires a long time, not because He can’t or won’t bring us there quicker; but because we learn so slowly and His process is according to His precepts in His Word, that of line upon line precept upon precept. Is. 28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 

It is when we are under pressure that our true self is exposed, and it is reflected in the scripture as similar to the refining of silver, when it is heated then all the impurities come to the top for removal. The refiner’s fire is a biblical metaphor for God’s process of purifying and testing His people through trials and challenges. Malachi 3:2-4; Is 48:10; 1Peter 1:7; Prov 17:3.

This refining is what is required for us to see and deal with the flaws in our character and is the reason we have trials in our lives, they are for our ultimate good, for a hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

An expected end; rather, a future and a hope;

Because there are so many places, and to see what we can learn from them, this study will be divided into several posts. There are many teachings on wilderness experiences and we often wonder what that means, and why we must go through this desert wilderness season if Messiah did it all for us. There are always two positions to every relationship, our Heavenly Father, His Messiah and Holy Spirit have already done their part for us; now we are to do ours and walk in the way that has been provided by following His lead… Let’s begin our journey…

They left Egypt מִצְרַ֖יִם misrayim.

Strongs #4714

In terms of scriptural symbolism, Egypt is a type of the world and the worlds systems of government and cultures. Here the Hebrew children of Israel were slaves to that system, they were in bondage and had no freedom to live their own lives on their own terms. Many of the corrupt worlds systems today keep their citizens in a life of bondage under laws, rules and regulations.

1John 5:9 19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. The Bible declares Satan as the prince of this world three times, indicating his influence and opposition to God. “ruler of this world” in John 12:31

Although some lists begin with Sukkot, the first place mentioned as part of their exodus is Rameses or Raamses. It refers to a city in ancient Egypt that is mentioned in the context of the Israelites’ enslavement and subsequent exodus. It is one of the store cities built by the Israelites during their bondage in Egypt.

Strongs # 7486 מֵֽרַעְמְסֵס֙ mê·ra‘·mə·sês

Original Word: רַעְמְסֵס
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Raamses or Rameses
Pronunciation: rah-am-SEHS
Phonetic Spelling: (rah-mes-ace’)

Derived from Egyptian origins, likely from the name of the Pharaohs, particularly Rameses II. Cultural and Historical Background: Raamses is historically significant as it is associated with the period of Israelite slavery in Egypt. The city is believed to have been a major urban center during the New Kingdom period of Egypt, particularly under the reign of Pharaoh Rameses II. It served as a storage city, which aligns with the biblical narrative of the Israelites being forced into labor to build such cities for the Egyptians.

They left Egypt, however there were several places before they reached the red sea the first recorded place in verse 5-6 they arrived in sukkot בְּסֻכֹּֽת

Strongs # 5523 Sukkoth: Sukkoth

Original Word: סֻכּוֹת
Part of Speech: Noun
Transliteration: Sukkoth
Pronunciation: Sook-koth
Phonetic Spelling: (sook-kohth’)

Word Origin: Derived from the Hebrew root סֻכָּה (sukkah), meaning “booth” or “temporary shelter.”

Sukkoth refers to a location mentioned in the Bible, specifically a place of encampment for the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. It is also the name of a city east of the Jordan River, in the territory of Gad, known for its connection to the account of Gideon.

Cultural and Historical Background: The term “Sukkoth” is closely related to the Hebrew festival of Sukkot, which commemorates the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness and their reliance on God’s provision. The festival involves dwelling for a week in temporary shelters, or booths, as a reminder of the transient nature of life and God’s protection. Historically, Sukkoth as a location served as a significant waypoint during the Israelites’ exodus and later as a city in the tribal allotment of Gad. It is significant that it was the first place they camped as it is still celebrated today remembering the promise was partially fulfilled when Yeshua came and dwelt with His people for a short time and left His Holy Spirit with us until the appointed time of future fulfillment when the Lord will sukkot/ dwell with His people forever. In our journey we are to remember His promise that He is with us always and from the very genesis of our new life in Him the covenant is in effect and He will never break either His covenant or His promises.

