Topical Bible: Deserts: Paran

◄ Deserts: Paran ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Desert of Paran, also known as the Wilderness of Paran, is a significant geographical and historical location mentioned in the Bible. It is primarily recognized as a vast desert area situated in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula, extending into the southern region of modern-day Israel and parts of Jordan. Paran holds considerable importance in biblical narratives, serving as a backdrop for various events and journeys of the Israelites.

Biblical References and Significance

1. Ishmael's Dwelling: The Desert of Paran is first mentioned in connection with Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. After being sent away from Abraham's household, Hagar and Ishmael wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. Eventually, they settled in the Desert of Paran, where Ishmael grew up and became an archer. Genesis 21:20-21 states, "And God was with the boy, and he grew up and settled in the wilderness and became a great archer. While he was dwelling in the Wilderness of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt."

2. The Israelites' Journey: Paran is notably part of the Israelites' journey during their exodus from Egypt. After leaving Mount Sinai, the Israelites camped in the Wilderness of Paran. Numbers 10:12 records, "And the Israelites set out from the Wilderness of Sinai, traveling from place to place until the cloud came to rest in the Wilderness of Paran." This location served as a staging ground for the sending of the twelve spies into the Promised Land, as described in Numbers 13:3 : "So at the command of the LORD, Moses sent them out from the Wilderness of Paran. All the men were leaders of the Israelites."

3. David's Refuge: The Desert of Paran also provided refuge for David during his flight from King Saul. In 1 Samuel 25:1 , it is noted, "Then Samuel died, and all Israel assembled to mourn for him, and they buried him at his home in Ramah. And David set out and went down to the Wilderness of Paran."

4. Prophetic Imagery: Paran is occasionally referenced in prophetic and poetic imagery within the Scriptures. In Habakkuk 3:3 , the prophet speaks of God's majestic presence: "God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah His glory covered the heavens, and His praise filled the earth."

Geographical and Historical Context

The Desert of Paran is characterized by its arid climate, rugged terrain, and sparse vegetation, typical of desert landscapes. It is bordered by the Wilderness of Zin to the north and the Wilderness of Shur to the west. Historically, it served as a corridor for trade and travel between Egypt and the Levant, making it a region of strategic importance.

Theological Implications

In the biblical narrative, the Desert of Paran represents both a place of testing and divine provision. It is a setting where God's faithfulness and guidance are evident, as seen in the care provided to Ishmael and the Israelites. The wilderness experience in Paran underscores themes of reliance on God, preparation, and the fulfillment of divine promises.

The Desert of Paran, with its rich biblical associations, continues to be a subject of interest for biblical scholars, archaeologists, and theologians, offering insights into the historical and spiritual journey of God's people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 21:21
And he dwelled in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 10:12
And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the ...
... Numbers 20:1."I answer, The searchers of the land, departing from Kadesh-barnea,
are said, also, to go out of the deserts of Zin, Number 13:21. Paran was the ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 7 kadesh rekam and.htm

Manasseh and Josiah
... and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not
worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in ... And the Holy One from Mount Paran. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 32 manasseh and josiah.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... near to Ashtaroth-Karnaim, the Zuzim near Ham,**** the Amim at Shaveh-Kiriathaim,
and the Horim on the spurs of Mount Seir as far as El-Paran; then retracing ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm