Origen, on Num 33:6

“And from Soccoth they came into Etham, which is in the uttermost borders of the wilderness.”

“Then when the soul thinks it is ready, it sets out from Succoth and camps at Buthan [Etham]. Buthan means "valley." Now we have said that the stages refer to progress in the virtues. And a virtue is not acquired without training and hard work, nor is it tested as much in prosperity as in adversity. So the soul comes to a valley. For in valleys and in low places the struggle against the devil and the opposing powers takes place.”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.