Numbers 33:10 - Journey from oasis to sea

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Hebrew Text

וַיִּסְעוּ מֵאֵילִם וַיַּחֲנוּ עַל־יַם־סוּף׃

English Translation

And they removed from Elim, and encamped by the Sea of Suf.

Transliteration

Vayis'u mei'Elim vayachanu al-Yam Suf.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסְע֖וּ מֵאֵילִ֑ם וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ עַל־יַם־סֽוּף׃

Parasha Commentary

Location and Significance of Elim

According to Rashi (Shemot 15:27), Elim was a place of abundant water and date palms, where Bnei Yisrael rested after their initial journey through the wilderness. The Midrash (Mechilta Beshalach 1) notes that Elim had twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, corresponding to the twelve tribes and seventy elders of Israel, symbolizing Divine providence in providing for the nation's needs.

The Journey from Elim to Yam Suf

The Torah emphasizes the transition from the comfort of Elim to the shores of Yam Suf (the Sea of Reeds). Ramban (Shemot 15:22) explains that this movement was part of Hashem's plan to lead Bnei Yisrael into a position where they would witness the great miracle of Kriyat Yam Suf (the splitting of the sea). The sudden shift from abundance to potential danger served to strengthen their faith.

Spiritual Preparation at Yam Suf

The Talmud (Sotah 36b) teaches that when Bnei Yisrael encamped by Yam Suf, different tribes argued about who should enter the sea first. Nachshon ben Aminadav of the tribe of Yehuda demonstrated supreme faith by jumping into the waters before they split. This act of bitachon (trust in Hashem) triggered the miracle, as stated in the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 21:10).

Divine Strategy: The placement by Yam Suf was intentional to demonstrate Hashem's complete control over nature (Rambam, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 8:1).
Test of Faith: The encampment forced Bnei Yisrael to confront their fears and rely entirely on Hashem (Sforno, Shemot 14:2).
Precursor to Revelation: This event prepared the nation for the ultimate revelation at Har Sinai (Zohar, Beshalach 52a).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'they encamped by the Sea of Suf' mean in Numbers 33:10?
A: The verse describes the journey of the Israelites after leaving Egypt. 'Sea of Suf' (Red Sea) was one of their stops in the wilderness. According to Rashi, this encampment was significant because it was near the place where the miracle of the splitting of the sea later occurred (Exodus 14).

Q: Why is the encampment by the Sea of Suf important in Jewish tradition?
A: This encampment is important because it was a prelude to the miracle of Kriyas Yam Suf (the splitting of the Red Sea), where Hashem performed a great miracle to save the Israelites from Pharaoh's army. The Midrash teaches that this event demonstrated Hashem's power and protection over the Jewish people.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites' journey from Elim to the Sea of Suf?
A: The journey teaches us about faith and trust in Hashem. Even though the Israelites were led to a place where they seemed trapped (between the sea and Pharaoh's army), Hashem had a plan for their salvation. The Rambam teaches that this event reminds us to trust in divine providence even in difficult situations.

Q: How does the encampment by the Sea of Suf apply to our lives today?
A: Just as the Israelites faced challenges before experiencing redemption, we too may face difficulties before seeing Hashem's help. The Talmud (Berachos 10a) teaches that we should remember past miracles to strengthen our faith during tough times. This verse reminds us that Hashem guides us even when the path seems uncertain.

Q: What is the significance of listing all the encampments in Numbers 33?
A: The Torah lists all the encampments to document the Jewish people's journey and Hashem's constant care for them. Rashi explains that this is like a king recounting a journey with his son—each stop holds meaning. The encampment by the Sea of Suf is especially significant as it led to a major miracle.