Numbers 33:3
On the fifteenth day of the first month, on the day after the Passover, the Israelites set out from Rameses. They marched out defiantly in full view of all the Egyptians,
On the fifteenth day
This phrase marks a specific time in the Hebrew calendar, the 15th day of the first month, which is Nisan. This day is significant as it marks the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, following the Passover. The Hebrew calendar is lunar-based, and this timing is crucial in understanding the rhythm of Israel's religious life. The fifteenth day is a day of celebration and remembrance, a time when the Israelites were to reflect on God's deliverance from Egypt. It is a reminder of God's perfect timing and His sovereignty over the events of history.

of the first month
The first month, known as Nisan or Abib, is a time of new beginnings in the Hebrew calendar. It is a month that signifies spring and renewal, aligning with the theme of liberation and new life that Passover represents. Theologically, it points to the idea of redemption and the start of a new covenant relationship with God. This month sets the stage for the Israelites' journey and their identity as a people set apart for God's purposes.

the Israelites set out
This phrase indicates a decisive action taken by the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "set out" (נָסַע, nasa) conveys the idea of pulling up tent pegs, symbolizing a readiness to move and a willingness to follow God's leading. It reflects the obedience and faith required to leave behind the familiar and step into the unknown. This movement is not just physical but spiritual, as the Israelites transition from slavery to freedom, from Egypt to the Promised Land.

from Rameses
Rameses, or Raamses, was a city in the land of Goshen, where the Israelites lived during their time in Egypt. It was a place of both provision and oppression, as they were sustained yet enslaved there. Archaeologically, Rameses is associated with the store cities built by the Israelites under Pharaoh's harsh rule. Leaving Rameses symbolizes breaking free from bondage and the beginning of a journey toward God's promises.

on the day after the Passover
This phrase highlights the immediacy of the Israelites' departure following the Passover. The Passover was a pivotal event, marking God's deliverance and protection as the angel of death passed over the homes marked with the blood of the lamb. The day after Passover signifies a new chapter, where the Israelites move from the safety of their homes into the wilderness, trusting in God's continued guidance and provision. It underscores the theme of salvation and the call to walk in faith.

They marched out
The term "marched out" suggests an organized, purposeful movement. It conveys a sense of unity and determination among the Israelites as they leave Egypt. The Hebrew word used here can imply a military-like procession, indicating that the Israelites were not fleeing in chaos but were leaving with dignity and order, as a people under God's command. This reflects their transformation from a group of slaves to a nation under God's leadership.

with boldness
Boldness here is a testament to the Israelites' newfound confidence in God's promises and protection. The Hebrew root (יָד רָמָה, yad ramah) can be translated as "with a high hand," suggesting triumph and victory. This boldness is not of their own making but is rooted in their trust in God's deliverance. It serves as an inspiration for believers to live courageously, knowing that God goes before them and fights their battles.

in the sight of all the Egyptians
This phrase emphasizes the public nature of the Israelites' departure. It was a visible demonstration of God's power and faithfulness, witnessed by their former oppressors. The Egyptians, who had once held the Israelites in bondage, now saw them leaving victoriously. This act served as a testimony to God's sovereignty and a fulfillment of His promise to Abraham. It reminds believers that God's deliverance is often a witness to the world of His glory and might.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Rameses
A city in Egypt from which the Israelites began their exodus. It was a significant location as it marked the starting point of their journey to the Promised Land.

2. The Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, who were enslaved in Egypt and were led out by Moses under God's command. Their departure from Egypt is a pivotal event in their history.

3. The Passover
A Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It involved the sacrifice of a lamb and the marking of doorposts with its blood, symbolizing God's protection.

4. The Egyptians
The people of Egypt who held the Israelites in bondage. Their witnessing of the Israelites' departure signifies God's power and fulfillment of His promise to deliver His people.

5. The Exodus
The mass departure of the Israelites from Egypt, marking the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land. It is a foundational event in Jewish and Christian history.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness
The departure from Rameses demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Just as He delivered the Israelites, He is faithful to deliver us from our own "Egypts" or places of bondage.

The Significance of Obedience
The Israelites' obedience in observing the Passover was crucial for their deliverance. Our obedience to God's commands is essential for experiencing His blessings and protection.

Triumphant Living
The Israelites left Egypt "triumphantly," which signifies victory and freedom. As believers, we are called to live triumphantly in Christ, overcoming sin and walking in the freedom He provides.

Public Witness
The departure was witnessed by the Egyptians, serving as a testimony to God's power. Our lives should be a public witness to God's work in us, drawing others to Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the departure from Rameses symbolize God's deliverance in your own life?

2. In what ways can the observance of the Passover be seen as a precursor to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

3. How can we apply the concept of "triumphant living" in our daily walk with Christ?

4. What are some areas in your life where you need to exercise obedience to experience God's deliverance?

5. How can your life serve as a public witness to God's power and faithfulness to those around you?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 12
Provides the detailed account of the Passover and the instructions given to the Israelites, highlighting the significance of their deliverance.

Deuteronomy 16
Discusses the observance of the Passover, reinforcing its importance as a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance.

Hebrews 11
Reflects on the faith of Moses and the Israelites, emphasizing their trust in God's promises during the Exodus.

1 Corinthians 5
Paul refers to Christ as our Passover lamb, drawing a parallel between the deliverance from Egypt and salvation through Jesus.
The Journeyings of the IsraelitesD. Young Numbers 33:1-49
People
Aaron, Abel, Arad, Egyptians, Gad, Geber, Israelites, Moses, Perez, Tahath, Terah, Zephon
Places
0, Abarim, Abel-shittim, Abronah, Almon-diblathaim, Alush, Arad, Baal-zephon, Bene-jaakan, Beth-jeshimoth, Canaan, Dibon-gad, Dophkah, Edom, Egypt, Elim, Etham, Ezion-geber, Hahiroth, Haradah, Hashmonah, Hazeroth, Hor-haggidgad, Iye-abarim, Iyim, Jericho, Jordan River, Jotbathah, Kadesh-barnea, Kehelathah, Kibroth-hattaavah, Libnah, Makheloth, Marah, Migdol, Mithkah, Moab, Moseroth, Mount Hor, Mount Shepher, Nebo, Negev, Oboth, Pi-hahiroth, Punon, Rameses, Red Sea, Rephidim, Rimmon-perez, Rissah, Rithmah, Sinai, Succoth, Tahath, Terah, Zalmonah, Zin
Topics
Boldly, Departed, Egyptians, Fifteenth, Full, Journey, Journeyed, Marched, Month, Morrow, Passover, Power, Rameses, Ram'eses, Sight, Sons, Started, Traveled, Triumphantly, View
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 33:3

     8202   boldness

Numbers 33:3-48

     7222   exodus, events of

Library
Some Miscellaneous Matters Belonging to the Country About Jericho.
Let us begin from the last encampings of Israel beyond Jordan. Numbers 33:49: "They encamped near Jordan from Beth-jeshimoth unto Abel-shittim."--"From Beth-jeshimoth to Abel-shittim were twelve miles." It is a most received opinion among the Jews, that the tents of the Israelites in the wilderness contained a square of twelve miles. So the Targum of Jonathan, upon Number 2:2; "The encamping of Israel was twelve miles in length, and twelve miles in breadth." And the Gemarists say, "It is forbidden
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Arbel. Shezor. Tarnegola the Upper.
"Arbel a city of Galilee."--There is mention of it in Hosea 10:14. But there are authors which do very differently interpret that place, viz. the Chaldee paraphrast, R. Solomon, Kimchi: consult them. It was between Zippor and Tiberias. Hence Nittai the Arbelite, who was president with Josua Ben Perahiah. The valley of Arbel is mentioned by the Talmudists. So also "The Arbelite Bushel." "Near Zephath in Upper Galilee was a town named Shezor, whence was R. Simeon Shezori: there he was buried. There
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Christ the Water of Life.
"Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life" (John iv. 13, 14). "Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink" (John vii. 37). "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters,
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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