They left Egypt filled with hope and guided by divine direction.
Numbers 33:3 tells us: “They journeyed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the next day after the Passover the sons of Israel started out boldly in the sight of all the Egyptians” (v.3). This verse describes the decisive moment when the Israelites finally departed from Egypt, leaving from Rameses, a city located in the fertile Nile Delta region of ancient Egypt. It was situated in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel had settled under Joseph’s administration centuries earlier (Genesis 47:11). Moses, who lived roughly between 1391-1271 BC, led them on this journey, marking the official start of what is traditionally referred to as the Exodus around the fifteenth day of the first month of their new religious calendar.
In “They journeyed from Rameses” (v.3), we see how the historical oppression of the Israelites ended as God’s promise to deliver them from bondage was fulfilled. The text notes that this event took place “on the next day after the Passover” (v.3), highlighting the significance of the Passover celebration. The Passover commemorated God’s protection of the Israelite firstborn during the plague that struck the Egyptians (Exodus 12:27). By mentioning they departed “boldly,” the verse paints a vivid picture of their confidence in the Lord’s mighty hand, which had just executed judgment upon the gods of Egypt (Exodus 12:12).
Connecting this moment to the New Testament, the Passover can remind us of Jesus Christ, often referred to as our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). Just as the blood of the lambs brought protection to ancient Israel, so the blood of Christ promises deliverance from sin for those who believe in Him (John 1:29). The boldness of Israel’s departure reflects the courage we can have today in our journey of faith, trusting God’s deliverance just as the Israelites trusted in Moses’s leadership and God’s covenant faithfulness in 1446 BC.
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Numbers 33:3 meaning
Numbers 33:3 tells us: “They journeyed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the next day after the Passover the sons of Israel started out boldly in the sight of all the Egyptians” (v.3). This verse describes the decisive moment when the Israelites finally departed from Egypt, leaving from Rameses, a city located in the fertile Nile Delta region of ancient Egypt. It was situated in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel had settled under Joseph’s administration centuries earlier (Genesis 47:11). Moses, who lived roughly between 1391-1271 BC, led them on this journey, marking the official start of what is traditionally referred to as the Exodus around the fifteenth day of the first month of their new religious calendar.
In “They journeyed from Rameses” (v.3), we see how the historical oppression of the Israelites ended as God’s promise to deliver them from bondage was fulfilled. The text notes that this event took place “on the next day after the Passover” (v.3), highlighting the significance of the Passover celebration. The Passover commemorated God’s protection of the Israelite firstborn during the plague that struck the Egyptians (Exodus 12:27). By mentioning they departed “boldly,” the verse paints a vivid picture of their confidence in the Lord’s mighty hand, which had just executed judgment upon the gods of Egypt (Exodus 12:12).
Connecting this moment to the New Testament, the Passover can remind us of Jesus Christ, often referred to as our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). Just as the blood of the lambs brought protection to ancient Israel, so the blood of Christ promises deliverance from sin for those who believe in Him (John 1:29). The boldness of Israel’s departure reflects the courage we can have today in our journey of faith, trusting God’s deliverance just as the Israelites trusted in Moses’s leadership and God’s covenant faithfulness in 1446 BC.