Numbers 33
Commentary from 2 fathers
And Moses wrote their removals and their stages, by the word of the Lord: and these are the stages of their journeying.
καὶ ἔγραψε Μωυσῆς τὰς ἀπάρσεις αὐτῶν καὶ τοὺς σταθμοὺς αὐτῶν διὰ ῥήματος Κυρίου, καὶ οὗτοι οἱ σταθμοὶ τῆς πορείας αὐτῶν.
И҆ написа̀ мѡѷсе́й воздвижє́нїѧ и҆́хъ и҆ ста́ны и҆́хъ, по словесѝ гдⷭ҇ню. И҆ сі́и ста́нове ше́ствїѧ и҆́хъ:
You have heard that Moses wrote this down by the word of the Lord. Why did the Lord want him to write it down? Was it so that this passage in Scripture about the stages the children of Israel made might benefit us in some way or that it should bring us no benefit? Who would dare to say that what is written “by the Word of God” is of no use and makes no contribution to salvation but is merely a narrative of what happened and was over and done a long time ago, but pertains in no way to us when it is told?
Homilies on Numbers 27:2
He wrote them down, then, “by the word of the Lord” so that when we read them and see how many starting places lie ahead of us on the journey that leads to the kingdom, we may prepare ourselves for this way of life. [Thus,] considering the journey that lies ahead of us, [we] may not allow the time of our life to be ruined by sloth and neglect.
Homilies on Numbers 27:7
They departed from Ramesses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the day after the passover the children of Israel went forth with a high hand before all the Egyptians.
ἀπῇραν ἐκ Ῥαμεσσῆ τῷ μηνὶ τῷ πρώτῳ τῇ πεντεκαιδεκάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ μηνὸς τοῦ πρώτου· τῇ ἐπαύριον τοῦ πάσχα ἐξῆλθον οἱ υἱοὶ ᾿Ισραὴλ ἐν χειρὶ ὑψηλῇ ἐναντίον πάντων τῶν Αἰγυπτίων,
воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ рамессы̀ въ мцⷭ҇ъ пе́рвый, въ пѧтыйна́десѧть де́нь пе́рвагѡ мцⷭ҇а: наꙋ́трїе па́схи и҆зыдо́ша сы́нове і҆и҃льтестїи рꙋко́ю высо́кою пред̾ всѣ́ми є҆гѵ̑птѧны:
And the Egyptians buried those that died of them, even all that the Lord smote, every first-born in the land of Egypt; also the Lord executed vengeance on their gods.
καὶ οἱ Αἰγύπτιοι ἔθαπτον ἐξ αὐτῶν τοὺς τεθνηκότας πάντας, οὓς ἐπάταξε Κύριος, πᾶν πρωτότοκον ἐν γῇ Αἰγύπτῳ, καὶ ἐν τοῖς θεοῖς αὐτῶν ἐποίησε τὴν ἐκδίκησιν Κύριος.
и҆ є҆гѵ́птѧне погреба́хꙋ ᲂу҆ме́ршыѧ ѿ ни́хъ всѧ̑, ꙗ҆̀же и҆збѝ гдⷭ҇ь всѧ́каго пе́рвенца въ землѝ є҆гѵ́петстѣй: и҆ въ бозѣ́хъ и҆́хъ сотворѝ ѿмще́нїе гдⷭ҇ь.
And the children of Israel departed from Ramesses, and encamped in Socchoth:
καὶ ἀπάραντες οἱ υἱοὶ ᾿Ισραὴλ ἐκ Ῥαμεσσῆ παρενέβαλον εἰς Σοκχώθ.
И҆ воздви́гшесѧ сы́нове і҆и҃лєвы ѿ рамессы̀, ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ сокхѡ́ѳѣ:
Now the first starting place was from Ramesse [Rameses]; and whether the soul starts out from this world and comes to the future age or is converted from the errors of life to the way of virtue and knowledge, it starts out from Ramesse. For in our language Ramesse means “confused agitation” or “agitation of the worm.” By this it is made clear that everything in this world is set in agitation and disorder and also in corruption; for this is what the worm means. The soul should not remain in such agitation but should set out and come to Sochoth [Succoth].
Homilies on Numbers 27:9
Sochoth [Succoth] is interpreted “tents.” Thus the first progress of the soul is to be taken away from earthly agitation and to learn that it must dwell in tents like a wanderer, so that it can be, as it were, ready for battle and meet those who lie in wait for it unhindered and free.