Then they moved on to Etham.

Strongs # 864

Verse 6 went 3 days in the wilderness of Etham

Ex. 13:20. So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness. 21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.

Etham  בְאֵתָ֔ם ’ê·ṯām,

Original Word: אֵתָם
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Etham
Pronunciation: ay-THAM
Phonetic Spelling: (ay-thawm’)
Definition: Etham
Meaning: Etham

Derived from the Hebrew root אֵת (eth), meaning “with” or “near.”

 Etham is traditionally understood to be located near the edge of the wilderness, possibly in the north eastern part of the Sinai Peninsula. The exact location is not definitively known, but it is considered to be a significant waypoint in the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The mention of Etham highlights the transitional phase of the Israelites moving from the known world of Egypt into the unknown wilderness, relying on God’s guidance. This is a step of faith walking forward into the unknown the transition for us from the way of the world from what was familiar and all we had known prior to being born again from above and leaving everything we were confident in behind. This is where we are to learn to trust in our Heavenly Fathers faithfulness because He already knows our needs and will supply them according to His riches in glory through Messiah.

Your Father knows what you need even before you ask.

Matthew 6:8.

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.

They turned back noted in 33:7.

and in Exodus 14:1-3

“Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon; you shall camp before it by the sea. For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, ‘They are bewildered by the land; the wilderness has closed them in.’

Numbers 33:7-8 They moved from Etham and turned back to Pi Hahiroth, which is east of Baal Zephon; and they camped near Migdol.

They departed from before Hahiroth and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, went three days’ journey in the Wilderness of Etham, and camped at Marah.

First was pihahiroth

Strongs#6367 הַחִירֹ֔ת פִּ֣י

Pi Hachiroth: Pi Hachiroth

Original Word: פִּי הַחִירֹת
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Pi Hachiroth
Pronunciation: pee hah-khee-roth
Phonetic Spelling: (pee hah-khee-roth’)
Definition: Pi Hachiroth
Meaning: Pi-ha-Chiroth meaning mouth of the gorges.

Derived from Hebrew words:

פֶּה  peh, meaning “mouth” or “opening”

and

חִירֹת  chiroth, possibly related to “gorges” or “canals”

There is no direct Greek equivalent for Pi Hachiroth in the Strong’s Greek Dictionary, as it is a specific Hebrew place name. However, related concepts of “crossing” or “passage” might be linked to Greek terms used in the New Testament for similar events or ideas.

Pi Hachiroth is a geographical location mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the context of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. The name is often interpreted to mean “mouth of the gorges” or “opening of the canals,” suggesting a place near water or narrow passages.

Pi Hachiroth is significant in the biblical narrative as one of the last encampments of the Israelites before they crossed the Red Sea. It is described as being located between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon. The exact location of Pi Hachiroth is uncertain, but it is traditionally thought to be in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula, near the Gulf of Suez. This area was part of the route taken by the Israelites during their escape from Egyptian bondage, a pivotal event in Jewish history.

The meaning of a mouth or opening in the gorge or narrow passage is significant to believers today, in that our Heavenly Father will always make a way where there seems to be no way forward. Isaiah 43:19 – He will make a way where there is no way. ‘ Again it is written so He will watch over His Word to perform it. When we have to go through hard times and when circumstances are pressing in on us like walls, there is hope ahead, an opening full of light. Proverbs 4:18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

We know that God is light and Yeshua/Jesus said He is the light of the world; and most importantly the narrow passage, or Way, is the Way of Messiah and the Way of the righteous. Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” Matthew 7:13-14

Baal Tsephon צְפ֑וֹן bah’al tsefone. Baal Zephon

Baalzephon from Strongs #1168 and #6828

baalzephon צְפ֑וֹן

Baal Tsephon: Baal Zephon

Original Word: בַּעַל צְפֹן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Baal Tsephon
Pronunciation: bah’-al tseh-fone’
Phonetic Spelling: (bah’-al tsef-one’)
Definition: Baal Zephon
Meaning: Baal-Tsephon

Derived from בַּעַל (Baal, meaning “lord” or “master”) and צָפוֹן (Tsephon, meaning “north” or “hidden”)“Baal-Zephon literally means “Lord of the North,” pointing to the Ugaritic storm god Hadad, often called Baal in Ugaritic texts and the Bible. (Baal = lord + zephon = north.)

