Zalmo'nah is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. It is one of the stations at which the Israelites camped during their wilderness wanderings after the Exodus from Egypt. The name Zalmo'nah is derived from the Hebrew root "tsel," meaning "shadow" or "shade," which may suggest a place of shelter or rest.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to Zalmo'nah is found in Numbers 33:41-42, which details the stages of the Israelites' journey:

"Then they set out from Mount Hor and camped at Zalmonah. They set out from Zalmonah and camped at Punon." (Numbers 33:41-42)

Historical and Geographical Context:

Zalmo'nah is part of the itinerary recorded in Numbers 33, which lists the various encampments of the Israelites during their 40-year journey through the desert. The precise location of Zalmo'nah is not definitively known today, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible outside of this itinerary. However, it is generally considered to be situated in the region of Edom, as the Israelites were traveling through this area after leaving Mount Hor.

The journey from Mount Hor to Zalmo'nah and then to Punon suggests a route that took the Israelites through the arid and rugged terrain of the Edomite territory. This region is characterized by its harsh desert environment, which would have posed significant challenges to the traveling Israelites.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Zalmo'nah, like other stations in the wilderness journey, serves to underscore the faithfulness of God in leading and sustaining His people through difficult circumstances. Each encampment represents a step in the fulfillment of God's promise to bring the Israelites to the Promised Land. The journey through the wilderness, including the stop at Zalmo'nah, is a testament to the testing and refining of the Israelites' faith and obedience.

The wilderness wanderings, with their numerous encampments, also highlight the transient nature of the Israelites' existence during this period. They were a people on the move, reliant on God's provision and guidance. The record of these journeys serves as a reminder of the importance of trust in God's plan, even when the path is uncertain and the destination seems distant.

Cultural and Symbolic Insights:

In a broader cultural and symbolic sense, places like Zalmo'nah can be seen as representing the spiritual journey of believers. Just as the Israelites moved from one encampment to another, Christians are called to progress in their spiritual walk, growing in faith and maturity. The wilderness journey, with its trials and triumphs, mirrors the Christian life, which is marked by periods of testing, growth, and reliance on God's grace.

Zalmo'nah, though a brief mention in the biblical narrative, is part of the larger account of God's redemptive work through His chosen people. It serves as a reminder of the continuity of God's promises and the unfolding of His divine plan throughout history.Zalmo'nah (2 Occurrences)

Numbers 33:41
And they journeyed from mount Hor, and pitched in Zalmonah.
(See RSV)

Numbers 33:42
And they journeyed from Zalmonah, and pitched in Punon.
(See RSV)

Zalmo'nah (2 Occurrences)
Zalmo'nah. Zalmonah, Zalmo'nah. Zalmunna . Multi-Version Concordance
Zalmo'nah (2 Occurrences). Numbers 33:41 And they journeyed ...
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Zalmunna (9 Occurrences)

/z/zalmunna.htm - 13k

Zalmonah (2 Occurrences)

/z/zalmonah.htm - 7k

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