Homilies on Numbers 27:9
and they departed from Socchoth and encamped in Buthan, which is a part of the wilderness.
καὶ ἀπάραντες ἐκ Σοκχὼθ παρενέβαλον εἰς Βουθάν, ὅ ἐστι μέρος τι τῆς ἐρήμου.
и҆ воздви́гшесѧ ѿ сокхѡ́ѳа, ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ вꙋѳа́нѣ, и҆́же є҆́сть ча́сть нѣ́каѧ пꙋсты́ни:
Then when the soul thinks it is ready, it sets out from Succoth and camps at Buthan [Etham]. Buthan means “valley.” Now we have said that the stages refer to progress in the virtues. And a virtue is not acquired without training and hard work, nor is it tested as much in prosperity as in adversity. So the soul comes to a valley. For in valleys and in low places the struggle against the devil and the opposing powers takes place.
Homilies on Numbers 27:9
And they departed from Buthan and encamped at the mouth of Iroth, which is opposite Beel-sepphon, and encamped opposite Magdol.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Βουθὰν καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐπὶ τὸ στόμα Εἰρώθ, ὅ ἐστιν ἀπέναντι Βεελσεπφῶν, καὶ παρενέβαλον ἀπέναντι Μαγδώλου.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ вꙋѳа́на, и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ во ᲂу҆́стїи і҆рѡ́ѳа, и҆́же є҆́сть прѧ́мѡ веельсепфѡ́нꙋ, и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ прѧ́мѡ магдѡ́лꙋ:
Iroth [Pi-hahiroth] means “villages.” For the soul has not yet come to the city, nor is what is perfect already held, but first and for the moment some small places are taken. For progress consists in coming to great things from small ones.
Homilies on Numbers 27:9
Iroth is situated opposite Beelsephon [Baal-zephon] and opposite Magdalum. Beelsephon means “the ascent of the watchtower or citadel.” So the soul ascends from small things to great and is not yet placed in that watchtower but opposite the watchtower, that is, in sight of the watchtower. For it begins to watch and to look for the future hope and to contemplate the height of the progresses; little by little it grows, while it is more nourished by hope than worn out by toils.
Homilies on Numbers 27:9
This camp or stage is opposite Magdalum [Migdol] but not yet in Magdalum itself. For Magdalum means “grandeur.” Thus, since it has in view both the ascent of watching and the grandeur of things to come, the soul, as we have said, is fed and nourished by great hopes. It is now situated in starting places and not in perfection.
Homilies on Numbers 27:9
And they departed from before Iroth, and crossed the middle of the sea into the wilderness; and they went a journey of three days through the wilderness, and encamped in Picriae.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἀπέναντι Εἰρὼθ καὶ διέβησαν μέσον τῆς θαλάσσης εἰς τὴν ἔρημον καὶ ἐπορεύθησαν ὁδὸν τριῶν ἡμερῶν διὰ τῆς ἐρήμου αὐτοὶ καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐν Πικρίαις.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ прѧ́мѡ і҆рѡ́ѳꙋ, и҆ проидо́ша средѝ мо́рѧ въ пꙋсты́ню: и҆ и҆до́ша пꙋте́мъ трѝ дни̑ въ пꙋсты́ни ті́и, и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ го́рькостехъ.
Next they set out from Iroth and pass through the midst of the Red Sea and camp at Bitter Waters. We have said that the time of starting places is a time of dangers. How hard a temptation it is to pass through the midst of the sea, to see the waves rise piled up, to hear the noise and rumbling of the raging waters! But if you follow Moses, that is, the law of God, the waters will become for you walls on the right and left, and you will find a path on dry ground in the midst of the sea.
Homilies on Numbers 27:10
And so they camped at the Bitter Waters [Marah]. Do not be terrified or afraid when you hear of Bitter Waters. “For the moment all discipline seems bitter rather than pleasant; later it yields the sweetest and most peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it,” as the apostle teaches. Then too, the unleavened bread is commanded to be eaten with bitter herbs; nor is it possible to attain the Promised Land unless we pass through bitterness.
Homilies on Numbers 27:10
Helim [Elim] is where there are twelve springs of water and seventy-two palm trees. You see after bitterness, after the hardships of temptations, what pleasant places receive you! You would not have come to the palm trees unless you had endured the bitterness of temptations. Nor would you have come to the sweetness of the springs unless you had first overcome what was sad and harsh.… And Helim means “rams”; rams are the leaders of flocks. Thus who are the leaders of Christ’s flock but the apostles, who are also the twelve springs? But since our Lord and Savior chose not only those twelve but also seventy-two others, there are not only twelve springs but also seventy-two palm trees mentioned in Scripture.
