King James Version

What Does Numbers 33:19 Mean?

Numbers 33:19 in the King James Version says “And they departed from Rithmah, and pitched at Rimmonparez. — study this verse from Numbers chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they departed from Rithmah, and pitched at Rimmonparez.

Numbers 33:19 · King James Version


Context

17

And they departed from Kibrothhattaavah, and encamped at Hazeroth.

18

And they departed from Hazeroth, and pitched in Rithmah.

19

And they departed from Rithmah, and pitched at Rimmonparez.

20

And they departed from Rimmonparez, and pitched in Libnah.

21

And they removed from Libnah, and pitched at Rissah.


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And they departed from Rithmah, and pitched at Rimmon-parez. Leaving Rithmah marks the beginning of decades of wilderness wandering resulting from Israel's rebellion at Kadesh. What should have been direct journey to conquest became circular wandering in judgment. Yet even judgment didn't sever God's covenant commitment—He continued leading, providing, and preserving His people.

Rimmon-parez (רִמֹּן פָּרֶץ, Rimmon Parets—"pomegranate of the breach") combines the image of fruitfulness (pomegranate) with brokenness (breach). This paradoxical name may commemorate both God's continued provision (symbolized by fruit-bearing pomegranates even in wilderness) and Israel's broken relationship through disobedience (the breach of covenant trust). Pomegranates adorned the high priest's robe and temple pillars, symbolizing beauty, fruitfulness, and abundance—yet here paired with "breach."

The journey from Rithmah to Rimmon-parez illustrates that divine discipline doesn't mean divine abandonment. Though Israel would wander forty years until the rebellious generation died, God faithfully led them, sustained them with manna and water, and preserved them from enemies. The "breach" wasn't irreparable—God's ultimate purpose to bring Israel into Canaan remained secure, merely delayed by human unfaithfulness. This foreshadows how Christ has healed the ultimate breach between God and humanity caused by sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Rimmon-parez's location remains unidentified, likely somewhere in the northern Sinai or southern Negev wilderness region where Israel wandered after the Kadesh rebellion. The encampments listed in Numbers 33:19-36 span the thirty-eight year period between leaving Kadesh initially and returning there near the end of the forty years (Numbers 20:1). During this time, the rebellious generation gradually died in the wilderness as God had sworn (Numbers 14:29-35). The pomegranate reference in the name may indicate the site had some vegetation, perhaps a wadi bed where desert shrubs including wild pomegranates could grow. The "breach" likely refers to Israel's covenant rupture through unbelief, though the specific event commemorated by this name is not recorded in Scripture.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the name "pomegranate of the breach" illustrate God's continued provision even during periods of divine discipline?
  2. What does God's faithfulness to lead Israel despite their rebellion teach about the irrevocability of His covenant promises?
  3. In what ways have you experienced God's sustaining grace during seasons of discipline resulting from your own disobedience?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַיִּסְע֖וּ1 of 5

And they departed

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

מֵֽרִתְמָ֑ה2 of 5

from Rithmah

H7575

rithmah, a place in the desert

וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ3 of 5

and pitched

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

בְּרִמֹּ֥ן4 of 5
H0
פָּֽרֶץ׃5 of 5

at Rimmonparez

H7428

rimmon-perets, a place in the desert


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 33:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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