Lexical Summary Tsin: Zin Original Word: צִן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zin From an unused root meaning to prick; a crag; Tsin, a part of the Desert -- Zin. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a desert area which included Kadesh-barnea NASB Translation Zin (10). Brown-Driver-Briggs צִן proper name, of a location Σ(ε)ιν; name of wilderness south of Canaan, where lay Kadesh Barnea, with ה locative צִ֫נָה Numbers 34:4 (where LagBN 47 חצן), Joshua 15:3 (van d. H. צִ֫נָּה in Joshua); elsewhere מִדְבַּרצִֿן Numbers 13:21; Numbers 20:1; Numbers 27:14 (twice in verse); Numbers 33:36; Numbers 34:3; Deuteronomy 32:51; Joshua 15:1 (all P). [צֵן], I, II, III. צִנָּה, see I, II, III. צנן. below Topical Lexicon Geographic Setting The Wilderness of Zin lies at the northern fringe of the Paran and Negev deserts, just west of the Arabah and north of the Gulf of Aqaba. Kadesh (also called Kadesh-barnea) sits within its bounds and functions as the principal oasis and staging point. Zin is therefore the southern doorstep of Canaan, bounded on the east by Edom and Moab and on the west by the Wilderness of Paran. Modern scholarship usually associates it with the arid badlands around Wadi el-Arish and the central Negev plateau. Occurrences in Scripture Numbers 13:21; Numbers 20:1; Numbers 27:14 (twice, in narrative and citation); Numbers 33:36; Numbers 34:3; Numbers 34:4; Deuteronomy 32:51; Joshua 15:1; Joshua 15:3. Key Historical Moments 1. Reconnaissance of Canaan (Numbers 13:21). From Zin the twelve spies fanned out northward, making the desert the springboard of Israel’s first direct look at the land of promise. Theological and Devotional Themes Testing and Trust. Zin is almost synonymous with trial. At Kadesh the people thirsted, leaders faltered, yet God still provided water. The aridity of the landscape becomes a living parable of the heart-condition God seeks to transform (Psalm 95:8-11, which alludes to the Meribah incident). Holiness and Obedience. Moses’ failure “to treat Me as holy in their presence” (Deuteronomy 32:51) underscores that spiritual leaders are held to a high standard; holy ends never justify unholy means. Grace within Borders. The desert that defines the limit of the promised land also witnesses God’s sustaining grace. Even at the edge, Israel lives under covenant provision. Relation to Israel’s Borders Zin serves as a God-given landmark establishing Israel’s legal claim to Canaan. Judah’s allotment (Joshua 15) shows the tribe entrusted with guarding the southern approach—an early glimpse of Judah’s future leadership role culminating in David and, ultimately, in the Messiah. Distinct from the Wilderness of Sin Despite similar English spelling, Sin (between Elim and Sinai, Exodus 16:1) lies further south on the west coast of the Sinai Peninsula. Zin, by contrast, is inland and north. Confusing the two obscures the distinct lessons each setting provides. Later Old Testament Reflections Prophets and psalmists echo Zin’s narratives when warning against hard-heartedness (Psalm 95; Ezekiel 20:13-24). Moses’ exclusion at Zin becomes a sober reminder that even the most faithful may forfeit privileges through unbelief. Practical Ministry Applications • Leadership Accountability: Spiritual authority demands precise obedience. The Wilderness of Zin, though sparsely mentioned, casts a long shadow over Israel’s journey, demarcating geography, testing faith, and revealing the steadfast provision of the covenant-keeping God. Forms and Transliterations צִ֑ן צִ֔נָה צִ֖ן צִ֗ן צִ֛ן צִ֥ן צִֽן׃ צִן֙ צן צן׃ צנה ṣi·nāh ṣin ṣināh tzin TzinahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 13:21 HEB: הָאָ֑רֶץ מִמִּדְבַּר־ צִ֥ן עַד־ רְחֹ֖ב NAS: from the wilderness of Zin as far KJV: from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, INT: the land the wilderness of Zin far Rehob Numbers 20:1 Numbers 27:14 Numbers 27:14 Numbers 33:36 Numbers 34:3 Numbers 34:4 Deuteronomy 32:51 Joshua 15:1 Joshua 15:3 10 Occurrences |
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