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Numbers 33:9 - Twelve springs, seventy palms—why?

Numbers 33:9 - במדבר 33:9

Hebrew Text

וַיִּסְעוּ מִמָּרָה וַיָּבֹאוּ אֵילִמָה וּבְאֵילִם שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה עֵינֹת מַיִם וְשִׁבְעִים תְּמָרִים וַיַּחֲנוּ־שָׁם׃

English Translation

And they removed from Mara, and came to Elim: and in Elim were twelve fountains of water, and seventy palm trees; and they pitched there.

Transliteration

Vayis'u mi-Mara vayavo'u Eilimah u-ve-Eilim shteim esreh einot mayim vishiv'im temarim vayachanu-sham.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסְעוּ֙ מִמָּרָ֔ה וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ אֵילִ֑מָה וּ֠בְאֵילִ֠ם שְׁתֵּ֣ים עֶשְׂרֵ֞ה עֵינֹ֥ת מַ֛יִם וְשִׁבְעִ֥ים תְּמָרִ֖ים וַיַּחֲנוּ־שָֽׁם׃
וַיִּסְעוּ֙ מִמָּרָ֔ה וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ אֵילִ֑מָה וּ֠בְאֵילִ֠ם שְׁתֵּ֣ים עֶשְׂרֵ֞ה עֵינֹ֥ת מַ֛יִם וְשִׁבְעִ֥ים תְּמָרִ֖ים וַיַּחֲנוּ־שָֽׁם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Location and Significance of Elim

The verse describes Bnei Yisrael's journey from Marah to Elim, where they encountered twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees. Rashi (Shemot 15:27) explains that Elim was a place of respite and comfort after the bitterness of Marah (where the waters were undrinkable). The Midrash Tanchuma (Beshalach 24) further elaborates that Elim was a place of spiritual and physical rejuvenation, symbolizing Hashem's kindness in providing for His people in the wilderness.

Symbolism of the Twelve Springs and Seventy Palm Trees

The twelve springs correspond to the twelve tribes of Israel, as noted by the Baal HaTurim (Shemot 15:27). Each tribe had its own unique spiritual path, and the separate springs represent Divine providence tailored to each tribe's needs. The seventy palm trees, according to the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 1:3), allude to the seventy elders who would later assist Moshe in leading the nation, as well as the seventy nations of the world. The palm tree, a symbol of righteousness (Tehillim 92:13), hints at the spiritual elevation of Israel among the nations.

Lessons in Divine Providence

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:24) discusses how the miracles in the wilderness, including the provision of water at Elim, were designed to instill faith in Hashem's constant care. The orderly arrangement of the springs and palm trees reflects the precision of Divine providence—neither too little nor too much, but exactly what was needed for the nation's sustenance. The Sforno (Shemot 15:27) adds that this was a lesson in gratitude, teaching Bnei Yisrael to recognize and appreciate Hashem's blessings even in the desert.

Connection to Future Generations

The Zohar (Shemot 63a) interprets Elim as a foreshadowing of the future redemption, where the righteous will enjoy spiritual abundance. The twelve springs and seventy palm trees also hint at the Torah's completeness—twelve tribes receiving the Torah and seventy facets of Torah wisdom (Bamidbar Rabbah 13:15). This teaches that just as Hashem provided for Israel in the wilderness, He will sustain them through Torah in every generation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the 12 springs and 70 palm trees in Elim?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, the 12 springs correspond to the 12 tribes of Israel, and the 70 palm trees represent the 70 elders who later led the nation. This was a sign of Divine providence, showing that Hashem provided for each tribe and leader in the wilderness.
Q: Why did the Israelites travel from Mara to Elim?
A: After the bitter waters of Mara were made sweet (Exodus 15:23-25), the Israelites journeyed to Elim, a place of abundance with fresh water and shade. This teaches that Hashem guides us from hardship to comfort when we follow His ways.
Q: How does Elim relate to Jewish tradition today?
A: Elim symbolizes Divine kindness and preparation for receiving the Torah. Just as Hashem led Israel to a place of physical nourishment before Sinai, we prepare spiritually before holy occasions - like preparing before Shabbat or festivals.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites camping at Elim?
A: The Talmud (Ta'anit 9a) teaches that Elim shows how Hashem provides for our needs step by step. After the difficulty of Mara, they received the comfort of Elim. This teaches us to have faith during challenges, knowing relief will come in due time.
Q: Why does the Torah specify the exact number of springs and trees?
A: The Ramban explains that these precise numbers demonstrate that this was a miraculous oasis in the desert - exactly matching Israel's needs. The Torah records this detail to show Hashem's careful providence over His people in every situation.