The name Zephon derives from Mount Zephon, or Jebel el-Aqra, which is 25 miles (40 km) north of Ugarit on the coastal border of present-day Syria and Turkey. The mountain Baal-Zephon is where Baal supposedly led the pantheon of Canaanite gods, and it came to signify the direction north for the Israelites (see Isa 14:13; Gen 13:14; Deut 3:27). Baal-Zephon was worshiped in Egypt at the cities of Memphis, Ras Qasrun, and Tahpanhes, likely due to Phoenician influence. Eissfeldt has shown that Baal-Zephon and the Graeco-Roman Zeus Casios are the same, and the Graeco-Roman deity came to be identified with the Canaanite one.” (LBD, Baal-Zephon)

The god Baal-zephon is mentioned in Ugaritic, Egyptian, and Phoenician writings as a sea and storm god.” (Tyndale Bible dictionary). It was later adopted as one of the deities in freemasonry.

 There is no direct Greek equivalent for Baal Tsephon in the Strong’s Greek Dictionary, as it is a specific Hebrew place name.

Baal Tsephon refers to a location named after a deity, Baal, associated with the north or hidden places. In the biblical context, it is a geographical site near the Red Sea where the Israelites camped during the Exodus. The name Zephon derives from Mount Zephon. Baal-zephon is located at Mt. Tiran, which is 501 meters high. Mt. Tiran is located on Tiran Island, Saudi Arabia. Baal-zephon was a clearly visible marker across the Red Sea. The language of the Bible indicates it was on the opposite shore of the Red Sea: “camp in front of Baal-zephon, opposite it”. (Ex 14:2)

 Baal Tsephon was likely named after a Canaanite or Egyptian deity, reflecting the syncretism prevalent in the ancient Near East. Baal was a common name for gods in the region, often associated with weather, fertility, and maritime activities. . Baal was also seen as a divine king, a warrior god. Also in the sense of cold, form of typhon the destroyer, baal of winter.

The location of Baal Tsephon was strategically significant, as it was near the Red Sea, serving as a landmark during the Israelites’ escape from Egypt. This was the place where the people of Israel appeared trapped and where they encamped before crossing the sea (Exod 14:2).

Scripture says that Israel came to a dead end at Etham, then God told them to turn back and retrace their steps and camp directly beside the “Migdol” in order for pharaoh to say, “Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Tell the sons of Israel to turn back and camp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea; you shall camp in front of Baal-zephon, opposite it, by the sea. “For Pharaoh will say of the sons of Israel, ‘They are wandering aimlessly in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.’ “Thus I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.” And they did so.” Exodus 14:1-4

The significance for us, is that when we are saved and brought out of the world, where we were dead in our sins, now we are raised in newness of life in Christ/Messiah. Col. 2:13-15 13. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Rom. 6:4.

Ex. 33:6-8 They departed from Succoth and camped at Etham, which is on the edge of the wilderness. They moved from Etham and turned back to Pi Hahiroth, which is east of Baal Zephon; and they camped near Migdol.

8 And they departed from before Pihahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah.

8-10 after this the Lord parted the red sea.

Verse 15-17 But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.

Their travels led to the Red Sea/Reed Sea and their passing through the waters was symbolic of baptism. A cutting off from the old bondages and entering the new freedom.

Next was Migdol מִגְדֹּֽל 4024

towers a place in Egypt

Migdol: Migdol

Original Word: מִגְדּוֹל
Part of Speech: noun masculine; proper name
Transliteration: Migdol
Pronunciation: MIG-dohl
Phonetic Spelling: (mig-dole’)

Derived from the Hebrew root גָּדַל (gādal), meaning “to grow” or “to become great.”

There is no direct Greek equivalent for Migdol in the Strong’s Greek Dictionary, as it is a proper name specific to a location in the Hebrew Bible.

