Biblical Reference:
Rithmah is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. It is listed as one of the stations where the Israelites camped during their wilderness wanderings. The reference to Rithmah can be found in Numbers 33:18-19: "They set out from Hazeroth and camped at Rithmah. They set out from Rithmah and camped at Rimmon-perez."

Historical and Geographical Context:
Rithmah is part of the detailed itinerary of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, as recorded in Numbers 33. This chapter provides a comprehensive list of the encampments of the Israelites, serving as a historical record of their 40-year journey through the wilderness. The exact location of Rithmah is not definitively known today, but it is believed to have been situated in the desert region of the Sinai Peninsula. The name "Rithmah" is thought to be derived from the Hebrew word for "broom," a type of shrub that may have been prevalent in the area.

Theological Significance:
The mention of Rithmah, like other stations in the wilderness journey, underscores the faithfulness and providence of God in guiding and sustaining the Israelites despite their frequent disobedience and lack of faith. Each encampment represents a step in the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people to a land flowing with milk and honey. The journey through the wilderness, including the stop at Rithmah, serves as a powerful reminder of the trials and testing that the Israelites faced, which were meant to refine and prepare them for entering the Promised Land.

Lessons and Applications:
Rithmah, as part of the wilderness journey, offers several lessons for believers today. It highlights the importance of trusting in God's guidance even when the path seems uncertain or difficult. The Israelites' journey is a metaphor for the Christian life, which often involves periods of waiting and testing. Rithmah reminds believers of the necessity of perseverance and faithfulness in their spiritual journey, trusting that God is leading them toward His promises.

Cross-References:
· Numbers 33:1-49 provides the full itinerary of the Israelites' journey, including the stop at Rithmah.
· Deuteronomy 8:2-5 reflects on the purpose of the wilderness wanderings, emphasizing God's testing and provision.
· Hebrews 3:7-19 warns against the unbelief that prevented the Israelites from entering the Promised Land, using their journey as a cautionary example for Christians.

Related Topics:
· Wilderness Wanderings
· Stations of the Exodus
· God's Faithfulness and Provision
· Testing and Refinement in the Christian Life

Rithmah, though briefly mentioned, is a significant part of the narrative of the Israelites' journey, illustrating the broader themes of faith, obedience, and divine guidance that are central to the biblical account.Rithmah

juniper; noise

Rithmah

(heath), a march-station in the wilderness, (Numbers 33:18,19) Probably northeast of Hazeroth.

Wild broom, a station in the wilderness (Numbers 33:18, 19), the "broom valley," or "valley of broombushes," the place apparently of the original encampment of Israel, near Kadesh. RITHMAH

rith'-ma (rithmah, "broom"): A desert camp of the Israelites (Numbers 33:18, 19). The name refers to the white desert broom.

See WANDERINGS OF ISRAEL.

7575. Rithmah -- a place in the desert
... 7574, 7575. Rithmah. 7576 . a place in the desert. Transliteration: Rithmah
Phonetic Spelling: (rith-maw') Short Definition: Rithmah. ...
/hebrew/7575.htm - 6kRithmah (2 Occurrences)
...RITHMAH. rith'-ma (rithmah, "broom"): A desert camp of the Israelites (Numbers
33:18, 19). The name refers to the white desert broom. ...Rithmah (2 Occurrences). ...
/r/rithmah.htm - 7k

Pitched (101 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Numbers 33:18 And they departed from Hazeroth, and pitched in Rithmah. ...
Numbers 33:19 And they departed from Rithmah, and pitched at Rimmonparez. ...
/p/pitched.htm - 33k

Camped (100 Occurrences)
... Numbers 33:18 They traveled from Hazeroth, and encamped in Rithmah. ... Numbers
33:19 They traveled from Rithmah, and encamped in Rimmon Perez. ...
/c/camped.htm - 33k

Encamped (115 Occurrences)
... Numbers 33:18 They traveled from Hazeroth, and encamped in Rithmah. ... Numbers
33:19 They traveled from Rithmah, and encamped in Rimmon Perez. ...
/e/encamped.htm - 34k

Rites (6 Occurrences)

/r/rites.htm - 8k

Traveled (104 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Numbers 33:18 They traveled from Hazeroth, and encamped in Rithmah. (WEB).
Numbers 33:19 They traveled from Rithmah, and encamped in Rimmon Perez. (WEB). ...
/t/traveled.htm - 32k

Encamp (108 Occurrences)
... Numbers 33:18 They traveled from Hazeroth, and encamped in Rithmah. ... Numbers
33:19 They traveled from Rithmah, and encamped in Rimmon Perez. ...
/e/encamp.htm - 36k

Journeyed (111 Occurrences)
... Numbers 33:18 And they journeyed from Hazeroth, and encamped in Rithmah. ... Numbers
33:19 And they journeyed from Rithmah, and encamped in Rimmon-perez. ...
/j/journeyed.htm - 33k

Removed (294 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Numbers 33:18 And they removed from Hazeroth, and encamped in Rithmah. (DBY).
Numbers 33:19 And they removed from Rithmah, and encamped at Rimmon-perez. ...
/r/removed.htm - 34k

Juniper (7 Occurrences)
... fuel, and also in cases of extremity for human food (Psalm 120:4; Job 30:4). One
of the encampments in the wilderness of Paran is called Rithmah, ie, "place of ...
/j/juniper.htm - 11k

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