Kibrath, often referred to in the context of "Kibroth-hattaavah," is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. The name "Kibroth-hattaavah" translates to "Graves of Craving" or "Graves of Lust," reflecting the events that transpired there. This site is notably associated with the Israelites' journey during the Exodus from Egypt, as recorded in the Book of Numbers.

Biblical Context and Significance

Kibrath is primarily mentioned in the Book of Numbers, chapter 11. The Israelites, having been delivered from slavery in Egypt, were journeying through the wilderness under the leadership of Moses. Despite witnessing numerous miracles, including the parting of the Red Sea and the provision of manna from heaven, the people began to complain about their hardships and expressed a strong craving for the foods they had enjoyed in Egypt.

In Numbers 11:4-6 , it is recorded: "Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, 'Who will feed us meat? We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now our appetite is gone; there is nothing to see but this manna!'"

In response to their complaints, God provided quail in abundance, but His anger was kindled against their ingratitude and lack of faith. Numbers 11:33-34 states: "But while the meat was still between their teeth and before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and the LORD struck them with a severe plague. So they called that place Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had craved other food."

Theological Implications

The events at Kibrath serve as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience and ingratitude towards God. The Israelites' craving for the pleasures of Egypt symbolizes a lack of trust in God's provision and a desire to return to a life of bondage rather than embracing the freedom and promises of God. This narrative underscores the importance of faithfulness and contentment in God's provision, as well as the dangers of succumbing to fleshly desires.

Historical and Geographical Considerations

While the exact location of Kibrath is not definitively known, it is believed to be situated in the Sinai Peninsula, along the route taken by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. The name itself, "Graves of Craving," serves as a geographical marker of the events that took place there, leaving a lasting legacy in the collective memory of the Israelite people.

References in Scripture

Kibrath is referenced in several other passages, including Numbers 33:16-17 , which recounts the stages of the Israelites' journey: "They set out from the Wilderness of Sinai and camped at Kibroth-hattaavah. They set out from Kibroth-hattaavah and camped at Hazeroth." This passage highlights the transient nature of the Israelites' journey and the significance of each location as a testament to their experiences and God's dealings with them.

In summary, Kibrath, or Kibroth-hattaavah, stands as a solemn reminder of the Israelites' struggles with faith and obedience, serving as a lesson for future generations to trust in God's provision and to guard against the temptations of worldly desires.

Chapter xxxv
... proximity of Ephrath. Unfortunately, no light has as yet been thrown upon
the expression kibrath. Luther says ein Feldwegs. Does he ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxv.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... proximity of Ephrath. Unfortunately, no light has as yet been thrown upon
the expression kibrath. Luther says ein Feldwegs. Does he ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

Kibrath (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kibrath (3 Occurrences). ... 2 Kings 5:19 And he saith to him,
'Go in peace.' And he goeth from him a kibrath of land, (YLT). ...
/k/kibrath.htm - 7k

Khan

/k/khan.htm - 6k

Kibroth (5 Occurrences)

/k/kibroth.htm - 7k

Ephrata (1 Occurrence)
... Genesis 48:7 And I -- in my coming in from Padan-'Aram' Rachel hath died by me in
the land of Canaan, in the way, while yet a kibrath of land to enter Ephrata ...
/e/ephrata.htm - 6k

Ephratha (2 Occurrences)
... Genesis 35:16 And they journey from Bethel, and there is yet a kibrath of land before
entering Ephratha, and Rachel beareth, and is sharply pained in her ...
/e/ephratha.htm - 6k

Padan-'aram (1 Occurrence)
... Genesis 48:7 And I -- in my coming in from Padan-'Aram' Rachel hath died by me in
the land of Canaan, in the way, while yet a kibrath of land to enter Ephrata ...
/p/padan-'aram.htm - 6k

Pained (41 Occurrences)
... Genesis 35:16 And they journey from Bethel, and there is yet a kibrath of land before
entering Ephratha, and Rachel beareth, and is sharply pained in her ...
/p/pained.htm - 18k

Sharply (20 Occurrences)
... Genesis 35:16 And they journey from Bethel, and there is yet a kibrath of land before
entering Ephratha, and Rachel beareth, and is sharply pained in her ...
/s/sharply.htm - 12k

Bury (78 Occurrences)
... Genesis 48:7 And I -- in my coming in from Padan-'Aram' Rachel hath died by me in
the land of Canaan, in the way, while yet a kibrath of land to enter Ephrata ...
/b/bury.htm - 32k

Beareth (108 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Genesis 35:16 And they journey from Bethel, and there is yet a kibrath of
land before entering Ephratha, and Rachel beareth, and is sharply pained in her ...
/b/beareth.htm - 34k

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