C anaan C alled to Revelation in the Wilderness Danette Davis and Shauna Manfredine Volume 3 14 A Study of the t he Final... ...Camps of Israel 2 Copyright © 2016 All rights reserved. PREFACE Within the pages of this book, the reader will find the Name, Yahweh, or the shorter form, Yah , used to refer to our Covenant-keeping Heavenly Father. He had claimed the descendents of Jacob, and all who worshipped Yahweh . These are called “His son,” when they answered His Call to come out of spiritual darkness and follow Him in Light. Through Moses (Exodus 4:22-23), the Almighty brought the multitude out of Egypt by faith. Actually, Israel’s adoption was more about what Yahweh’s could do in fallen mankind than about their abilities. The journey from Egypt to Canaan, is a rehearsal revealing what it takes for the End-time, literal and spiritual sons of Jacob to inherit the ultimate Promised Land. The campsites throughout the Wilderness journey form a prototype for the stages of our redemption in the Last Generation. We, as they, must first learn to trust Him Who has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous Light. In this Called to Canaan trilogy, volumes one and two explored the process of bringing God’s people out of Egypt and into the adoption of sons of Yah . In volume one, covering the first fourteen camp lessons, we learn the steps Yahweh uses to take His people out of spiritual Egypt, and find what it takes to have spiritual Egypt taken out of us. In volume two, covering the middle fourteen camp lessons in the Wilderness, we find the Refiner’s Fire of character develop- ment, molding rebellious slaves into submitted sons. Through repeated chastisement Yahweh subverts our pride fitting us to receive our Heavenly Adoption. For whom [Yahweh]loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, (YAH) dealeth with you as with sons. But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons, Hebrews 12:6-8. 3 In this third and final volume, our examination of the final 14 encampments in the Wilderness Journey is especially relevant. This is because we expect to soon face the same challenges, lessons, and tests which the Children of Israel faced in their Wilderness Journey. Many are experiencing the “quiz” level of these challeng es now. Our spiritual Wilderness Journey begins with accepting Christ and walking with Him in faithfilled obedience. Their lessons and tests will prepare us to trust Yahweh, where former Israel failed. Israel’s level of obedience was proportionate to their level of surrender to Yahweh’s Will. Ancient Israel was as carnal as men and women are today, but Yahweh counted their efforts as “acceptable” when they repented and surrendered. Watch for these lessons throughout this volume. From this examination of these prophetic shadow pictures, we may apply the insights gained to our own lives. Within the pages of this volume, we will examine the camp-lessons ( tikkun in Hebrew) which taught and tested ancient Israel in the final fourteen campsites, moving into the Last Events that complete this Redemption journey. There can be no question that the Wilderness Journey is a prophetic message which predominantly applies in the Last Days. Scripture states that these lessons, hidden in names, numbers, and experiences, are for our learning, upon whom the End of the World will come. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come, 1 Corinthians 10:11. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope, Romans 15:4. Each of the camping places throughout this journey corresponds to a letter in Yahweh’s forty-two letter Name. These are the same forty- two letters that are found at the beginning of Torah 1 As we study the camp name, number and experiences, we will discover, letter by letter, the forty-two stages of the final Sealing process. They also lend understanding of the coming End-Time challenges in allegorical types. 4 May we have ears to hear and a will to follow through the intensity of these lessons. Victoriously facing these tests in full surrender is essential for the final sealing before we may enter the ultimate Canaan. The Wilderness Journey is an uncomfortable experience, to be sure. For the tests in it expose our own weaknesses; yet, also reveal our Saviour’s strength. What Yahweh requires, He enables His Children to complete in His strength. It is our part to surrender our will, it is His part to give us the victory And He said unto me, My Grace is sufficient for thee: for My Strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9, Throughout this trying and testing process, the Great I AM is only asking to be believed and trusted. The devils believe, but they do not trust in Yahweh . We are “born again” into sons of the Living YAH by dwelling in explicit trust in His Divine Protection, Direction, Chas- tisment, and Sustenance. Our Yahweh will supply ALL OUR NEEDS by Yahshua (Philippians 4:19). Throughout Volume Three, as we explore the events that compose the final fourteen camp experiences, let us learn from Israel’s f ailures through arrogance and their victories through submission. The special focus of these final fourteen camplessons will be Spiritual Warfare. We must understand the wiles of the enemy to threaten and deceive. We must learn lessons from the past to strengthen our faith, that we be ready for what is coming in the near future. 