Homilies on Numbers 27:11
And they departed from Picriae, and came to Aelim; and in Aelim [were] twelve fountains of water, and seventy palm-trees, and they encamped there by the water.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Πικριῶν καὶ ἦλθον εἰς Αἰλίμ· καὶ ἐν Αἰλὶμ δώδεκα πηγαὶ ὑδάτων καὶ ἑβδομήκοντα στελέχη φοινίκων, καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐκεῖ παρὰ τὸ ὕδωρ.
И҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ го́рькостей и҆ прїидо́ша въ є҆лі́мъ: и҆ въ є҆лі́мѣ (бы́ша) двана́десѧть и҆сто́чники во́дъ, и҆ се́дмьдесѧтъ сте́блїй фі́нїкѡвъ, и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ ᲂу҆ воды̀ та́мѡ.
And they departed from Aelim, and encamped by the Red Sea.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐξ Αἰλὶμ καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐπὶ θάλασσαν ἐρυθράν.
И҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ є҆лі́ма и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ ᲂу҆ мо́рѧ чермна́гѡ:
They do not enter the Red Sea, since entering it once was enough. Now they camp next to the sea, so that they look at the sea and regard its waves but in no way fear its motions and assaults.
Homilies on Numbers 27:11
And they departed from the Red Sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἀπὸ θαλάσσης ἐρυθρᾶς, καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς τὴν ἔρημον Σίν.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ мо́рѧ чермна́гѡ и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ пꙋсты́ни сі́нъ:
Sin means “bramble bush” or “temptation.” Thus the hope of good things now begins to smile upon you. What is the hope of good things? The Lord appeared from the bush and answered Moses; and this became the beginning of the Lord’s coming to the children of Israel. But it is not insignificant that Sin also means “temptation.” For visions usually involve temptation. Sometimes an angel of wickedness disguises himself as an angel of light.
Homilies on Numbers 27:11
And they departed from the wilderness of Sin, and encamped in Raphaca.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ τῆς ἐρήμου Σὶν καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς Ῥαφακά.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ пꙋсты́ни сі́нъ и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ рафа́кѣ:
Raphaca [Dophkah] means “health.” You see the order of the progresses, how when the soul is once made spiritual and begins to have the discernment of heavenly visions, it arrives at health.… For the soul has many infirmities. Avarice is one of the worst of its infirmities; pride, anger, boasting, fear, inconstancy, timidity, and the like. When, Lord Jesus, will you cure me of all these infirmities? When will you heal me so that I may say, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, who heals all your infirmities” so that I may be able to make a stage at Raphaca [Dophkah], which is healing?
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Raphaca, and encamped in Aelus.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Ῥαφακὰ καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐν Αἰλούς.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ рафа́ка и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ є҆лꙋ́сѣ:
Halus [Alush] means “toils.” Nor should you be surprised if toils follow health. For the soul acquires health from the Lord in order to accept toils with delight and not unwillingly.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Aelus, and encamped in Raphidin; and there was no water there for the people to drink.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐξ Αἰλοὺς καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐν Ῥαφιδίν, καὶ οὐκ ἦν ἐκεῖ ὕδωρ τῷ λαῷ πιεῖν.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ є҆лꙋ́са и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ рафїді́нѣ: и҆ не бы́сть та́мѡ воды̀ лю́демъ пи́ти.
Now Raphidin [Rephidim] means “praise of judgment.” Praise most justly follows toils, but what is the praise of? Judgment, it says. Therefore the soul becomes worthy of praise when it judges rightly, discerns rightly, that is, when it judges all things spiritually and is itself judged by no one.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Raphidin, and encamped in the wilderness of Sina.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Ῥαφιδὶν καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ Σινά.
И҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ рафїді́на и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ пꙋсты́ни сїна̀:
Sina itself is a place in the wilderness that was earlier mentioned as Sin. But this place is, rather, the name of the mountain that is in that wilderness; it is called Sina after the name of the wilderness. Therefore, after the soul has been made praiseworthy in judgment and begins to have a right judgment, then it is given the law by God, since it has begun to be capable of receiving divine mysteries and heavenly visions.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from the wilderness of Sina, and encamped at the Graves of Lust.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ τῆς ἐρήμου Σινὰ καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐν Μνήμασι τῆς ἐπιθυμίας.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ пꙋсты́ни сїна̀ и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ во гробѣ́хъ похотѣ́нїѧ:
From there they come to the Tombs of Lust [Kibroth-hattavah]. What are the Tombs of Lust? Doubtless it is where lusts are buried and covered over, where all desire is quenched and the flesh no longer lusts against the spirit, since it has been put to death by the death of Christ.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from the Graves of Lust, and encamped in Aseroth.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Μνημάτων τῆς ἐπιθυμίας καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐν ᾿Ασηρώθ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ гробѡ́въ похотѣ́нїѧ и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ во а҆сирѡ́ѳѣ:
Next they come to Aseroth [Hazeroth]. This means “perfect halls” or “blessedness.”Consider quite carefully, each of you wanderers, what the order of progress is. After you have been buried and have handed over the lusts of the flesh to death, you will come to the spacious dignity of halls, you will come to blessedness. For blessed is the soul that is no longer driven by any vices of the flesh.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Aseroth, and encamped in Rathama.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐξ ᾿Ασηρὼθ καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐν Ῥαθαμᾷ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ а҆сирѡ́ѳа и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ раѳа́мѣ:
And they departed from Rathama, and encamped in Remmon Phares.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Ῥαθαμᾶ καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐν Ῥεμμὼν Φαρές.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ раѳа́ма и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ ремнѡ́нъ-фаре́сѣ:
And they departed from Remmon Phares, and encamped in Lebona.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Ῥεμμὼν Φαρὲς καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐν Λεβωνᾷ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ ремнѡ́нъ-фаре́са и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ лемвѡ́нѣ:
Next they came to Lebna [Libnah], which means “whitewashing.” I know that in some respects whitewashing has a pejorative connotation.… But this whitewashing is that concerning which the prophet says, “You will wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.…” So then, this whitewashing must be understood to come from the radiance of the true light and to descend from the brightness of heavenly visions.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Lebona, and encamped in Ressan.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Λεβωνᾷ καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς Ῥεσσάν.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ лемвѡ́на и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ ресса́нѣ:
The next stage takes place in Ressa [Rissah], which could be put into our words as “visible or praiseworthy temptation.” Why is it that however great the progress made by the soul nonetheless temptations are not taken away from it? Here it becomes clear that temptations are brought to it as a kind of protection and defense. For just as meat, if it is not sprinkled with salt, no matter how great and special it is, becomes rotten, so also the soul, unless it is somehow salted with constant temptations, immediately becomes feeble and soft.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Ressan, and encamped in Makellath.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Ῥεσσὰν καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς Μακελλάθ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ ресса́на и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ макелла́ѳѣ:
From it they come to Macelath [Kehelathah], which is “sovereignty” or “staff.” Power seems to be meant by both and that the soul has progressed so far as to rule over the body and to obtain by that the staff of power. Indeed, it is power not only over the body but also over the whole world that Paul means when he says, “By the cross the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Makellath, and encamped in Saphar.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Μακελλὰθ καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς Σαφάρ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ макелла́ѳа и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ во а҆рсафа́ѳѣ:
And they departed from Saphar, and encamped in Charadath.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Σαφὰρ καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς Χαραδάθ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ а҆рсафа́ѳа горы̀ и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ харада́ѳѣ:
Next they arrive at Charadath [Haradah], which in our language signifies “made competent.” Indeed, this is just what Paul says, “He has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant.”
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Charadath, and encamped in Makeloth.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Χαραδὰθ καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς Μακηλώθ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ харада́ѳа и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ макидѡ́ѳѣ:
From there a stage is made at Maceloth [Makheloth], which means “from the beginning.” For the person who strives for contemplation contemplates the beginning of things, or rather he refers everything to him who was in the beginning, nor is there any time when he abandons that beginning.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Makeloth, and encamped in Kataath.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Μακηλὼθ καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς Καταάθ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ макидѡ́ѳа и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ катаа́ѳѣ:
Next a stage is made at Cataath [Tahath], which is “encouragement” or “endurance.” For it is necessary for someone who wants to be of use to others to suffer many things and to bear them all patiently, as it is said of Paul, “For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Kataath, and encamped in Tarath.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Καταὰθ καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς Ταράθ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ катаа́ѳа и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ во ѳара́ѳѣ:
And they departed from Tarath, and encamped in Mathecca.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Ταρὰθ καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς Μαθεκκά.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ ѳара́ѳа и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ маѳе́ккѣ:
Next they come to Matheca [Mithkah], which means “new death.” What is the new death? When we die with Christ so that we may live with him.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Mathecca, and encamped in Selmona.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Μαθεκκὰ καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς Σελμωνᾶ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ маѳе́кка и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ во а҆селмѡ́нѣ:
From there they come to Asenna [Hashmonah], which is said to mean “bone” or “bones.” By this it is doubtless strength and the firmness of endurance that is revealed.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Selmona, and encamped in Masuruth.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Σελμωνᾶ καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς Μασουρούθ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ а҆селмѡ́на и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ масꙋрꙋ́ѳѣ:
Now from here a stage is made at Mesoroth [Moseroth], which is thought to mean “shutting out.” What do they shut out? Doubtless the wicked suggestions of the opposing spirit from their thoughts.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Masuruth, and encamped in Banaea.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Μασουροὺθ καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς Βαναία.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ масꙋрꙋ́ѳа и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ ванакка́нѣ:
Next they come to Banaim [Bene-jaakan], which means “springs” or “filterings,” that is, where one draws water from the springs of divine words until one filters them by drinking.… Thus a person filters the word of God when he does not omit even the least commandment, indeed when he gains the understanding that not even one iota or one dot in the word of God is insignificant.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Banaea, and encamped in the mountain Gadgad.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Βαναία καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς τὸ ὄρος Γαδγάδ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ ванакка́на и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ горѣ̀ гадда́дъ:
And they departed from the mountain Gadgad, and encamped in Etebatha.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ τοῦ ὄρους Γαδγὰδ καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς ᾿Ετεβαθά.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ горы̀ гадда́дъ и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ во є҆тева́ѳѣ:
When you pass through them, you will camp at Tabatha [Jotbathah]. Tabatha means “good things.” Thus they do not come to good things except after the trials of temptations.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Etebatha, and encamped in Ebrona.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐξ ᾿Ετεβαθὰ καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς ᾿Εβρωνά.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ є҆тева́ѳа и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ во є҆врѡ́нѣ:
From there, it says, they camped at Ebrona [Abronah], which is “passage.” For everything must be passed through. Even if you have come to good things, you must pass through them to better things until you come to that good thing in which you should always remain.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Ebrona, and encamped in Gesion Gaber.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐξ ᾿Εβρωνὰ καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς Γεσιὼν Γάβερ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ є҆врѡ́на и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ гесїѡ́нъ-га́верѣ:
Next they come to Gasiongaber [Ezion-geber], which means “the purposes of a man.” If someone ceases to be a child in understanding, he arrives at the purposes of a man, just as Paul, who said, “When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Gesion Gaber, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin; and they departed from the wilderness of Sin, and encamped in the wilderness of Pharan; this is Cades.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Γεσιὼν Γάβερ καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ Σίν. καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ τῆς ἐρήμου Σὶν καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς τὴν ἔρημον Φαράν· αὕτη ἐστὶ Κάδης.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ гесїѡ́нъ-га́вера и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ пꙋсты́ни сі́нъ: и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ пꙋсты́ни сі́нъ и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ пꙋсты́ни фара́ни, ꙗ҆́же є҆́сть ка́дисъ:
From there they come again to Sin [Zin]. And again Sin is “temptation.” For we said that there is no other way of furthering our embarking upon this journey.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
Next they camp at Pharancades [Kadish], which is “holy fruitfulness.” You see where they come from; you see that holy fruitfulness follows the ploughed furrows of temptations.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Cades, and encamped in mount Or near the land of Edom.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Κάδης καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς ῎Ωρ τὸ ὄρος πλησίον γῆς ᾿Εδώμ·
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ ка́диса и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ горѣ̀ ѡ҆́ръ бли́з̾ землѝ є҆дѡ́мли.
They encamped at Mt. Or [Hor], which means “mountains.” For one comes to the mount of God so that he may himself become a fruitful mountain and a massive mountain or because the person who always dwells on the mount of God is called a mountaineer.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And Aaron the priest went up by the command of the Lord, and died there in the fortieth year of the departure of the children of Israel from the land of Egypt, in the fifth month, on the first [day] of the month.
