They set out from ElimElim was an oasis in the desert, notable for its twelve springs and seventy palm trees, providing a place of rest and refreshment for the Israelites after their departure from Egypt. This location symbolizes God's provision and care for His people during their journey. The number twelve often represents the tribes of Israel, while seventy can symbolize completeness or the nations of the world, suggesting a foreshadowing of God's plan for all nations. Elim's mention highlights the transition from a place of abundance to the challenges of the wilderness, reflecting the spiritual journey of reliance on God.
and camped by the Red Sea
The Red Sea, or Yam Suph in Hebrew, is significant as the site of the miraculous crossing where God delivered the Israelites from the pursuing Egyptian army. This event is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, symbolizing salvation and deliverance. The Red Sea crossing is often seen as a type of baptism, representing the believer's passage from slavery to sin into new life in Christ. The location of this encampment underscores the ongoing journey of faith and trust in God's guidance. The Red Sea also serves as a reminder of God's power and faithfulness, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
ElimA location where the Israelites camped during their exodus from Egypt. It was known for its twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, providing a place of rest and refreshment for the Israelites after their journey through the desert.
2.
The Red SeaA significant body of water that the Israelites crossed during their exodus from Egypt. It represents a place of deliverance and divine intervention, as God parted the waters to allow the Israelites to escape from Pharaoh's army.
3.
The IsraelitesThe people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were journeying to the Promised Land. Their journey is marked by various stages of travel and encampment, reflecting their dependence on God's guidance and provision.
4.
The ExodusThe event of the Israelites' departure from Egypt, symbolizing God's deliverance and faithfulness. It is a foundational account in the history of Israel and a testament to God's power and covenant with His people.
5.
MosesThe leader chosen by God to guide the Israelites out of Egypt. He played a crucial role in communicating God's instructions and leading the people through the wilderness.
Teaching Points
God's Provision and RestElim represents a place of rest and refreshment provided by God. In our spiritual journey, we must recognize and appreciate the times of rest and provision that God grants us.
Trust in God's GuidanceThe Israelites' journey from Elim to the Red Sea illustrates the importance of trusting God's guidance, even when the path seems uncertain. We are called to follow God's leading, trusting in His plan and timing.
Remembering God's DeliveranceThe encampment by the Red Sea serves as a reminder of God's past deliverance. Reflecting on God's faithfulness in our lives strengthens our faith and encourages us to trust Him in present and future challenges.
The Journey of FaithThe Israelites' journey is a metaphor for our spiritual journey. It involves stages of growth, challenges, and divine encounters. We are encouraged to persevere in faith, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 33:10?
2.How does Numbers 33:10 illustrate God's guidance during Israel's journey?
3.What lessons can we learn from Israel's encampment at Elim?
4.How does Numbers 33:10 connect to God's provision in Exodus 15:27?
5.How can we apply the concept of rest from Numbers 33:10 in our lives?
6.What does Numbers 33:10 teach about trusting God's timing and direction?
7.What is the significance of Numbers 33:10 in the Israelites' journey?
8.How does Numbers 33:10 reflect God's guidance in the Israelites' travels?
9.Why is the location in Numbers 33:10 important in biblical history?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 33?
11.What is Elim's significance in the Bible?
12.How can Deut. 34:10 claim no prophet like Moses ever arose when other prophets performed significant miracles too?
13.Psalm 33:13-15 teaches God observes everyone on earth; what evidence supports the idea that God actively watches and guides human affairs?
14.What similarities exist between Moses and Jesus?What Does Numbers 33:10 Mean
They set out- The phrase underscores active obedience. Israel did not drift; they moved because “the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud … and in a pillar of fire” (Exodus 13:21–22).
- Each departure inNumbers 33 is a literal, historical step, recording God’s faithful guidance (Psalm 78:52).
- Movement reminds us that the walk of faith is not static; believers keep stepping forward at God’s command (Hebrews 11:8–9).
from Elim- Elim was a gracious pause: “There were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees” (Exodus 15:27).
- God’s provision there was tangible refreshment after the bitterness of Marah (Numbers 33:9;Exodus 15:23–24).
- Leaving Elim shows that comfort is never an end in itself; God refreshes so His people can continue (Deuteronomy 8:15–16).
- The precise record—real springs, real palms—confirms Scripture’s reliability in historical details.
and camped- Camping marks an intentional, orderly halt, not aimless wandering.Numbers 2:1–2 describes how each tribe took a designated place whenever the camp stopped.
- The stop/start rhythm trained Israel to rest when God rested them and move when God moved them (Numbers 9:17–23).
- For believers, every pause can be purposeful: evaluation, worship, and readiness for the next step (Psalm 46:10).
by the Red Sea- Returning to the shoreline where God split the waters (Exodus 14:21–31) kept the miracle fresh. The sea was no longer a barrier but a memorial of deliverance (Psalm 106:9–10).
- Numbers adds this campsite that Exodus omits, showing God’s care in recording every stage (Joshua 4:6–7). Nothing in the journey is forgotten.
- Being “by the Red Sea” also placed Israel between past salvation and future testing in the Wilderness of Sin (Numbers 33:11).
• Past: a vivid reminder that the same Lord who conquered Egypt still led them.
• Future: confidence for the forthcoming challenges of hunger (Exodus 16:2–3) and battle (Exodus 17:8–13).
- The shoreline campsite teaches believers to revisit God’s past acts to fuel present trust (2 Peter 1:13–15).
summaryNumbers 33:10 records a literal, geographical move: God’s people left the oasis of Elim, obeyed His leading, paused by the very sea that once blocked them, and prepared for the wilderness ahead. Each clause highlights obedience, provision, purposeful rest, and the power of remembered redemption—encouraging us to follow the same faithful God with confidence at every stage of our own journey.
Verse 10. -
Encamped by the Red Sea. This encampment, like those at Dophkah and at Alush (verse 13), is not mentioned in the narrative of Exodus. The phraseology, however, used in
Exodus 16:1;
Exodus 17:1 leaves abundant room for intermediate halting-places, at which it is to be presumed that nothing very noteworthy happened Nothing whatever is known of these three stations.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
They set outוַיִּסְע֖וּ(way·yis·‘ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5265:To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journeyfrom Elimמֵאֵילִ֑ם(mê·’ê·lim)Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 362:Elim -- 'terebinths', a place in the desertand campedוַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ(way·ya·ḥă·nū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2583:To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encampbyעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe Redסֽוּף׃(sūp̄)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5488:A reed, the papyrusSea.יַם־(yam-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3220:A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin
Links
Numbers 33:10 NIVNumbers 33:10 NLTNumbers 33:10 ESVNumbers 33:10 NASBNumbers 33:10 KJV
Numbers 33:10 BibleApps.comNumbers 33:10 Biblia ParalelaNumbers 33:10 Chinese BibleNumbers 33:10 French BibleNumbers 33:10 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Numbers 33:10 They traveled from Elim and encamped (Nu Num.) 
