From Kibroth-hattaavahKibroth-hattaavah, meaning "graves of craving," is significant as the place where the Israelites buried those who craved meat and were struck by a severe plague (
Numbers 11:34). This event highlights the consequences of disobedience and lack of faith in God's provision. The name itself serves as a reminder of the dangers of succumbing to fleshly desires. This location marks a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, emphasizing the importance of reliance on God rather than succumbing to worldly temptations.
the people moved on
The movement of the Israelites signifies a transition in their journey through the wilderness. It reflects God's guidance and the nomadic lifestyle of the Israelites during this period. This movement is part of the larger narrative of the Exodus, where God leads His people towards the Promised Land. It also underscores the theme of obedience to God's direction, as the Israelites follow the cloud by day and the fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22).
to Hazeroth
Hazeroth is the next significant stop in the Israelites' journey. It is here that Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses, leading to Miriam's leprosy (Numbers 12:1-10). This location serves as a backdrop for lessons on leadership, humility, and the consequences of challenging God's chosen leaders. Hazeroth's mention in the journey narrative highlights the ongoing challenges and growth of the Israelite community as they learn to trust and follow God's appointed leaders.
where they remained for some time
The phrase indicates a period of rest and possibly reflection for the Israelites. This pause in their journey allows for the resolution of internal conflicts, such as the incident with Miriam and Aaron. It also provides an opportunity for the community to regroup and prepare for the next stage of their journey. The duration of their stay is not specified, but it suggests a time of preparation and learning, reinforcing the idea that God's timing and purposes are paramount in the journey of faith.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Kibroth-hattaavahThis is the place where the Israelites buried the people who craved other food and where God sent a plague as a consequence of their complaints and disobedience.
2.
HazerothThe next stop for the Israelites after Kibroth-hattaavah. It is a place of rest and reflection, where they stayed for a period before continuing their journey.
3.
The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Their journey is marked by moments of faith and rebellion.
4.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who interceded for the people and guided them according to God's commands.
5.
GodThe central figure in the account, who provides for, disciplines, and guides His people according to His covenant promises.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of DiscontentThe Israelites' journey from Kibroth-hattaavah to Hazeroth serves as a reminder of the consequences of discontent and craving what God has not provided. It challenges us to trust in God's provision and timing.
The Importance of ReflectionThe stay at Hazeroth can be seen as a time for the Israelites to reflect on their actions and God's faithfulness. We, too, need moments of pause to consider our spiritual journey and realign with God's will.
God's Faithfulness Despite Human FailureDespite the Israelites' repeated failures, God remains faithful to His promises. This encourages us to rely on God's unchanging nature and grace.
Leadership and IntercessionMoses' role highlights the importance of godly leadership and intercession. Leaders today are called to guide with wisdom and pray earnestly for those they lead.
Journey of FaithThe physical journey of the Israelites mirrors our spiritual journey. We are called to move forward in faith, learning from past mistakes and trusting in God's guidance.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 11:35?
2.How does Numbers 11:35 illustrate God's guidance during Israel's journey?
3.What lessons can we learn from Israel's movement from Kibroth-hattaavah to Hazeroth?
4.How does Numbers 11:35 connect to God's faithfulness in Exodus 13:21-22?
5.How can we trust God's direction in our personal life journeys today?
6.What does Israel's journey teach about obedience and reliance on God's timing?
7.Why did the Israelites journey from Kibroth-hattaavah to Hazeroth in Numbers 11:35?
8.What is the significance of Kibroth-hattaavah in the context of Numbers 11:35?
9.How does Numbers 11:35 reflect on the Israelites' relationship with God?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 11?
11.The sudden plague in Numbers 11:33-34 seems to contradict the merciful nature of God in other passages; how do we reconcile this apparent inconsistency?
12.Numbers 11:14-15 describes Moses' despair; how consistent is this with the idea of Moses as a faith-driven leader elsewhere in the Torah?
13.If Psalm 95:7-11 portrays God's long-term wrath on an entire generation, how does that reconcile with passages emphasizing God's mercy (e.g., Exodus 34:6)?
