Rithmah
LocationsGeographical Setting
Rithmah is identified as a wilderness encampment of the Israelites during their exodus, etymologically linked to the broom plant.
What is the meaning of Rithmah in the Bible?
A desert encampment of the Israelites, named for the white desert broom (Retama raetam) that characterizes the vegetation of the region, recorded in Numbers 33:18 and 19.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Rithmah helps readers visualize the specific environmental conditions of the wilderness journey and understand the geographical progression of the Israelite tribes as they moved from the Red Sea region toward Mount Sinai.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Rithmah held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Rithmah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Rithmah clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Numbers 33:18
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Rithmah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/rithmah/