καὶ ἀνέβη ᾿Ααρὼν ὁ ἱερεὺς διὰ προστάγματος Κυρίου καὶ ἀπέθανεν ἐκεῖ ἐν τῷ τεσσαρακοστῷ ἔτει τῆς ἐξόδου τῶν υἱῶν ᾿Ισραὴλ ἐκ γῆς Αἰγύπτου τῷ μηνὶ τῷ πέμπτῳ μιᾷ τοῦ μηνός·
И҆ взы́де а҆арѡ́нъ жре́цъ на го́рꙋ ѡ҆́ръ повелѣ́нїемъ гдⷭ҇нимъ, и҆ ᲂу҆́мре та́мѡ въ четыредесѧ́тое лѣ́то и҆зше́ствїѧ сынѡ́въ і҆и҃левыхъ и҆з̾ землѝ є҆гѵ́петскїѧ, мцⷭ҇а пѧ́тагѡ въ пе́рвый де́нь мцⷭ҇а.
And Aaron was a hundred and twenty-three years old, when he died in mount Or.
καὶ ᾿Ααρὼν ἦν τριῶν καὶ εἴκοσι καὶ ἑκατὸν ἐτῶν, ὅτε ἀπέθνησκεν ἐν ῍Ωρ τῷ ὄρει.
И҆ а҆арѡ́нъ бѧ́ше ста̀ два́десѧти тре́хъ лѣ́тъ, є҆гда̀ ᲂу҆́мре въ горѣ̀ ѡ҆́ръ.
And Arad the Chananitish king (he too dwelt in the land of Chanaan) having heard when the children of Israel were entering [the land]--
καὶ ἀκούσας ὁ Χανανὶς βασιλεὺς ᾿Αράδ, καὶ οὗτος κατῴκει ἐν γῇ Χαναάν, ὅτε εἰσεπορεύοντο οἱ υἱοὶ ᾿Ισραήλ.
И҆ ᲂу҆слы́ша ханане́й ца́рь а҆ра́дскїй, и҆ се́й живѧ́ше въ землѝ ханаа́ни, є҆гда̀ вхожда́хꙋ сы́нове і҆и҃лєвы.
then they departed from mount Or, and encamped in Selmona.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐξ ῍Ωρ τοῦ ὄρους καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς Σελμωνά.
И҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ горы̀ ѡ҆́ръ и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ селмѡ́нѣ:
The stage at Selmona [Zalmonah] follows next. Its meaning is “shadow of the portion.” … The shadow of our portion, which gives us shade from all the heat of temptations, is Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Selmona, and encamped in Phino.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Σελμωνὰ καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς Φινώ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ селмѡ́на и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ фїнѡ́нѣ:
Now from here they come to Phinon [Punon], which we think means “frugality of the mouth.” For the person who can contemplate the mystery of Christ and of the Holy Spirit, if he sees or hears what it is not right for men to speak, will necessarily have frugality of mouth, since he will know to whom, when and how he should speak of the divine mysteries.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Phino, and encamped in Oboth.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Φινὼ καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐν ᾿Ωβώθ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ фїнѡ́на и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ во ѡ҆вѡ́ѳѣ:
Next they come to Oboth. Although we have not found an interpretation of this name, nonetheless we do not doubt that in this name as in all the others the logic of the progresses is preserved.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Oboth, and encamped in Gai, on the other side [Jordan] on the borders of Moab.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐξ ᾿Ωβὼθ καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐν Γαΐ, ἐν τῷ πέραν ἐπὶ τῶν ὁρίων Μωάβ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ ѡ҆вѡ́ѳа и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ гаі̀, ѡ҆б̾ ѻ҆нꙋ̀ странꙋ̀ предѣ̑лъ мѡа́влихъ:
And they departed from Gai, and encamped in Daebon Gad.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Γαΐ καὶ παρενέβαλον εἰς Δαιβὼν Γάδ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ гаі̀ и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ девѡ́нъ-га́дѣ:
From there they come in turn to Dibongad [Dibon-gad], which bears the meaning “beehive of temptations.” How marvelous is the caution of divine providence! For look, this wanderer on his heavenly journey comes right up to the highest perfection by a succession of virtues; and nevertheless temptations do not leave him, though I hear temptations of a new kind. It means “beehive of temptations.” Scripture considers the bee a praiseworthy insect, and kings and commoners use what it produces for their health. This may rightly be taken of the words of the prophets and the apostles and all who wrote the sacred books.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Daebon Gad, and encamped in Gelmon Deblathaim.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Δαιβὼν Γὰδ καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐν Γελμὼν Δεβλαθαίμ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ девѡ́нъ-га́да и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ гелмѡ́нъ-девлаѳаі́мѣ:
Next, then, they come to Gelmon Deblathaim [Almon-diblathaim], which means “scorn of figs,” that is, where earthly things are completely scorned and despised. For unless what seems to delight us on earth is rejected and scorned, we cannot pass through to heavenly things.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from Gelmon Deblathaim, and encamped on the mountains of Abarim, over against Nabau.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἐκ Γελμὼν Δεβλαθαὶμ καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐπὶ τὰ ὄρη τὰ ᾿Αβαρίμ, ἀπέναντι Ναβαῦ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ гелмѡ́нъ-девлаѳаі́ма и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ въ гора́хъ а҆варі́млихъ прѧ́мѡ нава́ѵꙋ:
There follows next the stage at Abarim opposite Nabau [Nebo], which is “passage.” But Nabau means “separation.” For when the soul has made its journey through all these virtues and has climbed to the height of perfection, it then “passes” from the world and “separates” from it, as it is written of Enoch, “And he was not found, because God had taken him across.”