5 C O N T E N T S All Scripture is given by inspiration of (Yahweh), and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of (YAH) may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works, 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Volume 3: Called to Canaan: Revelation in the Wilderness Introduction: “ The Journey Thus Far ” 6 Chapter 1 - Camp 29: Unity Restored (Jotv athah) 13 Chapter 2 - Camp 30 : Crossin g Over (Abronah) 28 Chapter 3 - Camp 31 : The Rooster Crows (Etzion Geber) 53 Chapter 4 - Camp 32: Wilderness Sanctuary (Kadesh Barnea) 6 6 Chapter 5 - Camp 33 : Mountain of Mountains ( Mt. Hor) 109 Chap ter 6 - Camp 34 : Encircling the Enemy (Zalmonah) 1 4 3 Chapter 7 - Camp 35 : Israel at t he Snake Pit (Punon) 1 6 0 Chapter 8 - Camp 36 : Oboth : Encounter with the Occult 1 8 4 Chapter 9 - Camp 37 : Beginning the Conquest (Iye Abarim) 199 Chapter 10 - Camp 38 : The Choice (Divon Gad) 21 8 Chapter 11 - Camp 39 : Figs of Judgment (Almon Diblathaim) 22 4 Chapter 12 - Camp 40 : Crossing Over Through Sexual Sin ( Abarim ) 2 3 6 Chapter 13 - Camp 4 1 : From Shepherd to Warrior (Moab) 2 58 Chapter 14 - Camp 42: Sealing the Saints and Possessing the Land (Abelshittim) 27 2 Epilogue – Jericho & the Fall of Babylon Bibliogr aphical Footnotes 31 0 33 3 Volume 1: Reproof and Rules for the Road – Lessons from the First Fourteen Camps Volume 2: Choosing the Sons of God – Lessons from the Middle Fourteen Camps 6 C I N T R O D U C T I O N The Journey Thus Far Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1 Corinthians 10:11 alled to Canaan is a series of books which applies the journey of ancient Israel, from Egypt to Canaan, with the spiritual journey of the End-time children of God. This connec- tion between literal Israel and the final saints was first explained by Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:1-12. Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as [were] some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10:1-12. 7 When he wrote 1 Corinthians 10:1-12, Paul was not writing to Jews. He was writing to a mixed multitude in Corinth, composed of both Jews and Gentiles who had accepted Yahshua as the Messiah. And this God’s Standard Operating Procedure , for Moses also led a mixed multitude to become the congregation of Israel. Numbers chapter thirty- three provides the listing of Israel’s forty -two campsites, faithfully recorded by Moses. As 1 Corinthians 10:11 explains, the camp experiences in this list are the tests which the people of God will face in the End of the World. Everything about this Wilderness Journey, even the numbers, holds great significance. The fact that there were 42 recorded camp locations in the Wilderness is not just an interesting factoid, rather it is a message bearing deep spiritual Truths: As we have already stated, from Egypt to Canaan, a total of 42 campsites, with their related lessons and tests, are listed by Moses (in Numbers 33). Yahweh’s sealing Name, translated into the KJV Bible as “I AM THAT I AM,” is 42 letters long in Hebrew: אב ” ג ית ” ץ קר ” ע שט ” ן נג ” ד יכ ” ש בט ” ר צת ” ג חק ” ב טנ ” ע יג ” ל פז ” ק שק ” ו צי ” ת Forty-two is also the number indicating the duration of the final Antichrist’s reign. Signifying the extreme testing God’s people will face in their confrontation with the Antichrist. (Revelation 11:2; 13:5). Forty-two is made up of 6X7. Six is the number signifying man’s failure and weakness. Seven is the number of Yah’s perfection and strength. Thus 42 reveals the keys to Sanctification and Victorious Christian living. Two bears came out of the woods and slew forty-two young men, who were showing disrespect to Yah and His servant Elisha (2 Kings 2:24). Thus we see a connection between the number 42 and Divine Judgment. 8 The phrase 'little children' appears forty-two times in the Old Testament, connecting the message of 42 with the process of becoming sons of the living God. Minus the 6 cities of refuge, the tribe of Levi was given 42 cities as part of their inheritance in the land of milk and honey. (Numbers 6 – 7) This reveals a connection between the faithful priesthood and their Heavenly Inheritance. Matthew records 42 patriarchs in the genealogy of Yahshua , connecting 42 with the Everlasting Covenant. “The Life” as referred to in John 14:6, occurs 42 times in Scripture, the first being the record of the angel guarding the way to the Tree of Life. This reveals that 42 signifies everlasting Life, and the steps one takes to regain it. Showing the Covenant, there are 42 lines in each column of Torah text. Being the very heart of the Torah and the root system of all Truth, it is significant that the Torah text known as the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-6) is 42 words in Hebrew. Psalms 100, a praise to the Creator God’s most exalted Name, contains 42 words. Deepening the connection to the Sealing Message of 42, one must note that there are 42 days between the last day of Unleavened Bread (the time of getting sin out of the life) and Pentecost (the infilling of the Holy Spirit, or the Latter Rain, and the final Sealing). The deceiver tries to mimic the significant things of Yahweh , for we see that Balaam offered 42 sacrifices trying to curse Israel (Num. 23:1, 14, 29). However, it is notable that Israel could not be cursed by the 42 – signifying God’s eternal of blessing and Covenant. Forty two is connected with Light, specifically being the Light of the World. We see this in that it is the sum of the Menorah parts (knobs, flowers, and branches) Ex. 25:31-40. In this third book of the Called to Canaan series, the number forty-two and its significance in the life of Israel, the Messiah, and our personal lives being groomed for Eternity, all come together in the final drama. 