King James Version

What Does Numbers 33:2 Mean?

Numbers 33:2 in the King James Version says “And Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of the LORD: and these are their journey...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of the LORD: and these are their journeys according to their goings out.”

Numbers 33:2 · KJV

Context

1

These are the journeys of the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt with their armies under the hand of Moses and Aaron.

2

And Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of the LORD: and these are their journeys according to their goings out.

3

And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the passover the children of Israel went out with an high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians.

4

For the Egyptians buried all their firstborn, which the LORD had smitten among them: upon their gods also the LORD executed judgments.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses wrote down Israel's journeys 'according to the commandment of the LORD,' establishing the historical reliability and divine authority of the wilderness itinerary. The phrase 'Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys' emphasizes written documentation of the actual route traveled. This wasn't later legendary embellishment but contemporary recording by eyewitness Moses under divine direction. The command to record the journey established permanent memorial of God's faithfulness throughout forty years of wandering. Each station name would remind later generations of specific locations where God provided, judged, or revealed Himself. The detailed preservation of this itinerary (42 stations listed in Numbers 33:3-49) demonstrates historical precision—these weren't mythological settings but real geographical locations. The record's purpose was theological memory: 'that ye may remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them' (Numbers 15:40). Recording the journey helped Israel remember both God's faithfulness despite their failures and the consequences of disobedience. For Christians, Scripture's historical reliability grounds faith in real events, not myths—God acts in history, and faithful recording preserves His mighty acts for future generations to remember and trust.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses' recording of Israel's journey created the list preserved in Numbers 33:3-49, documenting 42 encampments from Rameses in Egypt to the plains of Moab opposite Jericho. Scholars debate many locations' precise identification, though some are well-known (Rameses, Sinai, Kadesh). The journey covered approximately forty years (circa 1446-1406 BCE, early chronology, or 1270-1230 BCE, late chronology), traversing the Sinai Peninsula and regions east of the Jordan River. The itinerary's detailed preservation suggests Moses maintained written records throughout the journey, compiling them near its end. Ancient Near Eastern cultures commonly documented royal campaigns and journeys; Moses' record served similar memorial purposes while emphasizing theological rather than merely military or political significance. The list omits details about events at each location (recorded elsewhere in Exodus-Numbers) but preserves the geographical framework, allowing readers to trace Israel's physical journey. This written record fulfilled God's command that Israel remember His faithfulness (Deuteronomy 8:2), providing concrete evidence that He sustained them for forty years.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses' written documentation 'according to the commandment of the LORD' establish Scripture's historical reliability?
  2. What does the careful preservation of Israel's itinerary teach about the importance of remembering God's faithfulness through actual historical events?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיִּכְתֹּ֨ב1 of 11

“wrote”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

מֹשֶׁ֜ה2 of 11

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת3 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לְמוֹצָֽאֵיהֶֽם׃4 of 11

“according to their goings out”

H4161

a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex

מַסְעֵיהֶ֖ם5 of 11

“according to their journeys”

H4550

a departure (from striking the tents), i.e., march (not necessarily a single day's travel); by implication, a station (or point of departure)

עַל6 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פִּ֣י7 of 11

“by the commandment”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

יְהוָ֑ה8 of 11

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְאֵ֥לֶּה9 of 11
H428

these or those

מַסְעֵיהֶ֖ם10 of 11

“according to their journeys”

H4550

a departure (from striking the tents), i.e., march (not necessarily a single day's travel); by implication, a station (or point of departure)

לְמוֹצָֽאֵיהֶֽם׃11 of 11

“according to their goings out”

H4161

a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex

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 33:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 33:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 9:17-23Numbers 10:6Deuteronomy 1:2Deuteronomy 10:11Numbers 10:13

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 33 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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