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they departed from the mountains of Abarim, and encamped on the west of Moab, at Jordan by Jericho.
καὶ ἀπῇραν ἀπὸ τῶν ὀρέων ᾿Αβαρὶμ καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐπὶ δυσμῶν Μωάβ, ἐπὶ τοῦ ᾿Ιορδάνου κατὰ ῾Ιεριχώ,
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ го́ръ а҆варі́млихъ и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ на за́падѣ мѡа́вли, ᲂу҆ і҆ѻрда́на при і҆ерїхѡ́нѣ:
The last stage is east of Moab by the Jordan. For the whole journey takes place, the whole course is run for the purpose of arriving at the river of God, so that we may make neighbors of the flowing Wisdom and may be watered by the waves of divine knowledge, and so that purified by them all we may be made worthy to enter the promised land.
Homilies on Numbers 27:12
And they encamped by Jordan between Aesimoth, as far as Belsa to the west of Moab.
καὶ παρενέβαλον παρὰ τὸν ᾿Ιορδάνην ἀνὰ μέσον Αἰσιμὼθ ἕως Βελσατὶμ κατὰ δυσμὰς Μωάβ.
и҆ воздвиго́шасѧ ѿ за́пада мѡа́влѧ и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ ᲂу҆ і҆ѻрда́на, междꙋ̀ є҆сїмѡ́ѳомъ, до велсатті́ма на за́пады мѡа́ва.
And the Lord spoke to Moses at the west of Moab by Jordan at Jericho, saying,
Καὶ ἐλάλησε Κύριος πρὸς Μωυσῆν ἐπὶ δυσμῶν Μωὰβ παρὰ τὸν ᾿Ιορδάνην κατὰ ῾Ιεριχὼ λέγων·
И҆ речѐ гдⷭ҇ь къ мѡѷсе́ю въ за́падѣ мѡа́ва ᲂу҆ і҆ѻрда́на при і҆ерїхѡ́нѣ, гл҃ѧ:
Speak to the children of Israel, and thou shalt say to them, Ye are to pass over Jordan into the land of Chanaan.
λάλησον τοῖς υἱοῖς ᾿Ισραὴλ καὶ ἐρεῖς πρὸς αὐτούς· ὑμεῖς διαβαίνετε τὸν ᾿Ιορδάνην εἰς γῆν Χαναὰν
глаго́ли сынѡ́мъ і҆и҃лєвымъ и҆ рече́ши къ ни̑мъ: вы̀ прехо́дите і҆ѻрда́нъ въ зе́млю ханаа́ню,
And ye shall destroy all that dwell in the land before your face, and ye shall abolish their high places, and all their molten images ye shall destroy, and ye shall demolish all their pillars.
καὶ ἀπολεῖτε πάντας τοὺς κατοικοῦντας ἐν τῇ γῇ πρὸ προσώπου ὑμῶν καὶ ἐξαρεῖτε τὰς σκοπιὰς αὐτῶν καὶ πάντα τὰ εἴδωλα τὰ χωνευτὰ αὐτῶν ἀπολεῖτε αὐτὰ καὶ πάσας τὰς στήλας αὐτῶν ἐξαρεῖτε.
и҆ погꙋби́те всѧ̑ живꙋ́щыѧ на землѝ ѿ лица̀ ва́шегѡ, и҆ разрꙋши́те стражбы̑ и҆́хъ, и҆ всѧ̑ і҆́дѡлы и҆злїѧ̑нныѧ и҆́хъ сокрꙋши́те ѧ҆̀, и҆ всѧ̑ ка̑пища и҆́хъ разрꙋши́те,
And ye shall destroy all the inhabitants of the land, and ye shall dwell in it, for I have given their land to you for an inheritance.
