Introduction:
Kadeshbarnea, often referred to simply as Kadesh, is a significant location in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings. It serves as a pivotal site in the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. The name "Kadesh" means "holy" or "sacred," and "Barnea" is thought to refer to a desert or wilderness area. Kadeshbarnea is situated in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula, near the border of Canaan.

Biblical Significance:
Kadeshbarnea is first mentioned in the Book of Numbers as a major encampment of the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the wilderness. It is here that the Israelites faced several critical events that shaped their history and relationship with God.

1. The Spies' Mission:
One of the most notable events at Kadeshbarnea is the sending of the twelve spies into Canaan. In Numbers 13:1-3 , the LORD instructs Moses to send men to explore the land of Canaan. The spies return with a mixed report, highlighting the land's abundance but also the formidable inhabitants. This report leads to a rebellion among the Israelites, as recorded in Numbers 14:1-4 , where the people express their desire to return to Egypt rather than face the challenges of conquering Canaan.

2. Rebellion and Judgment:
The rebellion at Kadeshbarnea results in God's judgment upon the Israelites. In Numbers 14:26-35 , God declares that the current generation, except for Caleb and Joshua, will not enter the Promised Land. Instead, they will wander in the wilderness for 40 years until a new generation arises. This judgment underscores the themes of faith, obedience, and divine justice.

3. Moses' Disobedience:
Kadeshbarnea is also the site of Moses' disobedience, which ultimately prevents him from entering the Promised Land. In Numbers 20:1-13 , the Israelites again find themselves without water, and God instructs Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water. However, Moses strikes the rock twice in frustration, disobeying God's command. As a result, God tells Moses that he will not lead the people into Canaan.

4. Miriam's Death:
The death of Miriam, Moses' sister, is recorded at Kadeshbarnea in Numbers 20:1 . Her passing marks a significant moment in the wilderness journey, as she was a key figure in the Exodus narrative.

Geographical and Historical Context:
Kadeshbarnea is located in the desert region south of Canaan, near the border of Edom. Its exact location has been the subject of debate among scholars, but it is generally identified with the area around Ain el-Qudeirat in modern-day Israel. The site served as a strategic base for the Israelites, providing access to the Negev and the southern approach to Canaan.

Theological Themes:
Kadeshbarnea is a place of testing and decision-making, highlighting the Israelites' struggle with faith and obedience. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of unbelief and disobedience, as well as the importance of trusting in God's promises. The events at Kadeshbarnea also emphasize God's faithfulness and the necessity of leadership that adheres to divine instruction.

References in Other Biblical Books:
Kadeshbarnea is mentioned in several other biblical books, including Deuteronomy, Joshua, and Ezekiel. In Deuteronomy 1:19-46 , Moses recounts the events at Kadeshbarnea as a lesson for the new generation of Israelites. Joshua 14:6-15 references Caleb's faithfulness at Kadeshbarnea, which earns him a special inheritance in the Promised Land. Ezekiel 47:19 uses Kadesh as a boundary marker in the prophetic vision of the land's division.

Conclusion:
Kadeshbarnea remains a symbol of the challenges and opportunities faced by the people of God. It is a testament to the importance of faith, obedience, and the consequences of turning away from God's commands.KADESH-BARNEA

ka'-desh-bar'-ne-a (qadhesh barnea`; Kades): Mentioned 10 times; called also "Kadesh" simply. The name perhaps means "the holy place of the desert of wandering." There are references to Kadesh in early history. At En-mishpat ("the same is Kadesh") Chedorlaomer and his allies smote the Amalekite and Amorite. Abraham dwelt near Kadesh, and it was at Beer-lahai-roi between Kadesh and Bered that the Angel of Yahweh appeared to Hagar (Genesis 14:7; Genesis 16:14; Genesis 20:1). It was an important camp of the Israelites during their wanderings, and seems to have been their headquarters for 38 years (Deuteronomy 1:2; Deuteronomy 2:14; Judith 5:14). There the returning spies found the camp (Numbers 13:26); there Miriam died and was buried (Numbers 20:1); from thence messengers were sent to the king of Edom (Numbers 20:14 Judges 11:16). There the people rebelled because of the want of water, and Moses brought water from the rock (Numbers 20:2); it was called therefore Meribath-or Meriboth-Kadesh (Numbers 27:14 Ezekiel 47:19; Ezekiel 48:28). It was situated in the wilderness of Zin (Numbers 20:1; Numbers 33:36, 37) in the hill country of the Amorites (Deuteronomy 1:19), 11 days' journey from Horeb, by the way of Mt. Seir (Deuteronomy 1:2), "in the uttermost" of the border of Edom (Numbers 20:16), and on the southern border, probably the Southeast corner, of Judah (Ezekiel 47:19; compare Judith 19). See Cobern, Homiletic Review, April and May, 1914.

S. F. Hunter

Kadeshbarnea (9 Occurrences)
... SF Hunter. Multi-Version Concordance Kadeshbarnea (9 Occurrences). Numbers 32:8
Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadeshbarnea to see the land. (KJV) ...
/k/kadeshbarnea.htm - 11k

Kadesh-barnea (9 Occurrences)
Kadesh-barnea. Kadeshbarnea, Kadesh-barnea. Ka'desh-bar'nea . Int. ...
Kadeshbarnea, Kadesh-barnea. Ka'desh-bar'nea . Reference Bible.
/k/kadesh-barnea.htm - 12k

Karkaa (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 15:3 And it went out to the south side to Maalehacrabbim, and passed along
to Zin, and ascended up on the south side unto Kadeshbarnea, and passed along ...
/k/karkaa.htm - 7k

Kenezite (3 Occurrences)
... the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the
LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea. ...
/k/kenezite.htm - 8k

Wasted (106 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 2:14 And the space in which we came from Kadeshbarnea, until we were
come over the brook Zered, was thirty and eight years; until all the ...
/w/wasted.htm - 35k

Fetched (26 Occurrences)
... Joshua 15:3 And it went out to the south side to Maalehacrabbim, and passed along
to Zin, and ascended up on the south side unto Kadeshbarnea, and passed along ...
/f/fetched.htm - 14k

Espy (2 Occurrences)
... Joshua 14:7 Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from
Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in ...
/e/espy.htm - 8k

Maalehacrabbim (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 15:3 And it went out to the south side to Maalehacrabbim, and passed along
to Zin, and ascended up on the south side unto Kadeshbarnea, and passed along ...
/m/maalehacrabbim.htm - 7k

Adar (10 Occurrences)
... Joshua 15:3 And it went out to the south side to Maalehacrabbim, and passed along
to Zin, and ascended up on the south side unto Kadeshbarnea, and passed along ...
/a/adar.htm - 11k

Kadesh (30 Occurrences)

/k/kadesh.htm - 21k

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