Introduction:
Taberah is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. The name "Taberah" means "burning" in Hebrew, which reflects the events that transpired there. This entry explores the biblical account of Taberah, its theological implications, and its place in the narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness.

Biblical Account:
Taberah is mentioned in Numbers 11:1-3. The Israelites, having been delivered from Egypt and journeying through the wilderness, began to complain about their hardships. The text states:

"Now the people began complaining openly before the LORD about hardship, and when the LORD heard it, His anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed the outskirts of the camp. Then the people cried out to Moses, and he prayed to the LORD, and the fire died down. So that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the LORD had burned among them." (Numbers 11:1-3)

Theological Implications:
The incident at Taberah serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience and ingratitude towards God. The Israelites' complaints were not merely expressions of discomfort but were indicative of a deeper spiritual rebellion against God's provision and plan. The divine response—a consuming fire—demonstrates God's holiness and intolerance of sin, as well as His willingness to discipline His people to bring them back to righteousness.

The event also highlights the role of intercession. Moses, as the leader and mediator, interceded on behalf of the people, and God responded by ceasing the fire. This act of intercession prefigures the ultimate mediation of Christ, who intercedes for humanity before God.

Historical and Cultural Context:
The journey from Egypt to the Promised Land was fraught with challenges, and the Israelites' experience at Taberah is one of several instances where their faith and obedience were tested. The harsh conditions of the wilderness, coupled with the uncertainty of their journey, often led the Israelites to long for the familiarity of Egypt, despite their previous bondage.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, fire was often associated with divine presence and judgment. The fire at Taberah would have been understood as a direct manifestation of God's displeasure, serving as a powerful deterrent against further rebellion.

Lessons for Today:
The account of Taberah offers several lessons for contemporary believers. It underscores the importance of gratitude and trust in God's provision, even in difficult circumstances. It also serves as a warning against the dangers of complaining and disobedience, reminding believers of the need for repentance and reliance on God's mercy.

Furthermore, the role of Moses as an intercessor encourages believers to pray for one another and seek God's intervention in times of trouble. The account of Taberah is a call to faithfulness, urging believers to remain steadfast in their journey with God, trusting in His guidance and provision.Taberah

burning

Taberah

the name of a place in the wilderness of Paran. (Numbers 11:3; 9:22) It has not been identified.

Taberah

Burning, so named on account of the fire which fell upon the Israelites for their murmings while encamped here, Numbers 11:1-3 De 9:22.

Burning, a place in the wilderness of Paran, where the "fire of the Lord" consumed the murmuring Israelites (Numbers 11:3; Deuteronomy 9:22). It was also called Kibroth-hattaavah (q.v.). TABERAH

tab'-e-ra, ta-be'-ra (tabh`erah, "burning"): A wilderness camp of the Israelites, the site of which is unidentified. Here, it is recorded, the people complained against Yahweh, who destroyed many of them by fire. This is the origin of the name (Numbers 11:3 Deuteronomy 9:22).

8404. Taberah -- "burning," a place in the desert
... 8403, 8404. Taberah. 8405 . "burning," a place in the desert. Transliteration:
Taberah Phonetic Spelling: (tab-ay-raw') Short Definition: Taberah. ...
/hebrew/8404.htm - 6k

8405. Tebets -- a city near Shechem
... Taberah. From the same as buwts; whiteness; Tebets, a place in Palestine -- Thebez.
see HEBREW buwts. 8404, 8405. Tebets. 8406 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/8405.htm - 6k

Moses, the Mighty Intercessor
... Again at Taberah the people complained, and God became angry with them, and Moses
came again to the front and stepped into the breach and prayed for them. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/iv moses the mighty intercessor.htm

Taberah (2 Occurrences)
...TABERAH. tab'-e-ra, ta-be'-ra (tabh`erah, "burning"): A wilderness camp of the
Israelites, the site of which is unidentified. ...Taberah (2 Occurrences). ...
/t/taberah.htm - 7k

Tab'erah (2 Occurrences)
Tab'erah. Taberah, Tab'erah. Tabering . ... Numbers 11:3 And the name of that place
was called Taberah, because the fire of the LORD burnt among them. (See RSV) ...
/t/tab'erah.htm - 6k

Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences)
... (ASV BBE DBY JPS WBS YLT NAS). Deuteronomy 9:22 And at Taberah, and at Massah,
and at Kibroth-hattaavah, ye provoked Jehovah to wrath. ...
/k/kibroth-hattaavah.htm - 10k

Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences)
... at Hazeroth. (KJV). Deuteronomy 9:22 And at Taberah, and at Massah, and
at Kibrothhattaavah, ye provoked the LORD to wrath. (KJV). ...
/k/kibrothhattaavah.htm - 10k

Kib'roth-hatta'avah (5 Occurrences)
... Hazeroth. (See RSV). Deuteronomy 9:22 And at Taberah, and at Massah, and
at Kibroth-hattaavah, ye made the LORD wroth. (See RSV). ...
/k/kib'roth-hatta'avah.htm - 7k

Kibroth (5 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Deuteronomy 9:22 At Taberah, and at
Massah, and at Kibroth Hattaavah, you provoked Yahweh to wrath. ...
/k/kibroth.htm - 7k

Taber

/t/taber.htm - 7k

Massah (5 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Deuteronomy 9:22 At Taberah, and
at Massah, and at Kibroth Hattaavah, you provoked Yahweh to wrath. ...
/m/massah.htm - 12k

Provoked (70 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV). Deuteronomy 9:22 At Taberah, and at Massah, and at
Kibroth Hattaavah, you provoked Yahweh to wrath. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV) ...
/p/provoked.htm - 28k

Sinai (38 Occurrences)
... Moses called the place Taberah (qv), Numbers 11:1-3. The journey between Sinai and
the southern boundary of the Promised Land (about 150 miles) at Kadesh was ...
/s/sinai.htm - 31k

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