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Numbers 33:8 - Sea to bitter waters journey

Numbers 33:8 - במדבר 33:8

Hebrew Text

וַיִּסְעוּ מִפְּנֵי הַחִירֹת וַיַּעַבְרוּ בְתוֹךְ־הַיָּם הַמִּדְבָּרָה וַיֵּלְכוּ דֶּרֶךְ שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים בְּמִדְבַּר אֵתָם וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּמָרָה׃

English Translation

And they departed from before Pi-haĥirot, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etam and pitched in Mara.

Transliteration

Vayis'u mipnei hachirot vaya'avru vetoch hayam hamidbarah vayelechu derech shloshet yamim bmidbar Etam vayachanu bMarah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסְעוּ֙ מִפְּנֵ֣י הַֽחִירֹ֔ת וַיַּֽעַבְר֥וּ בְתוֹךְ־הַיָּ֖ם הַמִּדְבָּ֑רָה וַיֵּ֨לְכ֜וּ דֶּ֣רֶךְ שְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת יָמִים֙ בְּמִדְבַּ֣ר אֵתָ֔ם וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּמָרָֽה׃
וַיִּסְעוּ֙ מִפְּנֵ֣י הַֽחִירֹ֔ת וַיַּֽעַבְר֥וּ בְתוֹךְ־הַיָּ֖ם הַמִּדְבָּ֑רָה וַיֵּ֨לְכ֜וּ דֶּ֣רֶךְ שְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת יָמִים֙ בְּמִדְבַּ֣ר אֵתָ֔ם וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּמָרָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Journey from Pi-haĥirot to Mara

The verse describes Bnei Yisrael's departure from Pi-haĥirot after the miraculous splitting of the Yam Suf (Red Sea) and their subsequent three-day journey into the wilderness of Etam before encamping at Mara. Rashi (Shemot 15:22) explains that the phrase "וַיִּסְעוּ מִפְּנֵי הַחִירֹת" ("they departed from before Pi-haĥirot") indicates they left the area where they had been trapped between the sea and Pharaoh's army, now moving forward into the wilderness.

The Three-Day Journey

The "דֶּרֶךְ שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים" ("three days' journey") holds significance in Jewish tradition. The Midrash (Mechilta Beshalach 1) notes that the Torah emphasizes this duration because Bnei Yisrael traveled without finding water, leading to their distress at Mara. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:50) suggests that this period tested their emunah (faith) after witnessing the great miracles at the Yam Suf.

Encampment at Mara

The name "מָרָה" ("Mara") means "bitterness," alluding to the bitter waters found there (Shemot 15:23). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 56a) teaches that at Mara, Hashem gave Bnei Yisrael some mitzvot, including Shabbat and honoring parents, to prepare them for Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah). Rashi (Shemot 15:25) explains that the bitter waters were sweetened through a miracle involving a piece of wood thrown into them, symbolizing that hardships can be transformed through divine intervention and obedience to mitzvot.

  • Pi-haĥirot: The place where Bnei Yisrael were trapped before the splitting of the sea (Rashi, Shemot 14:2).
  • Wilderness of Etam: A desolate region emphasizing their total dependence on Hashem's providence (Ibn Ezra, Shemot 15:22).
  • Three days without water: A test of faith, foreshadowing future challenges in the midbar (Sforno, Shemot 15:22).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 33:8 mean when it says the Israelites traveled 'three days' journey in the wilderness'?
A: According to Rashi, the 'three days' journey' refers to the distance the Israelites traveled after crossing the Red Sea before reaching Marah. This emphasizes their transition from the miracle at the sea to the challenges of the wilderness, teaching us that spiritual highs are often followed by tests of faith.
Q: Why is Marah mentioned in Numbers 33:8? What happened there?
A: Marah (meaning 'bitterness') is where the Israelites found undrinkable bitter waters (Exodus 15:23). The Midrash explains this was a test from Hashem, leading to the miracle of the sweetened waters and teaching that difficulties often precede growth. Rambam notes this shows Divine providence even in harsh conditions.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites' journey in Numbers 33:8?
A: The Talmud (Ta'anit 20b) derives from this verse that travel involves hardship (symbolized by the three days without water). The sequence - from liberation at the sea to Marah's bitterness - teaches that freedom requires overcoming challenges, and reliance on Hashem is constant even after miracles.
Q: How does the route in Numbers 33:8 connect to other parts of the Torah?
A: Rashi links this journey back to Exodus 15:22, showing the narrative continuity. The wilderness route underscores the Israelites' complete dependence on Hashem's guidance - as the Midrash notes, even their 'straightforward' travels held profound spiritual lessons about trust during transitions.