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Numbers 33:19 - Journeying toward spiritual refinement

Numbers 33:19 - במדבר 33:19

Hebrew Text

וַיִּסְעוּ מֵרִתְמָה וַיַּחֲנוּ בְּרִמֹּן פָּרֶץ׃

English Translation

And they departed from Ritma, and pitched at Rimmon-pereż.

Transliteration

Vayis'u me'ritma vayachanu berimon parets.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּסְע֖וּ מֵרִתְמָ֑ה וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּרִמֹּ֥ן פָּֽרֶץ׃
וַיִּסְע֖וּ מֵרִתְמָ֑ה וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּרִמֹּ֥ן פָּֽרֶץ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Location and Significance of Ritma and Rimmon-perez

The verse describes the journey of Bnei Yisrael from Ritma to Rimmon-perez during their travels in the wilderness. Rashi (Bamidbar 33:19) explains that these locations were part of the 42 encampments listed in the Torah, each representing a stage in their spiritual and physical journey. Ritma is associated with the incident of the spies (Meraglim), as it was near Kadesh Barnea, where the spies were sent (Rashi, Bamidbar 13:26). Rimmon-perez, whose name means "pomegranate of the breach," may symbolize either a place of divine kindness (perez as an opening for mercy) or a reminder of the breaches in faith that occurred during the wilderness travels.

Spiritual Lessons from the Journey

The Midrash Tanchuma (Masei 12) teaches that each encampment was a test and an opportunity for growth. The departure from Ritma, a place linked to the sin of the spies, and arrival at Rimmon-perez suggests a movement from failure to renewal. The pomegranate (rimmon) is a symbol of mitzvot, as our Sages say, "Even the empty among Israel are as full of mitzvot as a pomegranate [is full of seeds]" (Chagigah 27a). Thus, Rimmon-perez may hint at the potential for spiritual fullness even after setbacks.

Geographical and Etymological Insights

  • Ritma: Some commentators (Ibn Ezra, Bamidbar 33:18) connect it to the Hebrew word "retem," a desert plant, emphasizing the harsh conditions of the wilderness journey.
  • Rimmon-perez: Ramban (Bamidbar 33:19) suggests "perez" refers to a split or valley, indicating a geographical feature. Alternatively, the name may allude to the "breaking" (perez) of divine wrath after the sin of the spies, as Hashem continued to guide the people forward.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 33:19 mean?
A: Numbers 33:19 describes one of the 42 encampments of the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. Here, they traveled from Ritma and camped at Rimmon-perez. Rashi explains that these travels were recorded to show God's kindness—even though they wandered due to their sins, He guided them and ensured their needs were met.
Q: Why is the list of encampments in Numbers 33 important?
A: The list of encampments in Numbers 33 is important because it documents the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, highlighting both their physical travels and spiritual growth. The Ramban (Nachmanides) teaches that these stops remind us of God's constant guidance and the lessons learned at each stage, reinforcing faith and trust in Divine providence.
Q: What can we learn from the Israelites' travels in the wilderness?
A: The travels teach us about perseverance, faith, and divine discipline. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) compares the wilderness journey to a parent guiding a child—sometimes with kindness, sometimes with correction. Each encampment represents a step in refining the Israelites' character before entering the Promised Land.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: Just as the Israelites moved from place to place under God's direction, we too experience life's journeys with faith that Hashem guides our steps. The Sages teach that every challenge and 'encampment' in life is an opportunity for growth, as hinted in the name 'Rimmon-perez' (meaning 'pomegranate of breaking open'), symbolizing hidden potential revealed through difficulties.