Bible Strands
Exodus 15:27
Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there by the waters.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The Israelites arrive at Elim after leaving Marah, directly following God’s promise of healing in Exodus 15:26. They pitch camp beside the water source as a physical respite during the wilderness journey.
The words — וַיָּבֹאוּ (va.ya.vo) means “and they came,” marking the conclusion of the march. עֵינֹת מַיִם (ei.not mayim) literally translates to “springs of water,” denoting the twelve distinct water sources at Elim.
The thread — The twelve springs and seventy palms reappear in Numbers 33:9 as a historical record of the same camp. Revelation 7:17 and 22:2 echo the motif of springs and trees as symbols of divine provision and restoration.
Why it lands — The text records a moment of physical sustenance after testing, requiring no theological elaboration beyond its narrative function. It asks the reader to acknowledge the concrete provision that follows obedience and trial.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
Cross-references
- Revelation 22:2 down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
- Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”
- Numbers 33:9 They set out from Marah and came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there.
- Isaiah 12:3 With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation,
- Ezekiel 47:12 Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of all kinds will grow. Their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. Each month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will be used for food and their leaves for healing.”