Numbers 33:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The fourteenth encampment is situated in the desert of Pharan, which translates to 'entrances.' In this location, Aaron and Miriam complain about Moses due to the Ethiopian woman, representing a form of jealousy directed at the assembly derived from the Gentiles. Because of this, the Jewish people suffer from repulsive leprosy and do not return to their camp or regain their previous health until the fulfillment of the gift of tongues occurs. Consider, wise reader, that after achieving the highest virtue in the twelfth position, Israel became haughty, longing for the flesh pots of Egypt in their lust. Now, a new foundation is laid as they enter the entrances, specifically the entrance of virtue, illustrating that those who stand may indeed fall, and those who fall may be restored. For Jesus is positioned at the rise and fall of many (Luke 2), and He Himself states through the prophet, ‘How can he who falls not rise’ (Jeremiah 8:4)?