Topical Encyclopedia Cades-Barnea, also known as Kadesh-Barnea, is a significant location in biblical history, primarily noted as a major encampment site for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. It is situated in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula, near the border of the Negev desert. The name "Kadesh" means "holy" or "sacred," and "Barnea" is thought to refer to a desert or wilderness area.Biblical Significance: 1. Encampment of the Israelites: Cades-Barnea served as a central encampment for the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. It is mentioned in several key narratives in the Pentateuch. According to Numbers 13:26 , "They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole congregation of Israel at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Paran. There they reported to them and the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land." 2. The Twelve Spies: One of the most notable events associated with Cades-Barnea is the sending of the twelve spies into the Promised Land. From this location, Moses sent the spies to scout the land of Canaan. Upon their return, ten of the spies gave a discouraging report, leading to the Israelites' rebellion and subsequent punishment of wandering in the wilderness for forty years (Numbers 13-14). 3. Rebellion and Judgment: The rebellion at Cades-Barnea marked a pivotal moment in Israel's journey. The people's lack of faith and trust in God's promise resulted in a divine judgment, as recorded in Numbers 14:29-30 : "In this wilderness your bodies will fall—all who were numbered in the census, everyone twenty years of age or older—because you have grumbled against Me. Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun." 4. Miriam's Death: Cades-Barnea is also the site of Miriam's death and burial. Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, died there, as noted in Numbers 20:1 : "In the first month, the whole congregation of Israel entered the Wilderness of Zin, and the people stayed at Kadesh. There Miriam died and was buried." 5. Moses' Sin: It was at Cades-Barnea that Moses committed the sin of striking the rock to bring forth water, instead of speaking to it as God had commanded. This act of disobedience resulted in God forbidding Moses from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 20:7-12). 6. Geopolitical Importance: Cades-Barnea served as a strategic location, marking the southern boundary of the land promised to the Israelites. It is referenced in Deuteronomy 1:19 : "Then we set out from Horeb and went through all that great and terrible wilderness you saw on the way to the hill country of the Amorites, as the LORD our God had commanded us. And we came to Kadesh-barnea." Archaeological and Historical Context: The exact location of Cades-Barnea has been a subject of debate among scholars and archaeologists. It is generally identified with the site of Ain el-Qudeirat in the northeastern Sinai. Excavations have revealed remains of ancient fortifications and settlements, suggesting its historical significance as a border fortress. Cades-Barnea remains a symbol of both divine promise and human failure. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and obedience in the journey of God's people. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CADES-BARNEka'-dez bar'-ne. Thesaurus CadesbarneCadesbarne. Cades, Cadesbarne. Cades-barne . Int. ... ka'-dez bar'-ne. See KADESH-BARNEA (Apocrypha). Cades, Cadesbarne. Cades-barne . Reference Bible. /c/cadesbarne.htm - 6k Cades-barne Caesar (25 Occurrences) Cades Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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