Numbers 33:16-17
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This isn't just a simple marker on a map; the name "Kibroth-hattaavah" itself means "graves of craving," pointing to a significant moment of divine judgment immediately following their departure from Sinai. It highlights that even after experiencing God's power at Sinai, Israel's unruliness led to severe consequences before their journey truly progressed.
And they set out from the wilderness of Sinai and camped at Kibroth-hattaavah. And they set out from Kibroth-hattaavah and camped at Hazeroth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh from their encounter with God at Mount Sinai, the Israelites are now journeying onward, but this next stop, Kibroth-hattaavah, will be marked by a serious sin of craving and a subsequent plague. This detailed list of encampments serves as a historical record, reminding them and us of both God’s faithfulness in leading them and their frequent failures to trust Him.
Ever wonder why a place in the wilderness had such a grim name? The very location the Israelites camped at after leaving Sinai carried a heavy meaning.
The verse states they camped at Kibroth-hattaavah. This name, meaning 'graves of lust' or 'graves of craving,' isn't just a label; it’s a stark reminder of a pivotal moment of failure for the Israelites.
Here's what happened:
This verse is part of a long list of Israel's journeys. But why is this list so important, and what does it teach us about God's guidance?
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Numbers 33 is a record of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the plains of Moab, just before entering the Promised Land. While Numbers 33:16 is a simple statement of movement – 'they removed from the desert of Sinai and camped at Kibroth-hattaavah' – the context of this list is profound:
Understand the original words
midbar · Hebrew Noun
A desolate, uninhabited region, often characterized by lack of resources and difficult conditions. In the Bible, it is frequently the setting for testing, divine provision, and encounters with God during Israel's journey.
Sinai · Hebrew Proper Noun
Refers to the location where Moses received the Law and the site of the first covenant between Yahweh and the newly delivered people of Israel. It represents the place of divine revelation and the inauguration of the tabernacle worship.
Kibroth-hattaavah · Hebrew Proper Noun
Literally 'graves of craving/lust.' It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of the people's rebellion and dissatisfaction with God’s provision, where they were struck down for their gluttonous desires.
chanah · Hebrew Verb
A location that signifies the stopping points of the Israelites' exodus. In the context of their journey, camping emphasizes their status as pilgrims—a people whose existence is defined by following God's leading through a foreign land toward the promised inheritance.
Hazeroth · Hebrew Proper Noun
Translates to 'enclosures' or 'settlements.' Historically associated with the rebellion of Miriam and Aaron against Moses, it represents a place of discipline and the assertion of divine authority over the leadership of Israel.
This verse marks the very beginning of the Israelites' wilderness journey after receiving the Law at Sinai. The name of the next encampment, Kibroth-hattaavah, immediately foreshadows the intense struggle with discontent and rebellion that will characterize much of their 40-year trek.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites depart from Egypt after God's deliverance, beginning their journey from Rameses.
c. 1446 BC
Journey to Mount Sinai
Following their escape, the Israelites travel and encamp at various locations, eventually reaching Mount Sinai.
c. 1446 BC
Encampment at Mount Sinai
The Israelites spend approximately a year at Mount Sinai, receiving the Law and instructions for the Tabernacle.
c. 1445 BC— this verse
Departure from Sinai Wilderness
The people break camp at Sinai, following God's guidance, and begin their journey towards the Promised Land.
c. 1445 BC
Pestilence at Kibroth-hattaavah
At Kibroth-hattaavah ('graves of lust'), many Israelites die due to a plague following their grumbling and lust for meat.
c. 1445 BC
Journey to Hazeroth
From Kibroth-hattaavah, the Israelites move on to Hazeroth, where Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses.
c. 1445 BC - 1406 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
Following a failed reconnaissance of Canaan, the Israelites spend approximately 38 years wandering in the wilderness, with many unrecorded encampments.
This passage directly describes the event that gave Kibroth-hattaavah its name: the people's lust for meat and the subsequent plague, illustrating the consequences of discontent.
Psalm 78:26-31This psalm recounts the Israelites' craving for flesh and God's provision, highlighting the theme of God's faithfulness even when Israel tested Him with their desires.
Deuteronomy 9:22This verse mentions Kibroth-hattaavah alongside Taberah, reminding us of the persistent pattern of Israel provoking God throughout their wilderness journey, even after witnessing His power.
1 Corinthians 10:6Paul directly references the Israelites' craving for "evil things" at this location, warning the early church against succumbing to similar desires and discontentment.
clarkeNumbers 33:16: "And they removed from the desert of Sinai, and pitched at Kibrothhattaavah."
Kibroth-hattaavah - No city, village, etc., but a place in the open desert, which had its name from the plague that fell upon the Israelites, through their murmuring against God, and their inordinate desire of flesh. See on Numbers 11 (note). But it appears that the Israelites had traveled three days' journey in order to reach this place, Numbers 10:33 , and commentators suppose there must have been oth…
gillNumbers 33:16: "And they removed from the desert of Sinai, and pitched at Kibrothhattaavah."
And they removed from the desert of Sinai, and pitched at Kibrothhattaavah. Eight miles from the desert of Sinai; here the people lusted after flesh, and murmured, which, though given them, a pestilence came and destroyed many of them, and here they were buried, whence the place was so called, which signifies the "graves of lust", i.e. of those that lusted: no mention is made of Taberah, either because…
This isn't just a simple marker on a map; the name "Kibroth-hattaavah" itself means "graves of craving," pointing to a significant moment of divine judgment immediately following their departure from Sinai. It highlights that even after experiencing God's power at Sinai, Israel's unruliness led to severe consequences before their journey truly progressed.
Fresh from their encounter with God at Mount Sinai, the Israelites are now journeying onward, but this next stop, Kibroth-hattaavah, will be marked by a serious sin of craving and a subsequent plague. This detailed list of encampments serves as a historical record, reminding them and us of both God’s faithfulness in leading them and their frequent failures to trust Him.
Fresh from their encounter with God at Mount Sinai, the Israelites are now journeying onward, but this next stop, Kibroth-hattaavah, will be marked by a serious sin of craving and a subsequent plague. This detailed list of encampments serves as a historical record, reminding them and us of both God’s faithfulness in leading them and their frequent failures to trust Him.
"And they set out from the wilderness of Sinai and camped at Kibroth-hattaavah. And they set out from Kibroth-hattaavah and camped at Hazeroth." — This isn't just a simple marker on a map; the name "Kibroth-hattaavah" itself means "graves of craving," pointing to a significant moment of divine judgment immediately following their departure from…
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Last reviewed October 2026
