Definition and Etymology:
Zered, also known as the Brook Zered, is a significant geographical location mentioned in the Old Testament. The name "Zered" is thought to derive from a root meaning "to be luxuriant" or "to grow rank," which may refer to the lush vegetation in the area surrounding the brook.

Biblical References:
The Brook Zered is mentioned in the context of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. It serves as a geographical marker in their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The primary reference to Zered is found in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Deuteronomy.

· Numbers 21:12 : "From there they set out and camped in the Zered Valley."
· Deuteronomy 2:13-14 : "Now get up and cross the Zered Valley. So we crossed the Zered Valley. The time we spent traveling from Kadesh-barnea until we crossed the Zered Valley was thirty-eight years, until the entire generation of fighting men had perished from the camp, as the LORD had sworn to them."

Historical and Geographical Context:
The Brook Zered is located in the southeastern part of the Dead Sea, marking the boundary between Moab and Edom. It is identified with the modern Wadi al-Hasa, a significant watercourse in the region. The crossing of the Zered marked a pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey, as it signified the end of their 38 years of wandering in the wilderness due to their disobedience and lack of faith.

Theological Significance:
The crossing of the Zered Valley is emblematic of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. Despite the Israelites' rebellion and the resulting delay in entering the Promised Land, God remained true to His word. The crossing also marked the transition from the older generation, which had been condemned to die in the wilderness, to a new generation poised to enter Canaan.

Cultural and Symbolic Meaning:
In the broader narrative of the Exodus, the Zered serves as a symbol of transition and renewal. It represents a boundary between judgment and promise, between the past failures of the Israelites and the hope of future fulfillment. The crossing of the Zered is a testament to God's enduring patience and mercy, as well as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.

Related Entries:
· Wilderness Wanderings: The period of 40 years during which the Israelites wandered in the desert before entering the Promised Land.
· Moab and Edom: Neighboring regions to the east of the Dead Sea, often mentioned in the context of Israel's journey.
· Kadesh-barnea: A significant location in the wilderness journey, where the Israelites initially refused to enter the Promised Land.

Conclusion:
The Brook Zered stands as a historical and theological landmark in the biblical narrative, illustrating the themes of judgment, transition, and divine faithfulness. Its mention in Scripture serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and trust in God's promises.Zered

(osier brook), (2:13,14) or Zared, (Numbers 21:12) a brook or valley running into the Dead Sea near its southeast corner, which Dr. Robinson with some probability suggests as identical with the Wady el-Ahsy . It lay between Moab and Edom and is the limit of the proper term of the Israelites' wandering. (2:14)

Zared, luxuriance; willow bush, a brook or valley communicating with the Dead Sea near its southern extremity (Numbers 21:12; Deuteronomy 2:14). It is callZERED

ze'-red (zeredh; Codex Vaticanus Zaret; Codex Alexandrinus Zare; the King James Version, Zared (Numbers 21:12)): This is the nachal or "torrent valley" given as the place where Israel encamped before they reached the Arnon (Numbers 21:12). In Deuteronomy 2:13, the crossing of the brook Zered marks the end of the 38 years' desert wanderings. It has often been identified with Wady el-`Achsa, which runs up from the southeastern corner of the Dead Sea. A fatal objection to this is that the host had entered the wilderness to the East of Moab before they crossed the Zered (Numbers 21:11), while Wady el-`Achsa must have formed the southern boundary of Moab. We may conclude with certainty that one of the confluents of Wady Kerak is intended, but which, it is impossible now to say.

W. Ewing

2218. Zered -- a wadi East of the Dead Sea
... 2217, 2218. Zered. 2219 . a wadi East of the Dead Sea. Transliteration:
Zered Phonetic Spelling: (zeh'-red) Short Definition: Zered. ...
/hebrew/2218.htm - 6kZered (3 Occurrences)
... It is call. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZERED. ... In Deuteronomy 2:13, the crossing
of the brook Zered marks the end of the 38 years' desert wanderings. ...
/z/zered.htm - 8k

Torrent (49 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Numbers 21:12 From thence they removed, and encamped at the torrent Zered.
(DBY). ... (DBY). Deuteronomy 2:13 Now rise up, and pass over the torrent Zered...
/t/torrent.htm - 22k

Crossed (65 Occurrences)
... men. (See NIV). Deuteronomy 2:13 "Now rise up, and cross over the brook Zered."
We went over the brook Zered. (See NAS NIV). Deuteronomy ...
/c/crossed.htm - 25k

Stream (96 Occurrences)
... as the sea. (BBE). Deuteronomy 2:13 Get up now, and go over the stream Zered.
So we went over the stream Zered. (BBE). Deuteronomy 2 ...
/s/stream.htm - 42k

Brook (75 Occurrences)
... WILLOWS, THE BROOK OF THE. Evidently mentioned as the boundary of Moab (Isaiah
15:7) and generally identified with the brook Zered. See BROOK; ZERED. ...
/b/brook.htm - 45k

Willows (5 Occurrences)
... WILLOWS, THE BROOK OF THE. Evidently mentioned as the boundary of Moab (Isaiah
15:7) and generally identified with the brook Zered. See BROOK; ZERED. ...
/w/willows.htm - 11k

River (189 Occurrences)
... English Versions of the Bible has "valley": of Gerar (Genesis 26:17), of Zered
(Numbers 21:12), but "brook Zered" (Deuteronomy 2:13), of Eschol (Numbers 32:9 ...
/r/river.htm - 52k

Valley (187 Occurrences)
... of Eshcol" (Numbers 32:9); "valley of Gerar" (Genesis 26:17); "valley of Shittim"
(Joel 3:18); "valley of Sorek" (Judges 16:4); "valley of Zered" (Numbers 21:12 ...
/v/valley.htm - 75k

Arise (235 Occurrences)
... JPS NAS NIV). Deuteronomy 2:13 "Now rise up, and cross over the brook Zered."
We went over the brook Zered. (See NAS). Deuteronomy 2 ...
/a/arise.htm - 37k

Zereathites (1 Occurrence)

/z/zereathites.htm - 6k

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