Numbers 33:42 - Journey to purification's shadow?

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Hebrew Text

וַיִּסְעוּ מִצַּלְמֹנָה וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּפוּנֹן׃

English Translation

And they departed from Żalmona, and pitched in Punon.

Transliteration

Vayis'u miTzalmona vayachanu b'Funon.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסְע֖וּ מִצַּלְמֹנָ֑ה וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּפוּנֹֽן׃

Parasha Commentary

Geographical Context

The verse (Bamidbar 33:42) describes the journey of Bnei Yisrael through the wilderness. Rashi explains that these locations—Tzalmona and Punon—were stations along their travels after leaving Egypt. The precise identification of these places is debated, but they are understood to be in the region of Edom or its vicinity, based on the broader context of the journey.

Spiritual Significance

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:26) interprets these place names allegorically. "Tzalmona" (צלמונה) is connected to the word tzel (צל), meaning "shadow," symbolizing periods of spiritual darkness or challenge. "Punon" (פּוּנֹן) is linked to peninim (פְּנִינִים), meaning "pearls," representing moments of clarity and divine revelation. Thus, the journey from Tzalmona to Punon reflects the transition from hardship to spiritual refinement.

Lessons in Divine Providence

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 3:4) teaches that every stage of Bnei Yisrael's journey was divinely ordained to prepare them for receiving the Torah and entering Eretz Yisrael. The stops at Tzalmona and Punon, like all encampments, were purposeful—either to test their faith or to elevate their spiritual stature. The Sforno adds that each location provided unique opportunities for growth, reinforcing the idea that Hashem guides His people through every phase of their journey.

Historical and Moral Implications

Tzalmona: The Kli Yakar suggests this name hints at the "shadow" of Amalek's influence, reminding Bnei Yisrael of past struggles (Shemot 17:8-16) and the need for vigilance against evil.
Punon: The Malbim associates it with the incident of the copper serpent (Bamidbar 21:4-9), where Bnei Yisrael were healed by looking upward—symbolizing repentance and trust in Hashem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the Israelites traveling from Zalmona to Punon in Numbers 33:42?
A: The verse lists one of the 42 journeys the Israelites took in the wilderness. According to Rashi, each encampment served a purpose—either as a test, a lesson, or a step toward their ultimate destination. The exact reasons for each stop are not always specified, but the Talmud (see Sotah 34b) teaches that these travels refined the Jewish people spiritually.

Q: Why does the Torah list all the places where the Israelites camped?
A: The Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that listing all the encampments shows G-d's kindness—even in the harsh wilderness, He guided and protected them at every stop. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 23:3) also teaches that these journeys symbolize the spiritual ups and downs every person experiences in life.

Q: Are Zalmona and Punon mentioned elsewhere in the Torah?
A: No, these locations are only mentioned in the list of journeys in Numbers 33. Some commentators, like the Malbim, suggest that these names hint at historical or spiritual lessons, but their exact identities remain unclear. The focus is on the journey itself rather than the specific geography.

Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: The Baal Shem Tov taught that the 42 journeys correspond to the 42 stages of a person's spiritual growth. Just as the Israelites moved from place to place under divine guidance, we too go through phases in life—each one preparing us for the next step in serving Hashem.