9 By the time God’s Last Day people have come 2/3 of the way through their ultimate “Wilderness” testing, they may hope that the worst is over. After all, when we have come so far, aren't we assured of the reward? No! We have just been trained for the final Conflict! The Battle of Armageddon is an all-out war between all the powers of evil and all the forces of Heaven! We may see ourselves as insignificant spectators, merely observing Yah's power. But, there are no “wall - flowers” in this conflict. We are all being called into Yahweh’s Army! Trusting in Him, what we will become is beyond all imagination! We will fight the battle, in His Power – but make no mistake – if you are among the saved, you will be in the thick of the conflict! The prior camp lessons have dealt with belief, loyalty, sub- mission and a life-style of faith in the Covenant relationship you have entered with Yah. Firmly establishing the prior foundation matures the believers, preparing them to recognize and combat the all-out spiritual warfare battles of the final camp tests. These will include: witchcraft, Satanism, and surprise attacks of the enemy in the last lap of the journey. This is the period of the “roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). This book is prayerfully intended to prepare God’s people to be suited up for battle. Preparation is vital, for you won't be watching from the grandstand! 10 SUMMARY OF THE INTRODUCTION Volume 1 explored the parallels between the multitude leaving Egypt with our own conversion and walk by faith. Experience strengthens faith, but faith must come from believing the Word of God. Volume 2 focused upon the humiliating process that destroys carnal motivation and builds into our characters the meek and humble traits of the Saviour. Without being emptied of pride and self-determination we will not be fit to endure the final test. Volume 3 will lead into unchartered territory for most Christians, especially those in North America. Few have had prior experience, or have made note of the battle plan that will require self-discipline, weaponry, and Spiritual Warfare essential to forge through enemy land. Imagery from the Book of Revelation may frequently appear throughout this final segment of our spiritual journey, for the journey symbolically begins when we answer the call to come out of Egypt/Babylon. 11 T The final fourteen camp experiences... are all about Spiritual Warfare. C H A P T E R O N E Unity Restored: Jotvathah ... And they went from Hor Haggidgad and pitched in Jotvathah, Numbers 33:33. he final fourteen camp experiences of Israel, past and future, are all about spiritual warfare. Canaan must be conquered and the giants of the land defeated, in order for the Children of God to possess the Promised Land. For this reason, as you read this volume, we encourage you to watch for the vital principles of effec- tive spiritual warfare woven through- out. Finding these warfare keys in the camp names and experiences of ancient Israel is a vital part of preparing Yahweh’s End-time saints for the upcoming battles with the enemy we must all soon face, climaxing in the epic Battle of Armageddon. Bearing this vital purpose in mind, let us turn our attention to Jotvathah , Israel’s first campsite in the final fourteen encamp - ments, or the twenty-ninth ordinal camp. The battles fought and giants conquered in this final segment of Israel’s wilderness experience culminated in the fall of Jericho, which foreshadows the fall of ultimate Babylon, at the end of the world. In naming this twenty-ninth encampment, Jotvathah , Moses conveyed the meaning of “unity” and “goodness.” Both are vital concepts for the Body of Christ to adopt in order to ensure victory in the battles ahead. Le t’s first turn our attention to the 12 importance of unity within the Body of Christ. True unity is per- haps best expressed and understood in the Greek word koinonia Koinonia is a transliterated form of the Greek word, κοινωνία, which means communion, joint participation; the share which one has in anything, participation, a gift jointly contributed, a collection, a contribution, etc. It identifies the idealized state of fellowship and unity that should exist within the Christian church, the Body of Christ , 2 The word koinonia appears 19 times in most editions of the Greek New Testament. In our English Bibles, it is translated as “ fellowship, ” “ sharing ,” “unity,” “ participation ” and “ contribu- tion .” True unity, or koinonia , begins with a joining of the faithful believers in unity with Yahshua and one another. This union is also experienced in practical daily life. The same bonds that link the individual to Yahshua also unite him with like-minded, fellow believers. These bonds are so vital and genuine that a deep level of intimacy can be experienced among the members of the Fellowship of Believers. The first usage of koinonia in the Greek New Testament is found in Acts 2:42-47, where we find a striking description of the deep unity shared by the early Christian believers: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the communion, to the breaking of bread and to prayer...All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need...They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. 