Topical Bible: Kadesh: A City on the Southern Boundary of Palestine

◄ Kadesh: A City on the Southern Boundary of Palestine ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Kadesh, often referred to as Kadesh-barnea, is a significant location in biblical history, serving as a pivotal site for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. Situated on the southern boundary of ancient Palestine, Kadesh is frequently mentioned in the Pentateuch and holds considerable theological and historical importance.

Biblical References and Significance

Kadesh first appears in the biblical narrative in Genesis 14:7, where it is mentioned in the context of the battle of the kings. However, its prominence is most notable during the Exodus journey. In Numbers 13:26, Kadesh is identified as the place where the Israelite spies returned after scouting the Promised Land: "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" .

Kadesh served as a major encampment for the Israelites. It was from Kadesh that Moses sent the twelve spies into Canaan, and it was here that the congregation faced a significant test of faith. The negative report from ten of the spies led to the people's rebellion and resulted in their prolonged wandering in the wilderness for forty years (Numbers 14:26-35).

The site is also notable for the incident involving Moses and the rock. In Numbers 20:1-13, the Israelites, once again at Kadesh, complained of a lack of water. God instructed Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water, but in frustration, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff. This act of disobedience resulted in God decreeing that Moses would not lead the people into the Promised Land: "But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not trust Me enough to honor Me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them'" (Numbers 20:12).

Kadesh is also the site of Miriam's death and burial, as recorded 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" .

Geographical and Historical Context

Kadesh is traditionally identified with the modern site of Tell el-Qudeirat in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula. It is located near the border of Edom, as indicated in the biblical narrative when the Israelites sought passage through Edom from Kadesh (Numbers 20:14-21).

The strategic location of Kadesh made it a significant landmark for the Israelites. It served as a gateway between the wilderness and the land of Canaan, marking a transition point in their journey. The site's proximity to the Wilderness of Zin and the Wilderness of Paran underscores its role as a central hub during the Israelites' desert sojourn.

Theological Implications

Kadesh represents a place of testing and decision for the Israelites. It is a symbol of both divine provision and human failure. The events at Kadesh highlight themes of faith, obedience, and the consequences of unbelief. The narrative underscores the importance of trusting in God's promises and the repercussions of failing to do so.

In summary, Kadesh is a multifaceted location within the biblical narrative, serving as a backdrop for significant events in Israel's history. Its role as a site of encampment, testing, and divine encounter makes it a key location in understanding the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land.

Nave's Topical Index

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 to Kadeshbarnea, and passed along to Hezron, and went up to Adar, and fetched a compass to Karkaa:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Training of a Statesman.
... near Pithum the house of Ramses, a city with a ... went up with the southern tribes to
conquer southern Palestine. ... possibly at the sacred spring of Kadesh or on ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study viii the training of.htm

Appendices
... in southern Palestine cir.1230 Chushan-rishathaim of Aram-Naharaim or ... Zar (Plain)
of Sesostris and the city of Aleppo ... hast not taken thy road to Kadesh (on the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... to the right, and followed, first the southern and then ... led them from Egypt to Kadesh,
and from Kadesh to the ... The walls of the city fell of themselves at the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... The reading Kedesh, Kadesh, Qodshu, the result of the ... Each nation, each tribe, each
city, worshipped its own lord ... El in names of towns in Southern Syria seems ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm