Definition: And they removed from Marah, and came unto Elim: and in Elim [were] twelve fountains of water, and threescore and ten palm trees; and they pitched there.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 33:9. It’s a really interesting story about how the Israelites survived a terrible situation! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Story: “And they removed from Marah…” : "Marah" was a place called Nazir, which was a very important and sacred area for the Israelites. They were facing a huge challenge – they were stranded in a town called Marah, which was flooded with water. “…and came unto Elim:” : They decided to travel further to a place called Elim, which is a small village (likely a settlement) located about 15 miles away. “And in Elim [were] twelve fountains of water, and threescore and ten palm trees;” : This is the really important part! In Elim, they found a village with a lot of water – twelve fountains, and a huge number (threescore and ten) of palm trees. “And they pitched there.” : They built temporary shelters and established a settlement there. So, putting it all together: The Israelites were in a desperate situation. They were stuck in a flooded town. They managed to find a place with a good supply of water – twelve fountains and many palm trees – and they built a small village there to survive. What’s the Big Takeaway? This story highlights several important things: God's Provision: God provides for us even when we are in difficult situations. He has a plan, even when it seems impossible. Resourcefulness & Perseverance: The Israelites showed that they were able to find solutions even with limited resources – water and palm trees. It shows their faith and determination. Does this verse have any deeper meaning for you? Would you like me to explore any of these aspects further? For example, we could talk about: Why it’s significant in the story of Israel's history. The symbolism of the water and palm trees (maybe representing life or hope?).