Topical Bible: Kadesh: Canaanites Defeated At

◄ Kadesh: Canaanites Defeated At ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Kadesh, often referred to as Kadesh-barnea, holds significant historical and theological importance in the biblical narrative. It is a location that served as a pivotal site for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings and is notably associated with the defeat of the Canaanites.

Biblical Context and Location

Kadesh is situated in the southern part of Canaan, near the border of Edom. It is frequently mentioned in the Pentateuch as a major encampment site for the Israelites. The name "Kadesh" itself means "holy" or "sacred," indicating its importance as a place of divine encounters and significant events.

The Defeat of the Canaanites

The defeat of the Canaanites at Kadesh is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to the Israelites. In Numbers 21, the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, faced opposition from the Canaanite king of Arad. The king attacked the Israelites and took some of them captive. In response, the Israelites made a vow to the LORD, seeking His help to deliver their enemies into their hands. The LORD listened to Israel's plea and granted them victory over the Canaanites. The passage states:

"When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming along the road to Atharim, he attacked the Israelites and captured some of them. So Israel made a vow to the LORD: 'If You will indeed deliver this people into our hands, we will devote their cities to destruction.' And the LORD heard Israel’s plea and delivered up the Canaanites. Israel devoted them and their cities to destruction; so they named the place Hormah." (Numbers 21:1-3)

This victory at Kadesh was significant as it demonstrated the power of God working through His chosen people, reinforcing the covenantal promise of land and blessing.

Theological Significance

The defeat of the Canaanites at Kadesh underscores several key theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and His ability to deliver His people from their enemies. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience. The Israelites' vow and subsequent victory illustrate the principle that God honors those who seek Him earnestly and trust in His deliverance.

Furthermore, the event at Kadesh serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God. The Canaanites, representing the pagan nations opposed to God's purposes, faced destruction as a result of their opposition to Israel, God's chosen instrument for bringing about His redemptive plan.

Historical and Archaeological Insights

While the exact location of Kadesh-barnea remains a subject of debate among scholars, it is generally identified with the region of Ein el-Qudeirat in the northeastern Sinai Peninsula. Archaeological findings in this area have provided insights into the ancient settlement patterns and the historical context of the biblical narrative.

In summary, Kadesh stands as a significant site in the biblical account of Israel's journey to the Promised Land. The defeat of the Canaanites at this location is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His divine plan for His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 10:41
And Joshua smote them from Kadeshbarnea even to Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even to Gibeon.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Chapter xiv
... "Kadesh" means "holy." So the later name would indicate ... and were really the most
prominent of the Canaanites. ... situation of a number of defeated kings hastily ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiv.htm

Canaan
... The kings of Kadesh had, however, been at the ... the manners and religion of the Canaanites,
worshipping at ... The Philistine forces were defeated in battle after ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

The Israelites
... of the reach of the cultured Canaanites and the ... within which stood the sanctuary
of Kadesh-barnea. The Israelitish forces were disastrously defeated at Zephath ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

Egypt
... Babylonia were intriguing with disaffected Canaanites, and the ... henceforth the existing
boundaries of Egypt and Kadesh. ... and tribute of a defeated and disunited ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... from Egypt to Kadesh, and from Kadesh to the ... Adoni-zedeck, King of Jerusalem, the
Canaanites collected their ... with no better success; they were defeated at the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... wonderfully fulfilled, through the immediate descendants of Canaan, ie the Canaanites,
and I ... Who went up with Barak to Kadesh to fight against Jabin, King of ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm