and camped at Kadesh
Kadesh, often referred to as Kadesh-barnea, was a major encampment for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. It is located in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula. Kadesh holds significant historical and spiritual importance as it was the site where the Israelites faced a critical moment of disobedience and lack of faith, leading to their prolonged wandering (Numbers 13-14). It was also the place where Moses struck the rock to bring forth water, an act that led to his own exclusion from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 20:1-13). Kadesh serves as a reminder of both God's provision and the consequences of disobedience.

in the Wilderness of Zin
The Wilderness of Zin is a desert region located in the southern part of modern-day Israel. It is characterized by its arid and harsh conditions, which tested the faith and endurance of the Israelites. The wilderness experience is often seen as a time of testing and purification, where God prepared His people for entry into the Promised Land. The Wilderness of Zin is also associated with the story of the twelve spies sent to scout the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:21). This region serves as a backdrop for the Israelites' journey of faith and reliance on God, highlighting themes of trust, obedience, and divine guidance.

• Numbers 33 traces Israel’s journey stage by stage; verse 36 records one of their final moves before reaching the plains of Moab.

• Ezion-geber was a Red Sea port (1 Kings 9:26, Deuteronomy 2:8). Israel had camped there after leaving the copper-rich mines of the Arabah, a place marked by trade and activity.

• Physically leaving a bustling seaport for the wilderness reminds us that God sometimes calls His people away from apparent security or opportunity so their trust rests on Him alone (Psalm 20:7; Proverbs 3:5-6).

• The phrase “They set out” keeps the narrative rhythm of obedience: whenever the cloud moved, Israel moved (Numbers 9:17-23). Consistent responsiveness to God’s direction is part of covenant faithfulness.

• Kadesh (often called Kadesh-barnea) was a familiar, even bittersweet, stop. Earlier, from this very place, the twelve spies were sent into Canaan (Numbers 13:26).

• Forty years earlier, unbelief at Kadesh had postponed entry into the land (Deuteronomy 1:26-36). Now, camping there again shows God’s grace in giving the next generation a renewed opportunity.

• Kadesh also witnessed Miriam’s death and Moses striking the rock (Numbers 20:1-13). Past failures did not cancel future mercies; the covenant promise endured (Romans 11:29).

• The recurrence of the site invites reflection: God may return us to places of past testing so we can respond differently by faith (Hebrews 12:11-13; James 1:2-4).

• Zin is the southern desert bordering Canaan. Though austere, it was under God’s watchful care: “He humbled you … that He might make you understand that man does not live on bread alone” (Deuteronomy 8:2-3).

• Here the Lord provided water from the rock (Numbers 20:11) and daily manna (Exodus 16:35), prefiguring Christ, the living water and bread of life (John 4:14; 6:35).

• The wilderness setting highlights the contrast between God’s promised abundance and the barrenness of self-reliance (Jeremiah 2:13). Israel’s survival testified to divine faithfulness (Nehemiah 9:19-21).

• Paul draws on these very wanderings to warn and encourage the church: “These things happened as examples for us” (1 Corinthians 10:6). Our own “wilderness” seasons can become classrooms of trust and dependence.

Numbers 33:36, simple as it looks, captures a journey of obedience, memory, and hope. Leaving Ezion-geber shows readiness to follow God’s lead; camping again at Kadesh recalls both past failure and fresh grace; residing in the Wilderness of Zin underscores the Lord’s sustaining power. Together, the movements urge us to keep stepping forward, confident that the God who guides also provides and redeems every stage of the journey.