Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Kehela'thah" is derived from the Hebrew root "קהל" (qahal), which means "assembly" or "congregation." The suffix "-thah" may imply a place or location, suggesting that Kehela'thah could be understood as "place of assembly" or "gathering place."

Biblical References:
Kehela'thah is mentioned in the context of the Israelites' wilderness journey after their exodus from Egypt. It is listed as one of the many encampments during their 40-year sojourn in the desert. The specific reference to Kehela'thah is found in the Book of Numbers:

· Numbers 33:22-23 : "They set out from Rissah and camped at Kehelathah. They set out from Kehelathah and camped at Mount Shepher."

This passage is part of a larger itinerary that details the stages of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, as recorded by Moses.

Historical and Geographical Context:
The exact location of Kehela'thah is not definitively known today, as is the case with many of the encampments mentioned in the wilderness itinerary. The list in Numbers 33 serves as a historical record of the Israelites' travels and is significant for understanding the scope and nature of their journey. The sequence of encampments, including Kehela'thah, reflects the nomadic lifestyle of the Israelites during this period and their reliance on God's guidance through the wilderness.

Theological Significance:
Kehela'thah, like other encampments, represents a stage in the Israelites' journey of faith and obedience. Each location in the wilderness narrative holds theological importance, illustrating the challenges and divine provisions experienced by the Israelites. The journey from Egypt to Canaan is symbolic of the spiritual journey of believers, emphasizing themes of trust, perseverance, and reliance on God's promises.

The mention of Kehela'thah in the biblical text underscores the meticulous care with which God led His people, providing for their needs and guiding them through the desert. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of community and assembly in the life of His people.

Related Themes and Concepts:
· Wilderness Journey: The broader narrative of the Israelites' wilderness journey is a central theme in the Pentateuch, highlighting God's covenant relationship with His people and their preparation to enter the Promised Land.
· Divine Guidance: The encampments, including Kehela'thah, reflect the divine guidance provided by God through the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22).
· Community and Assembly: The concept of assembly is significant in the life of Israel, both in their physical gatherings and in their spiritual identity as God's chosen people.

Cross-References:
· Exodus 13:21-22 : "And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night."
· Numbers 10:11-12 : "On the twentieth day of the second month of the second year, the cloud lifted from above the Tabernacle of the Testimony, and the Israelites set out from the Wilderness of Sinai, traveling from place to place until the cloud came to rest in the Wilderness of Paran."

Kehela'thah, as part of the wilderness journey, is a testament to the enduring faithfulness of God and the unfolding of His redemptive plan for His people.Kehela'thah (2 Occurrences)

Numbers 33:22
And they journeyed from Rissah, and pitched in Kehelah.
(See RSV)

Numbers 33:23
And they journeyed from Kehelah, and pitched in mount Shepher.
(See RSV)

Kehela'thah (2 Occurrences)
Kehela'thah. Kehelathah, Kehela'thah. Keilah . Multi-Version Concordance
Kehela'thah (2 Occurrences). Numbers 33:22 And they journeyed ...
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Keilah (16 Occurrences)

/k/keilah.htm - 15k

Kehelathah (2 Occurrences)

/k/kehelathah.htm - 7k

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