καὶ ἀπολεῖτε πάντας τοὺς κατοικοῦντας τὴν γῆν καὶ κατοικήσετε ἐν αὐτῇ· ὑμῖν γὰρ δέδωκα τὴν γῆν αὐτῶν ἐν κλήρῳ.
и҆ погꙋби́те всѧ̑ живꙋ́щыѧ на землѝ, и҆ всели́тесѧ въ ню̀: ва́мъ бо да́хъ зе́млю и҆́хъ по жре́бїю:
And ye shall inherit their land according to your tribes; to the greater number ye shall give the larger possession, and to the smaller ye shall give the less possession; to whatsoever [part] a man’s name shall go forth [by lot], there shall be his [property]: ye shall inherit according to the tribes of your families.
καὶ κατακληρονομήσετε τὴν γῆν αὐτῶν ἐν κλήρῳ κατὰ φυλὰς ὑμῶν· τοῖς πλείοσι πληθυνεῖτε τὴν κατάσχεσιν αὐτῶν καὶ τοῖς ἐλάττοσιν ἐλαττώσετε τὴν κατάσχεσιν αὐτῶν· εἰς ὃ ἂν ἐξέλθῃ τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ ἐκεῖ, αὐτοῦ ἔσται· κατὰ φυλὰς πατριῶν ὑμῶν κληρονομήσετε.
и҆ наслѣ́дите зе́млю и҆́хъ жре́бїемъ по племена́мъ ва́шымъ: мнѡ́гимъ ᲂу҆мно́жите ѡ҆держа́нїе и҆́хъ, и҆ ма̑лымъ ᲂу҆ма́лите ѡ҆держа́нїе и҆́хъ: въ не́же и҆зы́детъ и҆́мѧ є҆гѡ̀, та́мѡ да бꙋ́детъ жре́бїй є҆гѡ̀: по племена́мъ ѻ҆те́чествїй ва́шихъ наслѣ́дите:
But if ye will not destroy the dwellers in the land from before you, then it shall come to pass that whomsoever of them ye shall leave shall be thorns in your eyes, and darts in your sides, and they shall be enemies to you on the land on which ye shall dwell;
ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ἀπολέσητε τοὺς κατοικοῦντας ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἀπὸ προσώπου ὑμῶν, καὶ ἔσται οὓς ἐὰν καταλίπητε ἐξ αὐτῶν, σκόλοπες ἐν τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς ὑμῶν καὶ βολίδες ἐν ταῖς πλευραῖς ὑμῶν καὶ ἐχθρεύσουσιν ὑμῖν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ἐφ’ ἣν ὑμεῖς κατοικήσετε,
а҆́ще же не погꙋбитѐ живꙋ́щихъ на землѝ ѿ лица̀ ва́шегѡ, бꙋ́дꙋтъ, и҆̀хже ѡ҆ста́вите ѿ ни́хъ, ѻ҆стны̀ во ѻ҆чесѣ́хъ ва́шихъ и҆ стрѣ́лы въ ре́брахъ ва́шихъ, и҆ совраждꙋ́ютъ ва́мъ на землѝ, на не́йже вы̀ вселите́сѧ:
and it shall come to pass that as I had determined to do to them, so I will do to you.
καὶ ἔσται καθότι διεγνώκειν ποιῆσαι αὐτούς, ποιήσω ὑμᾶς.
и҆ бꙋ́детъ ꙗ҆́коже ᲂу҆мы́слихъ сотвори́ти ѡ҆́нѣмъ, то̀ сотворю̀ ва́мъ.
And these are the stages of the children of Israel, as they went out from the land of Egypt with their host by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
ΚΑΙ οὗτοι οἱ σταθμοὶ τῶν υἱῶν ᾿Ισραήλ, ὡς ἐξῆλθον ἐκ γῆς Αἰγύπτου σὺν δυνάμει αὐτῶν ἐν χειρὶ Μωυσῆ καὶ ᾿Ααρών·
И҆ сі́и ста́нове сынѡ́въ і҆и҃левыхъ, є҆гда̀ и҆зыдо́ша и҆з̾ землѝ є҆гѵ́петскїѧ съ си́лою свое́ю рꙋко́ю мѡѷсе́овою и҆ а҆арѡ́нею.