13 In nature, Jotvathah’s koinonia is perhaps best illustrated by geese. When we see geese heading south for the winter, flying in their familiar “V” formation, we see the message of Jotva- thah in action in the exemplary “togetherness” of migrating geese. Like Israel in the desert, geese function with order, de- sign and inspiring unity. They look after one another as they make their epic journey. Science reveals that, as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift aiding the bird immediately behind it. By flying in a “V” formation, the flock together expends less energy, gaining over 70% more flying range than if each bird flew on its own. Moving together in a sense of community allows individual strengths to encourage and aid others in the group. Whenever one goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone. It will quickly work to get back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds in front. Similary, we Christians encourage and strengthen one another in our journey to ultimate Canaan. This is one reason we were instructed to “not forsake the assembling of ourselves together ” (Hebrews 10:25), for a cord of many strands is not so easily broken. 14 When the lead goose tires, it rotates back in the formation, and another takes over the point position for a time. Whichever geese happen to be behind, support the leader by honking constantly. One reason for this is to encourage those up front to keep up their pace. Finally, when a goose gets sick or is wounded, and falls out of the formation, two geese follow it down to stay with it and protect it. They stay until the goose is either able to fly again, or dies. They then launch out on their own or with another formation, making effort to catch up with their original group. 3 Dr. Vance Havner, who provided sermon material for ministers for several decades, once said, “ Christians, like snowflakes, are frail, but when they stick together they can stop traffic. ” 4 THE POWER OF KOINONIA Like the geese, who strengthen and aid each other in migration, members of the Body of Christ strengthen and edify each other through godly koinonia . Without it, believers will be less likely to survive the future battles coming in this dangerous final segment of our spiritual journey. This is why we we are counseled to live in koinonia , as it states in Hebrews 10:24-25: Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching, Hebrews 10:24-25. 15 Yahshua prayed that His followers would exp erience true koinonia, finding unity with God and one another. Koinonia is something every Christian must first experience with Yahweh , before believers can practice it within the Body of Christ. It is a loving relationship with the Creator, characterized by intimate fellowship with YAH . We can know that the unity of koinonia is something God wants His people to enjoy. We know this because, while He was here on Earth, Yahshua pray- ed that His followers would exper- ience true koinonia , finding unity with God and one another. The Saviour’s prayer is found in John Chapter Sev- enteen. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them (followers of Christ) out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy Truth: Thy Word is Truth. As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world ... Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word (the Saviour included you and me in His prayer); That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are One. I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me, John 17:15-23. Finding koinonia with Yahweh is the essence of restoration. Experiencing koinonia unity with the other believers in your church fellowship is essential in order to function in the Army of Yahweh . It is through koinonia that believers become the dynamic apostles ablaze with Truth, found in the first, Christian Church. 16 Believers need one another. This is why God designed for each believer to be in a Body of Believers. Like the geese migrating together, through koinonia with the Body of Christ, we are strengthened, edified, encouraged, comforted, and fortified to become mighty in battle. The Bible explains how powerful and effective the Church becomes, when united through true koinonia ...Upon this rock I will build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven, Matthew 16:18-19. As we have already seen, Jotvathah is the first encampment in the final fourteen Wilderness camp-lessons and the beginning of the greatest Spiritual Warfare battles. Characterizing this final leg of our journey, it is significant that the time of our greatest Spiritual Warfare crises begins with Jotvathah, the place of godly unity or koinonia within the Body of Messiah. Yet, as vital and desireable as koinonia is to God’s End -time people, how and with whom it is achieved