THEOSISJerome of Stridon
Instead, earlier in the same text we find, “After the people departed from Aseroth, they set up camp in the wilderness of Pharan” (Numbers 13:1). This marks the fifteenth encampment. Notably, the following eighteen encampments, which are briefly mentioned from Rephma to Asiongaber—up to the thirty-second camp—are situated within the wilderness of Pharan. I believe that everything recorded about these encampments took place across various times; however, since they are not categorized into distinct camps, I will discuss them in a general sense to advance our consideration. Rephma translates to sound or juniper, although some evidence shows that άρκευθον in Greek refers to a specific type of tree.
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The juniper is also referenced in the first Psalm of Ascents in the Hebrew text, where it states, “What shall be given you, or what shall be added to you—to the flattering tongue?” (Psalm 119:3-4). The prophet provides an answer: “the arrows of the mighty, with coals of junipers,” where we read instead “with devastating coals.” This tree is said to retain heat for an extended time, such that if its hot embers are covered with ash from the same tree, they can remain preserved for nearly a year. From this, we understand that following the graves of indulgence and deceit, we advance to the wood that holds warmth for a long duration—to be ignited by the Spirit, proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord with a clear and exalted voice. The stories from this encampment to the thirty-second include accounts such as the sending of twelve spies into the promised land, the gathering of vines from trees, and a brief depiction of Christ's sufferings. The Israelites grumble, fearful of the giants’ might; they wage war against the Amalekites and Canaanites, acting against God’s will, and in their defeat, they become aware of the sacrifices required in the consecrated land. Dathan, Abiram, and the sons of Korah rebel against Moses and Aaron and are swallowed by the earth's chasm. The high priest, holding a censer, moves between the dead and the living, and through the priest's voice, God’s wrath is quelled. Aaron’s rod blossoms with color and foliage, turning the dead tree into a testimony for eternity. There is no temple yet, but ministers serve; there are no priests yet, yet the Levites make offerings, and the sacred word outlines their duties. A red-haired woman is burnt as a whole burnt offering, and her ashes become a means of purification (Num. 19). Each of these images deserves thorough examination, and I would rather avoid speaking of them briefly than to address them inadequately.