Original Word: אָלוּשׁ
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Aluwsh
Pronunciation: ah-LOOSH
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-loosh')
KJV: Alush
NASB: Alush
Word Origin: [of uncertain derivation]

1. Alush, a place in the Desert

Alush

Of uncertain derivation; Alush, a place in the Desert -- Alush.

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
a place in the wilderness
NASB Translation
Alush (2).

אָלוּשׁ proper name, of a location a station of Israel in the wilderness Numbers 23:13,14.

Location and Setting

Alush was a campsite of the Israelites during their wilderness sojourn, situated between Dophkah and Rephidim (Numbers 33:13-14). Though its precise location remains uncertain, most scholars place it in the north-central Sinai Peninsula, along one of the main wadis that channel seasonal water from the highlands toward the Red Sea. The setting would have been arid yet marked by intermittent springs, fitting a temporary encampment rather than a permanent settlement.

Place in the Exodus Itinerary

Alush is recorded only twice, both in the itinerary list of Numbers 33. The list highlights thirty-eight years of faith-testing wanderings, and Alush falls early in that journey, soon after the crossing of the Yam Suph and before the decisive events at Rephidim (where water was drawn from the rock and Amalek was defeated). The brief mention signals a swift progression, underscoring Israel’s dependence on God for guidance day by day.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Leadership. The cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22) led Israel from Dophkah to Alush. Each name on the itinerary functions like a mile-marker of grace. At every stop the LORD proved faithful, foreshadowing the New Testament promise, “He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5).
2. Provision in barren places. Alush precedes Rephidim, where water miraculously flowed. The juxtaposition illustrates how God often allows His people to experience thirst before revealing His supply, teaching reliance rather than self-sufficiency (Deuteronomy 8:2-3).
3. Training for warfare. The next station after Alush involved conflict with Amalek (Exodus 17:8-16). Alush therefore sits at the threshold between wilderness pilgrimage and military engagement, preparing the nation for spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Typological Significance

Israel’s movement from Alush toward the rock-struck at Rephidim anticipates the gospel pattern: a needy people, a stricken Rock, and living water (1 Corinthians 10:4). Alush thus participates in the unfolding portrait of Christ’s sufficiency for a redeemed yet still-pilgrim community.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Pastoral Care. The Alush stage encourages leaders to shepherd congregations through seemingly uneventful stretches, trusting that every station serves God’s larger plan.
• Discipleship. Believers often transition quickly from relative calm (Alush) to trials (Rephidim). Preparing disciples for sudden tests mirrors Moses’ task.
• Mission Strategy. The transient nature of Alush reminds churches that temporary settings—school halls, rented storefronts—can be strategic staging grounds for God’s purposes.

Historical and Archaeological Considerations

While no definitive archaeological marker has been identified, survey data suggest several candidate sites along the Wadi Feiran system. The absence of remains is unsurprising, given Israel’s brief occupancy and the nomadic character of the camp. This obscurity reinforces Scripture’s focus on theological, rather than geographic, precision.

Connections with Other Scriptures

• Numbers 33:13-14 – The only biblical references, anchoring Alush in the inspired itinerary.
• Exodus 17 and 1 Corinthians 10 – Provide the narrative and apostolic commentary that frame Alush within the water-from-the-rock event.
• Psalm 78:15-16 – Celebrates God’s provision in wilderness stations like Alush.

Summary

Alush serves as a quiet yet indispensable waypoint in Israel’s journey, reminding readers that God ordains even lesser-known stages for formation, testing, and preparation. Though its historical footprint is small, its theological imprint endures: every step of redemption’s path is ordered by the LORD, and no station is wasted in His curriculum of grace.

בְּאָלֽוּשׁ׃ באלוש׃ מֵאָל֑וּשׁ מאלוש bə’ālūš bə·’ā·lūš beaLush mê’ālūš mê·’ā·lūš meaLushInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts