And they set out from before Hahiroth and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and they went a three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etham and camped at Marah.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While the text highlights their miraculous crossing and journey, it subtly points out that they traveled for three days through a wilderness named Etham, which they had already passed through earlier. This suggests a deliberate, perhaps even circuitous, route orchestrated by God, not simply a straight path, testing their faith even after such a monumental rescue.
And they set out from before Hahiroth and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and they went a three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etham and camped at Marah.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh from the miraculous parting of the sea, the Israelites are now entering the harsh, vast wilderness. This verse marks the immediate aftermath of their escape, detailing their first few days of travel into this new, challenging territory. They journeyed three days, a significant distance in such conditions, before reaching Marah, a place that will soon test their faith in a completely different way.
After the epic miracle at the Red Sea, the Israelites didn't march straight into the Promised Land. They took a three-day journey into the wilderness. Why the detour?
This passage highlights a crucial aspect of God's guidance: it's not always the most direct route. God often leads His people through seemingly circuitous paths, not because of miscalculation, but for specific purposes.
God's Strategic Leading
Just three days after the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, the Israelites found themselves facing a new, daunting problem: bitter water at Marah.
This transition from the Red Sea's triumphant waters to Marah's bitter waters is a stark reminder that experiencing God's mighty acts doesn't immediately erase all hardship.
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From Miracle to Bitter Reality
Understand the original words
Marah · Hebrew Proper Noun
A term literally meaning 'bitterness,' referring to the place where the Israelites found water that was undrinkable. It serves as a reminder of human frailty and the necessity of divine intervention for survival.
This passage records a pivotal moment in the Exodus, detailing the immediate aftermath of the miraculous Red Sea crossing and the Israelites' first steps into the wilderness, highlighting their dependence on God for provision and guidance even after such a spectacular deliverance.
c. 1446 BC
Israel Departs Egypt
The Israelites leave Rameses on the 15th day of the first month, the day after Passover, under Moses' leadership.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Crossing the Red Sea
God miraculously parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground, but drowning the pursuing Egyptian army.
c. 1446 BC
Journey into the Wilderness of Etham
After crossing the sea, the Israelites journey three days into the wilderness of Etham, which is also known as the wilderness of Shur.
c. 1446 BC
Arrival at Marah
The Israelites reach Marah, where the water is bitter, presenting their first major challenge and test of faith in the wilderness.
c. 1446 BC
Arrival at Elim
Following Marah, the Israelites find respite at Elim, a lush oasis with twelve springs and seventy palm trees.
c. 1446 BC
Wilderness of Sin and Sinai
The journey continues through the Wilderness of Sin, where God provides manna, and then to Mount Sinai for the giving of the Law.
This passage describes the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, the very event that allowed Israel to pass into the wilderness as mentioned in Numbers 33:8.
Exodus 15:22-23This scripture immediately follows the song of Moses and details the Israelites' arrival at Marah and their complaint about the bitter waters, directly connecting to the destination mentioned in Numbers 33:8.
Psalm 106:7This psalm recalls Israel's disobedience, including their rebellion at the Red Sea and in the wilderness, echoing the difficult journey narrated through the list of encampments like the one at Marah.
Nehemiah 9:11This prayer references God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt and His provision in the wilderness, highlighting the significance of the journey that Numbers 33:8 is a part of.
gillNumbers 33:8: "And they departed from before Pihahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days' journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah."
And they departed from before Pihahiroth,.... Being forced by Pharaoh's army pressing upon them: and passed through the midst of the sea; from shore to shore, as on dry laud: into the wilderness: that part of it which lay on the other side, for still it was the wilderness of Etham they went into, as…
clarkeNumbers 33:8: "And they departed from before Pihahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days' journey in the wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah."
And went three days' journey in the wilderness of Etham - Called the wilderness of Shur, Exodus 15:22 . And pitched in Marah - Dr. Shaw supposes this place to be at Sedur, over against the valley of Baideah, on the opposite side of the Red Sea. Stat. 5.
While the text highlights their miraculous crossing and journey, it subtly points out that they traveled for three days through a wilderness named Etham, which they had already passed through earlier. This suggests a deliberate, perhaps even circuitous, route orchestrated by God, not simply a straight path, testing their faith even after such a monumental rescue.
Fresh from the miraculous parting of the sea, the Israelites are now entering the harsh, vast wilderness. This verse marks the immediate aftermath of their escape, detailing their first few days of travel into this new, challenging territory. They journeyed three days, a significant distance in such conditions, before reaching Marah, a place that will soon test their faith in a completely different way.
Fresh from the miraculous parting of the sea, the Israelites are now entering the harsh, vast wilderness. This verse marks the immediate aftermath of their escape, detailing their first few days of travel into this new, challenging territory. They journeyed three days, a significant distance in such conditions, before reaching Marah, a place that will soon test their faith in a completely different way.
"And they set out from before Hahiroth and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and they went a three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etham and camped at Marah." — While the text highlights their miraculous crossing and journey, it subtly points out that they traveled for three days through a wilderness named Etham, which they had already passed through earli…
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Last reviewed October 2026