Topical Bible: Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Zared or Dibon-Gad

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◄ Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Zared or Dibon-Gad ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The journey of the Israelites through the desert is a significant narrative in the biblical account of the Exodus, detailing the movement of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. Among the various stages of this journey, the encampment at the Valley of Zared and the subsequent movement to Dibon-Gad are noteworthy.

Biblical Context

The Israelites' journey through the wilderness is chronicled primarily in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. After their miraculous escape from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, the Israelites embarked on a prolonged journey through the desert, marked by divine guidance and provision, as well as periods of rebellion and divine judgment.

The Valley of Zared

The Valley of Zared is mentioned in the Book of Numbers as a significant waypoint in the Israelites' journey. Numbers 21:12 states, "From there they set out and camped in the Valley of Zared." This location is situated on the southeastern border of Moab, near the Arnon River. The crossing of the Zared marked the end of the Israelites' 38-year period of wandering in the wilderness, as they began to approach the borders of the Promised Land.

The significance of the Valley of Zared lies in its representation of a transition from the older generation of Israelites, who had been condemned to die in the wilderness due to their disobedience, to a new generation poised to enter Canaan. Deuteronomy 2:13-14 provides further insight: "Now get up and cross the Valley of Zared. So we crossed the Valley of Zared. Indeed, the time we spent traveling from Kadesh-barnea until we crossed the Valley of Zared was thirty-eight years, until all the generation of the men of war had perished from the camp, as the LORD had sworn to them."

Dibon-Gad

Following their encampment at the Valley of Zared, the Israelites continued their journey to Dibon-Gad. Numbers 33:45-46 records this movement: "They set out from Iye-abarim and camped at Dibon-gad. They set out from Dibon-gad and camped at Almon-diblathaim." Dibon-Gad is located in the territory of Moab, east of the Dead Sea. It is named after the tribe of Gad, which would later settle in this region.

Dibon-Gad served as a strategic encampment as the Israelites prepared to enter the land of Canaan. It was during this period that the Israelites began to engage in battles with the local inhabitants, including the Amorites, as they sought to claim the land promised to them by God.

Theological Significance

The journey to Zared and Dibon-Gad underscores themes of divine faithfulness and judgment. The transition from the older generation to the new highlights God's justice in dealing with disobedience, as well as His mercy in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham. The encampments also illustrate the Israelites' reliance on God's guidance and provision as they navigated the challenges of the wilderness.

Throughout this journey, the Israelites experienced God's presence in the form of the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, which led them through the desert. This divine guidance served as a constant reminder of God's covenantal relationship with His people and His commitment to bringing them into the land He had promised.