As is true of many chapters of Numbers, chapter 33 is not exactly stimulating reading—until one understands the context. For the handful of Israelites from the first generation, along with the multitude of the second and new generation, the travel itinerary recorded here served as a record of remembrance intended to lead to reverence. This “journey journal” was intended to jar the memory of God’s people concerning God’s faithfulness to his promises and to his people. It also served to remind them of God’s grace so that they would not be overwhelmed with guilt. It will help us in the same way as we study this text, which we will do so under four broad headings: (1) A Glorious Exodus (vv. 1–15) (2) A Groaning Experience (vv. 16–40) (3) A Growing/Great Expectation (vv. 41–49) (4) A Grave Exhortation (vv. 50–56)