Migdol is a term used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to a location, often translated as “tower” or “fortress.” It is used to denote a specific place in Egypt near the Red Sea, which played a significant role during the Exodus narrative.

Migdol was a strategic location in ancient Egypt, likely serving as a military outpost or watchtower. Its mention in the context of the Exodus suggests it was a landmark near the route taken by the Israelites as they fled from Pharaoh’s army. The name itself implies a place of strength and defense, fitting for a border location that would have been important for monitoring and controlling movement in and out of Egypt.

Being in the presence of the Lord is for us a place of strength and defense, Proverbs 18:10. This verse from the book of Proverbs states that the righteous can find safety and protection in the name of the LORD, which is also a strong tower. It compares the name of the Lord to a fortified tower that protects the righteous. 

Ps. 62 :2 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.

Ps. 94:22 But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.

He is our Migdol, and His presence goes with us at all times when we stay close to Him and allow His Holy Spirit to lead and guide us, we are literally walking with Him.

The scriptures continue telling us:

Numbers 33:7-9

They moved from Etham and turned back to Pi Hahiroth, which is east of Baal Zephon; and they camped near Migdol. They departed from before Hahiroth and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, went three days’ journey in the Wilderness of Etham, and camped at Marah.

…and pitched in Marah

Strongs #4785

Marah means: bitter, unpleasant, disobey, rebel, place in the desert.

Marah: To be rebellious, to be disobedient, to resist

Original Word: מָרָה
Part of Speech: Proper Name Feminine
Transliteration: Marah
Pronunciation: mah-RAH
Phonetic Spelling: (maw-raw’)
Definition: To be rebellious, to be disobedient, to resist

 G544 (Apeitheo): To disobey, to be unbelieving

Also: G506 (Anupotaktos): Disobedient, unruly

 The Hebrew verb “Marah” primarily conveys the idea of rebellion or disobedience, often in the context of defying authority or divine command. It is used to describe actions that are contrary to the will or instructions of God, indicating a deliberate choice to resist or oppose.

 In the ancient Near Eastern context, obedience to authority, especially divine authority, was a fundamental aspect of societal and religious life. Rebellion against God was seen as a serious offense, often leading to consequences for individuals or communities. The concept of rebellion is deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience was expected as a response to God’s covenantal promises and blessings.

We can become Marah when in our rebellion, disobedience and stubbornness, we decide to take matters into our own hands thinking we can resolve issues and do it better than the Lord can, and we are too impatient to wait on Him. We can also become marah, bitter, when things don’t work out as we want them and we blame others and become bitter and resentful and resist His instructions directions and correction.

The account in Exodus 15:23-26 is very significant because it is where the Hebrews began to complain and murmur against Moses when the water at Marah was bitter and they had nothing to drink. Here the Lord tested them and made a promise that if they would listen to His voice and be obedient then He would not bring on them any of the diseases that came on the Egyptians/the world, because He is the Lord our Healer.

23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.) 24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” 25 And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them, 26 saying, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and pay attention to His mitzvoth/commands, and keep all His statutes, then I will not bring on you any of the diseases I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”

589 [e]
’ă·nî
אֲנִ֥י
I
Pro‑1cs

3068 [e]
Yah·weh
יְהוָ֖ה
[am] Yahweh

7495 [e]
rō·p̄ə·’e·ḵā.
רֹפְאֶֽךָ׃
who heals you

רֹפְאֶֽךָ

7495 rapha: To heal, to cure, to restore

become fresh (3), completely healed (1), heal (24), healed (22), healer (1), healing (2), heals (3), physician (1), physicians (4), purified (2), reappeared (1), repaired (2), take care (1).

Original Word: רָפָא
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: rapha
Pronunciation: rah-fah’
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-faw’)
Definition: To heal, to cure, to restore
Meaning: to mend, to cure

This is a promise that we are to appropriate today…. He is the Lord our Healer. Jehovah-Rapha (more properly Yahweh-Rapha) means The Lord Who Heals.

Jehovah, which is derived from the Hebrew word Havah.

YHWH YEHOVEH: Behold, I will bring to it health and healing [u’ma’rapeh], and I will heal [u’rapha’tim] them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth.

Isaiah prophesied in Is 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

And the fulfillment was declared in 1Peter 2:24 who his own self bare our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed.

When we walk in faithful obedience, keeping His commandments without bitterness, and not murmuring and complaining; these promises of healing, restoration and protection against diseases that afflict those in the world without Messiah are for us. We have to claim them for ourselves making the word of God personal to us; believing that He watches over His Word to accomplish what He sends it to do. In Jeremiah 1:12, the prophet tells us that the Lord promised to watch “over [His] word to perform it.” It will not return to Him void.

Obedience is the key to all of our Heavenly Fathers’ promises and if we love Him, we will be those obedient servants.

Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. Luke 12:37.

John 14:15 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments

It’s all about who and what we love the most!

Next stop was

מֵאֵילִ֑ם

Elim: Elim 362

Original Word: אֵילִם
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Elim
Pronunciation: AY-leem
Phonetic Spelling: (ay-leem’)
Definition: Elim
Meaning: Elim

Derived from the Hebrew root אֵל (El), meaning “mighty” or “strong,” often used in reference to God or strength. Plural of strength in any form ( man oak tree etc)

 While there is no direct Greek equivalent for Elim, the concept of an oasis or place of rest can be related to Greek terms like ἀνάπαυσις (anapausis, G372) meaning “rest” or “refreshment.”

Elim is a place name in the Hebrew Bible, specifically mentioned as a location where the Israelites camped during their exodus from Egypt. It is noted for its abundance of water and palm trees, providing a place of rest and refreshment for the Israelites after their journey through the desert.

In the context of the Exodus narrative, Elim represents a significant stop for the Israelites as they traveled from the Red Sea towards Mount Sinai.

The presence of twelve springs and seventy palm trees at Elim (Exodus 15:27) symbolizes divine provision and abundance of both food and life-giving water, contrasting with the harsh conditions of the surrounding wilderness. This oasis would have been a crucial respite for the weary travelers, offering both physical sustenance and a reminder of God’s care and provision always in the perfect time. It is significant of the life-giving water God provides in dry places (see Isaiah 41:17-18; Isaiah 35:6-7; Revelation 22:1-2). It signifies the spiritual cleansing and regeneration found in Christ.

It was an oasis with plenty of water – 12 springs and 70 palm trees indicate a well-watered location a picture of refreshment and blessing.

The 12 springs may symbolize the 12 tribes of Israel being refreshed and sustained after a long journey through the desert.

The 70 palm trees provided shade and dates as a food source for the Israelites. The palm trees at Elim are reminiscent of palm branches as a symbol of celebration, victory, and salvation in the Bible (see John 12:13, Revelation 7:9).They represent beauty, fruitfulness, glory, and victory (see Psalm 92:12; John 12:13).  They may also refer to the 70 elders and are also a picture of God bringing His people into a place of rejoicing and rest.

Elim provided a place of physical rest and refreshment for the Israelites after traveling from the Red Sea to Marah (where the water was bitter) and then to Elim. God guides His people to places of rest and renewal. (see Exodus 23:12; Psalm 23:2; Matthew 11:28-30).

There are many local churches that have adopted the name of Elim for their assembly. The picture of a place of refreshment is significant when we think of Gods provision just when we need it.

That times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring 

Acts 3:20-21; Jer. 31:25; Is. 28:12.

What Peter conceives is that if Israel turns to God in the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ/Yeshua haMashiach, then there will come at once those times of refreshing, those blessed days of righteousness, 

They traveled from Elim, and encamped by the Red Sea.

Our journey continues next post.

We are all somewhere on the way, the path, the road; walking through the wilderness on our journey. We may recognize the place they camped from the Israelites travels ..however one thing we must remember they moved on as soon as the Lord instructed them. We may camp for awhile here and there, but we are not to make our permanent home anywhere on this earth. Why? Because we are simply passing through and must learn all we can along His Way.

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.