Lexical Summary Rithmah: Rithmah Original Word: רִתְמָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Rithmah Feminine of rethem; Rithmah, a place in the Desert -- Rithmah. see HEBREW rethem NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ratham Definition a place in the desert NASB Translation Rithmah (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs רִתְמָה proper name, of a location station in wilderness, Numbers 33:18,19; Ραθαμα, ᵐ5L Ραμθα. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences Rithmah appears twice, both in the itinerary of Israel’s wilderness journey (Numbers 33:18, 19). These brief references place the camp between Hazeroth and Rimmon Perez during the second year after the exodus—immediately following the incident of the spies and Israel’s refusal to enter the land (Numbers 14). Numbers 33:18 records, “They set out from Hazeroth and camped at Rithmah,” while Numbers 33:19 adds, “They set out from Rithmah and camped at Rimmon Perez” (Berean Standard Bible). Geographical Setting Ancient sources, including early rabbinic tradition, associate Rithmah with the wilderness of Paran, near Kadesh Barnea. The modern consensus places it in the northeastern sector of the Sinai Peninsula, perhaps around Wadi Retem, where the desert broom shrub (Retama raetam) is plentiful. The surrounding terrain is arid, broken by dry riverbeds and scattered brush—conditions well suited for a nomadic encampment yet inhospitable enough to remind Israel of its dependency on divine provision. Historical Context Numbers 33 provides a divinely ordered travel log, underscoring that every step from Egypt to Canaan was directed by God. Rithmah follows Hazeroth, the site linked to Miriam’s leprosy (Numbers 12), and precedes Rimmon Perez, a place connected to judgment (“perez” meaning “breach”). Thus Rithmah sits within a pivotal section of the narrative marked by rebellion, discipline, and renewed movement. It is likely that Rithmah, or an adjacent stop, corresponds with the return of the spies and the congregation’s subsequent wanderings (Numbers 13–14). Theological and Devotional Insights 1. Divine guidance in transition: Although only named in passing, Rithmah testifies that God charts even the seemingly insignificant legs of life’s journey. Each station—no matter how obscure—lies within His purposeful design. Connections to Other Biblical Themes • Wilderness testing: Like Marah, Rephidim, and Kadesh Barnea, Rithmah contributes to the broader theme of the desert as a proving ground where God shapes His people (Deuteronomy 8:2). Application for Ministry Pastors and teachers can employ Rithmah as a reminder that the Lord’s guidance extends to the unnamed, interim seasons of church life and personal discipleship. When congregations feel stalled between major milestones, the itinerary in Numbers 33, including modest stops like Rithmah, assures them that forward movement continues under God’s sovereign hand. Disciples navigating the aftermath of spiritual failure may draw hope: the same God who led Israel out of Hazeroth will not abandon them before Rimmon Perez. Forms and Transliterations בְּרִתְמָֽה׃ ברתמה׃ מֵרִתְמָ֑ה מרתמה bə·riṯ·māh beritMah bəriṯmāh mê·riṯ·māh meritMah mêriṯmāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 33:18 HEB: מֵחֲצֵרֹ֑ת וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּרִתְמָֽה׃ NAS: from Hazeroth and camped at Rithmah. KJV: from Hazeroth, and pitched in Rithmah. INT: Hazeroth and camped Rithmah Numbers 33:19 2 Occurrences |
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