Makheloth
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Etymology and Meaning
The name "Makheloth" is derived from the Hebrew word "מַקְהֵלוֹת" (Maqheloth), which means "assemblies" or "gatherings." This name reflects the nature of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, where they often camped and gathered as a community.

Biblical References
Makheloth is mentioned in the context of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings after their exodus from Egypt. It is one of the many stations or encampments listed in the itinerary of the Israelites as they journeyed toward the Promised Land. The primary reference to Makheloth is found in the Book of Numbers:

· Numbers 33:25-26 : "They set out from Haradah and camped at Makheloth. They set out from Makheloth and camped at Tahath."

This passage is part of a larger section in Numbers 33, which details the stages of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the plains of Moab. Each location mentioned serves as a historical marker of God's guidance and provision for His people during their 40 years in the wilderness.

Historical and Theological Significance
Makheloth, like many of the other encampments, is not described in detail in the biblical text, and its exact geographical location remains uncertain. However, its inclusion in the itinerary underscores the importance of each step in the Israelites' journey. Each encampment represents a phase in the spiritual and physical development of the nation of Israel as they learned to rely on God's provision and guidance.

Theologically, the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is symbolic of the Christian life, representing the believer's journey from the bondage of sin to the freedom and rest found in Christ. Each encampment, including Makheloth, can be seen as a reminder of the trials and lessons that believers encounter on their spiritual journey.

Lessons and Applications
While Makheloth itself is not elaborated upon in Scripture, the broader narrative of the Israelites' wanderings offers several lessons for believers:

1. Dependence on God: The Israelites' journey, marked by numerous encampments like Makheloth, highlights the necessity of trusting in God's provision and timing. Believers are reminded to rely on God's guidance through life's uncertainties.

2. Community and Fellowship: The name "Makheloth," meaning "assemblies," emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship among God's people. The Israelites traveled and camped together, supporting one another as they followed God's leading.

3. Spiritual Growth: Each stop in the wilderness was an opportunity for the Israelites to grow in faith and obedience. Similarly, believers are encouraged to view life's challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth and maturity.

In summary, while Makheloth is a brief mention in the biblical narrative, it serves as a part of the larger account of God's faithfulness to His people. It reminds believers of the importance of community, dependence on God, and the journey of faith.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Makheloth

assemblies; congregations

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Makheloth

(place of assemblies), a place mentioned only in (Numbers 33:26) as that of a desert encampment of the Israelites.

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Assemblies, a station of the Israelites in the desert (Numbers 33:25, 26).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MAKHELOTH

mak-he'-loth, mak-he'-loth (maqheloth, "assemblies"): A desert camp of the Israelites between Haradah and Tahath (Numbers 33:25, 26).

See WANDERINGS OF ISRAEL.

Strong's Hebrew
4722. Maqheloth -- "place of assembly," a place in the desert
... "place of assembly," a place in the desert. Transliteration: Maqheloth Phonetic
Spelling: (mak-hay-loth') Short Definition: Makheloth. ... Makheloth. ...
/hebrew/4722.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Makheloth (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MAKHELOTH. ...Makheloth (2 Occurrences). Numbers
33:25 They traveled from Haradah, and encamped in Makheloth. ...
/m/makheloth.htm - 7k

Makhe'loth (2 Occurrences)
Makhe'loth. Makheloth, Makhe'loth. Maki . ... Makhe'loth (2 Occurrences). Numbers
33:25 And they journeyed from Haradah, and pitched in Makheloth. (See RSV). ...
/m/makhe'loth.htm - 6k

Tahath (5 Occurrences)
... TAHATH (1). ta'-hath (tachath, "below"): A wilderness station of the Israelites
(Numbers 33:26, 27), between Makheloth and Terah. See WANDERINGS OF ISRAEL. ...
/t/tahath.htm - 8k

Haradah (2 Occurrences)
... Shepher and Makheloth (Numbers 33:24:25). See WANDERINGS OF ISRAEL. ... Numbers
33:25 They traveled from Haradah, and encamped in Makheloth. ...
/h/haradah.htm - 7k

Pitched (101 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Numbers 33:25 And they removed from Haradah, and pitched in Makheloth. ...
Numbers 33:26 And they journeyed from Makheloth, and encamped in Tahath. ...
/p/pitched.htm - 33k

Camped (100 Occurrences)
... Numbers 33:25 They traveled from Haradah, and encamped in Makheloth. ... Numbers
33:26 They traveled from Makheloth, and encamped in Tahath. ...
/c/camped.htm - 33k

Encamped (115 Occurrences)
... Numbers 33:25 They traveled from Haradah, and encamped in Makheloth. (WEB ASV DBY
WBS RSV). Numbers 33:26 They traveled from Makheloth, and encamped in Tahath. ...
/e/encamped.htm - 34k

Traveled (104 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Numbers 33:25 They traveled from Haradah, and encamped in Makheloth. (WEB).
Numbers 33:26 They traveled from Makheloth, and encamped in Tahath. (WEB). ...
/t/traveled.htm - 32k

Encamp (108 Occurrences)
... Numbers 33:25 They traveled from Haradah, and encamped in Makheloth. ... Numbers
33:26 They traveled from Makheloth, and encamped in Tahath. ...
/e/encamp.htm - 36k

Journeyed (111 Occurrences)
... Numbers 33:25 And they journeyed from Haradah, and encamped in Makheloth. ... Numbers
33:26 And they journeyed from Makheloth, and encamped in Tahath. ...
/j/journeyed.htm - 33k

Resources
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Concordance
Makheloth (2 Occurrences)

Numbers 33:25
They traveled from Haradah, and encamped in Makheloth.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Numbers 33:26
They traveled from Makheloth, and encamped in Tahath.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Makheloth

Makheloth: An Encampment of Israel

Related Terms

Makheloth (2 Occurrences)

Maki (1 Occurrence)

Maketh
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