And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees. They set up camp there by the water.
The writer is describing how God led the Israelites to a beautiful oasis with abundant water and shade after their difficult journey through the desert.
📚 Historical Context
This happened during the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, shortly after they had crossed the Red Sea and experienced bitter water at Marah that God made sweet. Elim was a welcome relief - an oasis in the wilderness of Shur where the people could rest and be refreshed. The specific numbers (twelve wells and seventy palm trees) may correspond to the twelve tribes of Israel and the seventy elders, showing God's provision for His people's needs.
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