Numbers 33:26 - Journeying toward divine purpose

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Hebrew Text

וַיִּסְעוּ מִמַּקְהֵלֹת וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּתָחַת׃

English Translation

And they removed from Maqhelot, and encamped at Taĥat.

Transliteration

Vayis'u miMakhelot vayachanu b'Tachat.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסְע֖וּ מִמַּקְהֵלֹ֑ת וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּתָֽחַת׃

Parasha Commentary

Location and Meaning of the Names

The verse describes the Israelites' journey from Maqhelot to Taĥat during their travels in the wilderness. Rashi (Bamidbar 33:25) explains that these names are not arbitrary but reflect the spiritual and historical circumstances of the Jewish people. Maqhelot (מקהלות) comes from the root kahal (קהל), meaning "assembly," indicating a place where the people gathered. Taĥat (תחת) means "beneath," symbolizing humility before Hashem.

Spiritual Lessons from the Journey

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 23:3) teaches that each encampment represented a stage in the Israelites' spiritual refinement. Moving from Maqhelot (assembly) to Taĥat (beneath) signifies the transition from collective unity to individual humility. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) adds that this journey emphasizes the necessity of balancing communal strength with personal submission to divine will.

Historical Context

According to Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:50), the detailed listing of encampments serves as a historical record of divine providence. The journey from Maqhelot to Taĥat demonstrates that even seemingly minor stops were orchestrated by Hashem to guide the nation toward their ultimate purpose.

Practical Implications

Unity and Humility: The transition teaches that true spiritual growth requires both communal solidarity (Maqhelot) and personal humility (Taĥat).
Divine Guidance: Every stage of life, even the "stations" we pass through briefly, is part of a divinely ordained plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 33:26 mean?
A: Numbers 33:26 describes one of the 42 journeys the Israelites took during their 40 years in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. Here, they traveled from Maqhelot and camped at Taĥat. Rashi explains that these names reflect spiritual lessons—Maqhelot ('assemblies') hints at unity, while Taĥat ('under') suggests humility before G-d.

Q: Why is this verse important?
A: This verse is part of a detailed list of the Israelites' travels (Numbers 33), which the Ramban explains serves as a historical record of G-d's guidance and the people's experiences. Each encampment teaches lessons about faith, challenges, and growth during their journey toward the Promised Land.

Q: What can we learn from the names Maqhelot and Taĥat?
A: The Midrash teaches that place names in the wilderness often symbolize spiritual states. Maqhelot ('assemblies') reminds us of the importance of unity among the Jewish people, while Taĥat ('under') represents humility—recognizing our dependence on G-d. These values remain essential in Jewish life today.

Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: Just as the Israelites progressed through stages in their journey, our lives involve spiritual 'journeys' with challenges and growth. The Baal Shem Tov taught that every person's life mirrors these encampments—each phase is an opportunity to strengthen faith, unity, and humility under G-d's guidance.