is also critical to our becoming the Holy Spirit-filled, hell-shattering Church, as Yahweh intends. Certainly, our role in the Body of Christ could be completely neutralized, if we became part of a mamby- pamby fellowship where the individuals held onto their sinful pasts and reject the elements of personal koinonia with Yahweh MANDATORY UNITY Looking at Jotbathah ; from a prophetic, Revelation-in-the- Wilderness, perspective; reveals the significance of godly unity in the Last Days. Yet, not recognizing the value of unity, nor understanding its role in the End, an increasing number of 17 In the End, every man, woman and child, will be 100% possessed! Christians today may avoid fellowship and unification with any body of believers. They may recognize the dangers of becoming unified with the wrong side, and choose to become spiritual “islands” rather than take the chance of fellowshipping with or being influenced by the wrong people. But what these well- intentioned folks don’t seem to realize , is that unity isn’t something which can be avoided. The world is spiritually polarizing. And in the Battle of Armageddon, all will be unified either on the side of the Beast or under the Banner or Yahweh . There is no middle ground – no spiritual Switzerland. We are in the time of polarization right now. In the End, every man, woman and child, will be 100% possessed! We will either be fully indwelt by the Holy Spirit, or completely possessed by evil spirits. But there can be no question that full unity is foretold in the prophecies of Revelation, characterizing both the sides of the fallen AND the faithful. “...And all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” Revelation 13:3-4.. “ For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the sta ture of the fullness of Christ,” Ephesians 4:12 -13. The unified Body of Messiah is prophetically called Yahweh’s End-time Battle Axe, which He will ultimately wield to break the power of the Beast and his kingdom. 18 “Thou art My Battle Ax and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms,” Jeremiah 51:20. Unity is the key to strength in the spiritual battle. Certainly, we all know that a “house divided against itself can- not stand” (Mat - thew 12:25). But what we also need to recognize is that unity, within the Body of Messiah, is a vital source of strength and en- couragement to the Believer. Just as the geese need one another to successfully complete their marathon migrations, so the followers of Christ need the encouragement, edification, and “iron - sharpening” character development which can only be found through fellowshipping with the saints. “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth t he countenance of his friend,” Proverbs 27:17. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the Day approaching, Hebrews 10:23-25. 19 Jotbathah means “unity” and “goodness” Without godly unity, the Fellowship of Messiah is weak and ineffective. Thus, island isolation isn’t the answer to t he concern about unifying with the wrong “body.” Careful, prayerful selection is the Jotvathah message that we find “good unity,” rather than avoiding it. THE KEY TO “GOOD” UNITY In addition to the brief Numbers 33 account, we can find a few more detai ls about Israel’s experience at Jotvathah from the Bible record found in Deuteronomy 10:7. From Deuteronomy, we learn that this twenty-ninth camp, recorded for the edification of Yah- weh’s End-time saints, was set up in a place of “pl easant ness.” Characte r- ized by clear flowing brooks, and pleasant pastures, Israel’s first camp in the final fourteen encampments, called “ Yatbah ” in Deuteronomy 10:7, was a pleasant and good experience for the weary travelers. Yabah is from the root, y-t-v, meanin g “goodness.” This is a term which signifies both natural and moral “ goodness. ” 5 The letters “ J ” and the “ Y ” are often interchangeable, with the “ J ” being a younger letter in the Hebrew alephbet , but pro- ducing the same sound as the older “ Y. ” This is just one of several differences in spelling you will observe in the writing of these campsites between the Numbers account and the record in Deuteronomy. But, while the spelling is slightly different, the meaning is the same. To give significance to this camp on the wilderness journey, we must think of what a true Christian would consider as “ peaceful prosperity. ” A nominal Christian would not appreciate the Wilderness Journey, in the first place. But, to the genuine 20 follower of Yahweh , who is willing to enter His suffe ring, “ in His presence is fullness of joy, and at His Right Hand are pleasures forever more ,” Psalms 16:11. Think of it! We should be learning to enjoy submission to Yahweh now! The springs of Yotvathah were an important stop on the road through the Arava desert, located south of the Jordan hills. This Red Sea road later became a major trade route. During the time of Solomon, this route was used for trade with the southern kingdoms, bringing Ophir 6 from Africa, Sheba, and Arabia (See I Kings 10), 7 from which King Solomon built his wealth and fame, renowned world-wide. Although a desert now, the Bible record indicates that this was once a land of brooks and grasslands. 8 The region is described in Deuteronomy 10:7 as “ a land of rivers of waters. ” Therefore,