Introduction:
Kadesh, also known as Kadesh-Barnea, is a significant location in biblical history, particularly in the narratives of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. It is often associated with pivotal events during the Exodus and the subsequent journey to the Promised Land. The name "Kadesh" means "holy" or "sacred," reflecting its importance in the biblical narrative.

Geographical Location:
Kadesh-Barnea is traditionally identified with a site in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula, near the border of modern-day Israel and Egypt. It is situated in the wilderness of Paran, as indicated in the biblical texts. The exact location remains a subject of debate among scholars, but it is generally agreed to be in the vicinity of the modern Ain el-Qudeirat.

Biblical Significance:

1. The Twelve Spies:
Kadesh-Barnea is notably the place from which Moses sent twelve spies to scout the land of Canaan. This event is recorded in Numbers 13:1-3: "The LORD said to Moses, 'Send out for yourself men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. Send one leader from each of their fathers’ tribes.' So at the command of the LORD, Moses sent them out from the Wilderness of Paran." The report of the spies led to a crisis of faith among the Israelites, resulting in their prolonged wandering in the wilderness.

2. Rebellion and Judgment:
The negative report from ten of the spies led to a rebellion among the Israelites, who expressed a desire to return to Egypt. In response, God pronounced judgment on the generation that had come out of Egypt, declaring that they would not enter the Promised Land. Numbers 14:29-30 states, "In this wilderness your bodies will fall—all who were numbered in the census, everyone twenty years of age or older—because you have grumbled against Me. Surely none of you will enter the land in which I swore to settle you, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun."

3. Miriam's Death:
Kadesh is also the site of Miriam's death and burial. Numbers 20:1 records, "In the first month, the whole congregation of Israel entered the Wilderness of Zin, and the people stayed at Kadesh. There Miriam died and was buried."

4. The Waters of Meribah:
At Kadesh, the Israelites faced a lack of water, leading to the incident at the waters of Meribah. Moses, instructed by God to speak to the rock to bring forth water, struck the rock instead. This act of disobedience resulted in God forbidding Moses from entering the Promised Land. Numbers 20:11-12 recounts, "Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink. But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them.'"

5. Military Campaigns:
Kadesh-Barnea served as a base for military campaigns during the conquest of Canaan. Deuteronomy 1:46 mentions the Israelites' prolonged stay at Kadesh: "So you stayed in Kadesh for many days—a long time."

Theological Themes:
Kadesh-Barnea is a place of testing and judgment, highlighting themes of faith, obedience, and the consequences of unbelief. It serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the importance of trusting in His promises. The events at Kadesh underscore the need for faithful leadership and the dangers of rebellion against God's commands.

Conclusion:
Kadesh-Barnea remains a symbol of both divine provision and human failure. Its lessons continue to resonate, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and trust in God's guidance.Kadesh or Kadesh-Barnea

Called also En-Mishpat, Genesis 14:7, the name of a fountain, a city, and the desert around, Psalm 29:3, in the southern border of the promised land. It is said, in Numbers 20:16, to lie in the "uttermost border of Edom," and was probably situated very near the great valley El-Arabah, south of the Dead Sea. Dr. Robinson found a watering place answering well to the indications in Scripture, on the western border of El-Arabah, about twenty-seven miles from the Dead Sea. Kadesh was twice visited by the Israelites in their wanderings; once soon after they left mount Sinai, and again thirty-eight years after. At the first visit the mission and return of the twelve spies took place, the rebellion of the people, and their presumptuous effort to enter Canaan by the pass Zephath, immediately north of Kadesh, Numbers 13:1-14:45. At their second visit occurred the death of Miriam, the murmuring of the people for water, the miraculous supply, the sin of Aaron and Moses in smiting the rock, and the fruitless request for a passage through Edom, Numbers 20:1-22. The southern border of Judah reached to Kadesh-barnea, Joshua 12:22 15:3.

6790. Tsin -- a desert area which included Kadesh-barnea
... 6789, 6790. Tsin. 6791 . a desert area which included Kadesh-barnea.
Transliteration: Tsin Phonetic Spelling: (tseen) Short Definition: Zin. ...
/hebrew/6790.htm - 6k

6947. Qadesh Barnea -- a place in the desert
... a place in the desert. Transliteration: Qadesh Barnea Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-dashe'
bar-nay'-ah) Short Definition: Kadesh-barnea. ... Kadesh-barnea. ...
/hebrew/6947.htm - 6k

Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the ...
... I. Because Kadesh-barnea was in the desert of Paran, Numbers 12:16, 14:1. But the
Kadesh, whither they came the fortieth year, was in the desert of Zin ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 7 kadesh rekam and.htm

The Story of the Grapes from Canaan
... many days. At last they came to a place just on the border between the
desert and Canaan, called Kadesh, or Kadesh-barnea. Here ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of the grapes.htm

Chapter xx
... Genesis 12:9. There his dwelling place"always shifting because he is a nomad"is
in the broad stretch between Kadesh, ie, Kadesh Barnea (see Genesis 14:7 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xx.htm

From Sinai to Kadesh.
... thyself" (Lev.19:18). It is the final word in all right relation to others.
The Journey to Kadesh-Barnea. After camping before Sinai ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vi from sinai to.htm

Author's Preface.
... The Sinaitic covenant. Purpose of the Mosaic Law. Several parts of the law. Journey
to Kadesh-Barnea. Twelve spies. Period lessons. Topics for discussion. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tidwell/the bible period by period/authors preface.htm

Chapter xiv
... Kadesh. Now, without a doubt, Kadesh Barnea is meant, the famous stopping
place of Israel during the wilderness wanderings. Hardly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiv.htm

Canaan
... We even hear of Amorites in the mountain-block of Kadesh-barnea, in the desert south
of Canaan; and the Amorite type of face, as it has been depicted for us on ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

Chapter xvi
... "Kadesh" is the site usually designated Kadesh Barnea, forty miles due south and
a bit to the west of Beersheba. "Bered" has -never been located. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xvi.htm

Sanctified by Faith
... How different this was from those who, forty years previous to this event had been
brought by the hand of God to Kadesh Barnea, who had all the promises of God ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter vi sanctified by faith.htm

The Israelites
... not far on the one hand from the borders of Palestine, nor on the other from the
block of mountains within which was the desert sanctuary of Kadesh-barnea. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

What is the significance of Kadesh Barnea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Meribah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why was Moses not allowed to enter the Promised Land? | GotQuestions.org

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