“And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the passover the children of Israel went out with an high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians.”
Context: The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and continues the narrative of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In Numbers 33, Moses is instructed by God to record the stages of their journey, listing the various places where the Israelites camped along the way.
Departure from Rameses: Rameses was one of the places where the Israelites dwelt in Egypt. This verse describes their departure from Rameses, which took place on the fifteenth day of the first month. This refers to the month of Nisan, which is significant because it is the same month in which the Passover feast is celebrated.
The Passover: The mention of the “morrow after the Passover” highlights the significance of the Passover event in Israelite history. The Passover commemorates the night when God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, striking down the firstborn of the Egyptians but passing over the houses of the Israelites marked with the blood of a lamb. It is a crucial event in the narrative of the Exodus.
The high hand: The phrase “with a high hand” signifies the triumphant and bold manner in which the Israelites left Egypt. It conveys the idea that they departed with confidence, courage, and a sense of victory, despite being in the presence of their former oppressors, the Egyptians. God’s miraculous acts during the plagues and the deliverance from slavery demonstrated His power and faithfulness, leading to the Israelites’ departure with a sense of strength and authority.
Lessons from Numbers 33:3:
- God’s timing: The Israelites’ departure from Rameses on the fifteenth day of the first month emphasizes that God’s timing is precise and purposeful. He orchestrated their deliverance in alignment with the Passover, a feast that would forever remind them of His saving power.
- God’s faithfulness: The Passover serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His promises. Just as He had promised to deliver the Israelites from Egypt, He fulfilled His word by leading them out with signs and wonders.
- God’s power: The departure of the Israelites with a high hand reflects the power and authority of God. It reminds us that when God is on our side, we can face any situation with confidence, knowing that He will fight for us and bring us through.
- Remembrance and gratitude: The record of the Israelites’ journey was important for them to remember and pass on to future generations. Similarly, as believers, we should remember and be grateful for God’s faithfulness and deliverance in our own lives, preserving the stories of His goodness to share with others.
Overall, Numbers 33:3 highlights the historical context of the Israelites’ departure from Egypt and reminds us of God’s faithfulness, power, and the importance of remembering His deliverance.