14.Who were the believers in the Old Testament?What Does Numbers 11:35 Mean
From Kibroth-hattaavahKibroth-hattaavah means “graves of craving,” the very place where the Lord struck down those who lusted after meat (Numbers 11:33–34). The name itself memorializes both the sin and the judgment, reminding Israel—and us—that unchecked desire can bury a person’s future.Psalm 78:30-31 echoes the moment: “They had not yet satisfied their craving… the anger of God rose against them”. Paul later points to the scene in1 Corinthians 10:6 as a caution to believers. By recording the campsite’s name, Moses underscores God’s literal, historical dealing with sin and the importance of learning from it.
The people moved onThough discipline had just fallen, the cloud still lifted and led the camp forward (Numbers 10:11-13;Exodus 13:21-22). Grace propels, not paralyzes.
• Israel could not linger in regret; God’s agenda required motion.
• Every march reaffirmed that He was still their Guide, just asDeuteronomy 1:31-33 describes Him carrying His people “as a man carries his son”.
The transition invites believers today to leave failure behind and follow the Shepherd’s next step.
To HazerothHazeroth (“enclosures”) becomes the stage for the next heart test—Miriam and Aaron’s challenge to Moses (Numbers 12:1-15). By linking the locations, the narrative shows that victory in one area does not immunize us from fresh trials.Exodus 40:36-38 notes that Israel only pitched where the cloud stopped, highlighting God’s precise oversight.Hebrews 11:13 reminds us that these pilgrims “confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth”; each campsite, including Hazeroth, was a temporary stop on the way home.
Where they remained for some timeThis pause was not wasted. It allowed:
• Physical recovery from the previous plague.
• Spiritual reflection on God’s holiness.
• Preparation for the leadership crisis ofNumbers 12.
Waiting seasons often deepen dependence, asDeuteronomy 8:2-3 recounts—the wilderness “to humble you and to test you”.Psalm 25:5 andIsaiah 40:31 show that those who “wait for the LORD… will renew their strength”. The extended stay thus became a classroom where God shaped character before the next march.
summaryNumbers 11:35 records far more than a travel log. It chronicles a course correction after judgment, affirms God’s unfailing guidance, foreshadows new challenges at Hazeroth, and highlights the formative power of waiting. The verse invites every follower of Christ to bury past cravings, keep in step with God’s leading, embrace the lessons of each stop, and trust Him to transform pauses into preparation.
Verse 35. -
And abode at Hazeroth. Or, "were in Hazeroth." Septuagint,
ἐγένετοὁ λαὸς Ἀσηρώθ. Hazeroth, from
חָצַר, to shut in, means "enclosures;" so named perhaps from some ancient stone enclosures erected by wandering tribes for their herds and flocks. It has been identified with Ain el Hadhera, a fountain eighteen hours northeast of Sinai, but on no satisfactory grounds beyond a partial resemblance of name. Assuming that the march lay in a northerly direction through the desert of Paran, the Israelites would naturally follow the road which leads across the southern mountain barrier of et-Tih, and on by the Wady es-Zulakeh into the desert plateau. On this road there is a large fountain, with pasturage, at a place called el Ain, and another somewhat further at Bit ed-Themmed. One or other of these was probably the site of Hazeroth (cf. Stanley, 'Sinai,' page 84). It is, however, entirely a matter of conjecture, and of little real interest. The progress of Israel which is of unfading importance to us is a moral and religious, and not a geographical, progress.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Fromמִקִּבְר֧וֹת(miq·qiḇ·rō·wṯ)Preposition
Strong's HebrewKibroth-hattaavahהַֽתַּאֲוָ֛ה(hat·ta·’ă·wāh)Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6914:Kibroth-hattaavah -- 'the graves of desire', a place in the desertthe peopleהָעָ֖ם(hā·‘ām)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockmoved onנָסְע֥וּ(nā·sə·‘ū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5265:To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journeyto Hazeroth,חֲצֵר֑וֹת(ḥă·ṣê·rō·wṯ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2698:Hazeroth -- a place in the wildernesswhere they remained for some time.וַיִּהְי֖וּ(way·yih·yū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, be
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OT Law: Numbers 11:35 From Kibrothhattaavah the people traveled to Hazeroth (Nu Num.) 
