In the biblical narrative, encampments play a significant role in the journey and experiences of the Israelites, particularly during their exodus from Egypt and their subsequent wanderings in the wilderness. These encampments are not merely temporary dwelling places but are often sites of divine revelation, testing, and communal organization.

1. Definition and Purpose

An encampment, in the biblical context, refers to a temporary settlement where the Israelites pitched their tents during their journey. These encampments served multiple purposes: they were places of rest, worship, and instruction. They also provided a structured environment for the tribes to maintain order and unity.

2. Encampments in the Wilderness

The most notable series of encampments occurred during the Israelites' 40-year journey in the wilderness. The Book of Numbers provides detailed accounts of these encampments, listing them in a sequential manner. Numbers 33:1-2 states, "These are the stages of the Israelites’ journey when they came out of the land of Egypt by their divisions under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. At the LORD’s command, Moses recorded the stages of their journey. These are the stages listed by their starting points."

3. Key Encampments

· Mount Sinai: One of the most significant encampments was at Mount Sinai, where the Israelites received the Ten Commandments. Exodus 19:2 notes, "After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Wilderness of Sinai, and Israel camped there in front of the mountain."

· Kadesh-barnea: This encampment was a pivotal location where the Israelites faced a critical test of faith. Numbers 13:26 records, "They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole congregation of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a report to them and the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land."

· Plains of Moab: As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, they camped in the plains of Moab. Numbers 22:1 states, "Then the Israelites traveled on and camped in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho."

4. Organization and Structure

The encampments were organized according to tribal divisions, with the Tabernacle at the center, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Numbers 2:2 instructs, "The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance from it, each man under his standard, with the banners of his family."

5. Spiritual Significance

Encampments were not only logistical necessities but also held spiritual significance. They were places where God tested the faith and obedience of His people, provided for their needs, and revealed His laws and commandments. The encampments served as a constant reminder of God's guidance and provision.

6. Lessons from Encampments

The experiences at these encampments offer valuable lessons in trust, obedience, and reliance on God. They illustrate the importance of community, order, and worship in the life of God's people. The Israelites' journey from encampment to encampment reflects the spiritual journey of believers, emphasizing the need for faithfulness and perseverance.

In summary, encampments in the Bible are more than mere historical records; they are rich with theological and spiritual insights that continue to resonate with believers today.2918. tirah -- encampment, battlement
... Word Origin from the same as tur Definition encampment, battlement NASB Word Usage
battlement (1), camp (1), camps (3), encampments (1), rows (1). ...
/hebrew/2918.htm - 6k

If one Wished to Obtain Means for a Profounder Contemplation of ...
... Moses entitled Numbers, and let him seek the help of one who is capable of initiating
him into the meaning of the narratives concerning the encampments of the ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxiii if one wished.htm

Hobab
... Why should I attach myself to a horde of strangers, and go wandering about the desert
for the rest of my life, looking out for encampments for them, when I can ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/hobab.htm

Chapter xxv
... These, they are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names according to their
settlements and encampments, twelve princes according to their nations. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

The Accession of Darius.
... During this period, all the subordinate functions of government in the provinces,
cities, and towns, and among the various garrisons and encampments of the army ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter iv the accession of.htm

Hyrcanus Receives the High Priesthood, and Ejects Ptolemy Out of ...
... [20] And when he had burnt the country, he shut up Hyrcanus in the city, which he
encompassed round with seven encampments; but did just nothing at the first ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 hyrcanus receives the.htm

How a Monk Should not Overstep the Proper Hours for Taking Food ...
... a) because the fast was observed on stated days (stasis diebus); or (b), as S. Ambrose
suggests, because "our fasts are our encampments which protect us from ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xx how a monk.htm

The Conquest of Lydia.
... more formidable than he had imagined, and on the morning after the battle they both
seemed inclined to remain in their respective encampments, without evincing ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter vii the conquest of.htm

The Goths
... his soldiers. Never was there such a dissipated and ill-disciplined host.
No one knew how to choose encampments. No scouts brought ...
/.../gathering clouds a tale of the days of st chrysostom/chapter xxv the goths.htm

The Preparations of the Greeks for Defense.
... He forbade the execution, and directed, on the other hand, that the men should be
conducted through all his encampments, and be allowed to view and examine ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter vii the preparations of.htm

The Return of Xerxes to Persia.
... Some were left at the encampments; others lay down by the road-sides, in the midst
of the day's march, wherever their waning strength finally failed them; and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter xii the return of.htm

Encampments (6 Occurrences)
...Encampments (6 Occurrences). Luke 21:20 And when ye may see Jerusalem surrounded
by encampments, then know that come nigh did her desolation; (YLT). ...
/e/encampments.htm - 8k

Camps (33 Occurrences)
... Genesis 25:16 these are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their
villages, and by their encampments; twelve princes according to their nations. ...
/c/camps.htm - 16k

Settlements (27 Occurrences)
... Genesis 25:16 These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their
villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes, according to their nations ...
/s/settlements.htm - 13k

Exodus (2 Occurrences)
... goodness. They now turned inland, and after three encampments came to the
rich and fertile valley of Rephidim, in the Wady Feiran. ...
/e/exodus.htm - 82k

Encampment (8 Occurrences)

/e/encampment.htm - 9k

Villages (106 Occurrences)
... Genesis 25:16 These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their
villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes, according to their nations ...
/v/villages.htm - 38k

Ko'hathites (19 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 6:54 Now these are their dwelling places according to their encampments
in their borders: to the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites ...
/k/ko'hathites.htm - 11k

Kirjath-huzoth (1 Occurrence)
... It was probably from the summit of Attarus, the high place near the city, that the
soothsayer first saw the encampments of Israel. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/k/kirjath-huzoth.htm - 7k

Kirjathhuzoth (1 Occurrence)
... It was probably from the summit of Attarus, the high place near the city, that the
soothsayer first saw the encampments of Israel. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/k/kirjathhuzoth.htm - 7k

Kohathite (18 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 6:54 Now these are their dwelling places according to their encampments
in their borders: to the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites ...
/k/kohathite.htm - 12k

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