Lexical Summary Rimmon Parets: Rimmon Perez Original Word: רִמֹּן פֶרֶץ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Rimmon-parez From rimmown and perets; pomegranate of the breach; Rimmon-Perets, a place in the Desert -- Rimmon-parez. see HEBREW rimmown see HEBREW perets NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom rimmon and perets Definition "pomegranate of the breach," a place in the desert NASB Translation Rimmon-perez (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs רִמֹּן מָּ֑רֶץ proper name, of a location station of Israel in wilderness, Numbers 33:19,20 (P), Ρεμμων, Ραμμων. רִמּוֺנוֺ 1Chron 1 Chronicles 6:22 see IV. רִמּוֺן 3 above רָמוֺת, [רָמוּת] see רום. Topical Lexicon Entry OverviewRimmon-perez appears only twice in Scripture, both times in the itinerary of Israel’s wilderness wanderings (Numbers 33:19-20). Although mentioned briefly, the stop contributes to the inspired record that traces Israel’s journey from Egypt to the borders of Canaan, underscoring the faithfulness of the LORD who led His people “stage by stage” (Numbers 33:2). Biblical Setting After leaving Mount Sinai, the nation followed a long arc through the arid southern regions. Numbers 33 lists each station, including Rithmah, Rimmon-perez, and Libnah. The segment reads: “So they set out from Rithmah and camped at Rimmon-perez. They set out from Rimmon-perez and camped at Libnah.” (Numbers 33:19-20) These terse entries nevertheless reveal three important truths: 1. God’s guidance was continuous. Each departure and arrival took place “at the command of the LORD” (compare Numbers 9:17-23). Geographical Considerations The precise location of Rimmon-perez remains uncertain. Suggestions range from the northeastern edge of the Wilderness of Paran to a site near modern-day Kadesh. The name hints at a landscape where pomegranate trees could survive in sheltered wadis, illustrating the mingling of desert barrenness with occasional pockets of fruitfulness. Historical Significance 1. Wilderness discipline: Rimmon-perez belongs to the nearly thirty-eight years that the first generation spent wandering because of unbelief. Each campsite stands as a silent witness to that divinely appointed discipline. Theological Themes • Fruitfulness in the wilderness Pomegranates, embroidered on the priestly robe (Exodus 28:33-34) and later adorning Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 7:18-20), symbolized life and abundance. Their association with Rimmon-perez reminds believers that God can supply tokens of promised fruit even in desolate places. • Breach and breakthrough The Hebrew root behind “Perez” conveys the idea of breaking forth. In prophetic literature, God Himself “breaks out” on the enemies of His people (Micah 2:13). The juxtaposition of pomegranate and breach intimates the divine ability to open pathways of blessing where none seem possible. Practical and Ministry Applications 1. Record God’s faithfulness. Just as Moses chronicled each stage, modern believers strengthen memory and testimony by noting the Lord’s interventions along life’s road. Typological Insights The wilderness itinerary, culminating in Jordan’s crossing, prefigures the Christian pilgrimage from redemption to inheritance (Hebrews 3-4). Rimmon-perez thus foreshadows moments when the Church pauses, receives provision, and then presses on toward the “better country” (Hebrews 11:16). Conclusion Though occupying merely two verses, Rimmon-perez stands as a meaningful landmark in Israel’s journey—a testament to God’s enduring presence, a hint of fruitfulness in barren surroundings, and a reminder that every step in the believer’s walk is ordered by the LORD who leads His people safely home. Forms and Transliterations פָּ֑רֶץ פָּֽרֶץ׃ פרץ פרץ׃ pā·reṣ pāreṣ ParetzLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 33:19 HEB: וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּרִמֹּ֥ן פָּֽרֶץ׃ NAS: and camped at Rimmon-perez. KJV: and pitched at Rimmonparez. INT: Rithmah and camped Rimmon-perez Numbers 33:20 2 Occurrences |
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