Dear Family,
Today is Sabbath, April 29, 2023. It is Day 21; and, Day 7 of Week 3 as we Count to Pentecost.
We are not sure which day the Israelites left their camp at Elim. However, it took some time to move from Elim to the Wilderness of Sin, perhaps several days. We do know that according to the travel log we find in Numbers 33, the Israelites had a camp by the Red Sea on their way to the wilderness area. We also know they arrived in the wilderness on the 15th day of the second month; and, that is one month after they began their journey out of Egypt.
Numbers 33:10-11 (10) And they removed from Elim, and encamped by the Red Sea. (11) And they removed from the Red Sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin.
Exodus 16:1 And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children ofIsrael came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.
The locations of the Wilderness of Sin and Mt. Sinai have received a lot of attention through the years. The meanings of the names have also drawn attention and debate.
Some have thought the Wilderness of Sin got its name from Israel’s rebellion. However, historical records seem to indicate that this area was named “Sin” long before the Israelites arrived.
Most commentaries attribute the name to the pagan moon god whose name was Sin. Some believe the name of the peninsula of Sinai has the same connection. However, the commentaries do not agree. There are a few commentaries that suggest that the word sin is a transliteration of a Hebrew word which means thorn. And, much of the area may be a really “thorny” desert.
Where ever these places are and regardless of the meanings of the names, God has seen fit to record specific names and experiences for us. He has given them to us for our “admonition” as well as for general information.
1 Corinthians 10:1-2, 11-12 (1) Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; (2) And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea…. (11) Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (12) Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
May we truly be admonished and get the lessons God has intended. We must learn whatever God determines. However, please remember that all His thoughts toward us are good.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Ben Faulkner, Pastor
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