Ka'desh-bar'nea
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Introduction:
Kadesh-barnea is a significant location in biblical history, often associated with pivotal events during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. It is mentioned multiple times in the Old Testament and serves as a geographical and spiritual landmark for the Israelites.

Etymology and Location:
The name "Kadesh-barnea" is thought to derive from the Hebrew root "qadash," meaning "holy" or "sacred," and "barnea," which is less certain but may refer to a desert or wilderness area. Kadesh-barnea is traditionally identified with the region in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula, near the border of Canaan. Its exact location remains a subject of debate among scholars, but it is generally associated with the area around modern-day Ein el-Qudeirat.

Biblical References and Significance:
Kadesh-barnea is first mentioned in the context of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It served as a major encampment site during their 40 years in the wilderness. The site is referenced in several key biblical passages:

1. The Spies' Mission:
In Numbers 13:1-3, the LORD commands Moses to send spies from Kadesh-barnea to explore the land of Canaan. This mission is crucial as it leads to the Israelites' refusal to enter the Promised Land due to the negative report from ten of the twelve spies. As a result, God decrees that the current generation will not enter Canaan, leading to 40 years of wandering (Numbers 14:26-35).

2. Rebellion and Judgment:
Kadesh-barnea is also the site of significant rebellion against God. In Deuteronomy 1:19-46, Moses recounts the Israelites' disobedience and lack of faith at Kadesh-barnea, which resulted in God's judgment and the prolonged wilderness period.

3. Miriam's Death and Moses' Sin:
Numbers 20:1 records the death of Miriam, Moses' sister, at Kadesh-barnea. This chapter also details Moses' sin of striking the rock to bring forth water, rather than speaking to it as God commanded. This act of disobedience prevents Moses from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 20:7-12).

4. Boundary Marker:
Kadesh-barnea is mentioned as a boundary marker in the delineation of the land of Canaan. In Numbers 34:3-5, it is described as part of the southern border of the land promised to the Israelites.

5. Historical Retrospective:
In Deuteronomy 9:23, Moses reminds the Israelites of their rebellion at Kadesh-barnea, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands.

Theological Themes:
Kadesh-barnea serves as a symbol of testing, faith, and obedience. It represents a place where the Israelites faced critical decisions that impacted their relationship with God and their destiny. The events at Kadesh-barnea highlight themes of divine judgment, mercy, and the consequences of unbelief.

Conclusion:
Kadesh-barnea remains a poignant reminder of the Israelites' journey and the challenges of faithfulness to God's promises. Its legacy is preserved in the biblical narrative as a testament to the importance of trust and obedience in the life of God's people.
Concordance
Ka'desh-bar'nea (9 Occurrences)

Numbers 32:8
Your fathers did so when I sent them from Kadesh Barnea to see the land.
(See RSV)

Deuteronomy 1:2
It is eleven days' journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea.
(See RSV)

Deuteronomy 1:19
We traveled from Horeb, and went through all that great and terrible wilderness which you saw, by the way to the hill country of the Amorites, as Yahweh our God commanded us; and we came to Kadesh Barnea.
(See RSV)

Deuteronomy 2:14
The days in which we came from Kadesh Barnea, until we were come over the brook Zered, were thirty-eight years; until all the generation of the men of war were consumed from the midst of the camp, as Yahweh swore to them.
(See RSV)

Deuteronomy 9:23
When Yahweh sent you from Kadesh Barnea, saying, "Go up and possess the land which I have given you;" then you rebelled against the commandment of Yahweh your God, and you didn't believe him, nor listen to his voice.
(See RSV)

Joshua 10:41
Joshua struck them from Kadesh Barnea even to Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even to Gibeon.
(See RSV)

Joshua 14:6
Then the children of Judah drew near to Joshua in Gilgal. Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, "You know the thing that Yahweh spoke to Moses the man of God concerning me and concerning you in Kadesh Barnea.
(See RSV)

Joshua 14:7
I was forty years old when Moses the servant of Yahweh sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land. I brought him word again as it was in my heart. Ruth
(See RSV)

Joshua 15:3
and it went out southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and went up by the south of Kadesh Barnea, and passed along by Hezron, went up to Addar, and turned about to Karka;
(See RSV)

Thesaurus
Ka'desh-bar'nea (9 Occurrences)
Ka'desh-bar'nea. Kadesh-barnea, Ka'desh-bar'nea. Kadmiel . Multi-Version
Concordance Ka'desh-bar'nea (9 Occurrences). Numbers 32 ...
/k/ka'desh-bar'nea.htm - 9k

Kadesh-barnea (9 Occurrences)
Kadesh-barnea. Kadeshbarnea, Kadesh-barnea. Ka'desh-bar'nea . Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia KADESH-BARNEA. ka'-desh-bar'-ne-a ...
/k/kadesh-barnea.htm - 12k

Kadmiel (8 Occurrences)

/k/kadmiel.htm - 10k

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