The Wanderings of the Israelites refer to the 40-year period during which the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, as recorded in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. This period is marked by divine guidance, miraculous provisions, and significant events that shaped the identity and faith of the Israelite nation.

Background and Departure from Egypt

The Israelites' journey began with their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt, led by Moses under God's command. The Exodus narrative describes the ten plagues that culminated in the Passover, after which Pharaoh released the Israelites. They departed from Rameses and journeyed to Succoth (Exodus 12:37).

Crossing the Red Sea

One of the most dramatic events during the early part of their journey was the crossing of the Red Sea. Pursued by Pharaoh's army, the Israelites found themselves trapped between the sea and their enemies. God instructed Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, and the waters parted, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. The Egyptian army was subsequently drowned when the waters returned (Exodus 14:21-28).

Provision in the Wilderness

Throughout their wanderings, God provided for the Israelites in miraculous ways. In the wilderness of Sin, the people grumbled for food, and God provided manna from heaven and quail for meat (Exodus 16:4-13). At Rephidim, when the people were thirsty, God instructed Moses to strike a rock, and water flowed out for the people to drink (Exodus 17:6).

The Giving of the Law at Sinai

A pivotal moment in the wanderings was the encampment at Mount Sinai, where God established His covenant with Israel. Here, Moses received the Ten Commandments and other laws that would govern the nation. The Israelites agreed to obey God's commands, and the covenant was ratified with sacrifices (Exodus 19-24).

Rebellion and Consequences

Despite God's continuous provision and guidance, the Israelites frequently rebelled. The most notable rebellion occurred when the spies were sent to Canaan. Ten of the twelve spies brought back a discouraging report, leading the people to doubt God's promise. As a result, God decreed that the current generation would not enter the Promised Land, and the Israelites would wander for 40 years until that generation had passed away (Numbers 14:29-34).

Key Locations and Events

· Kadesh-barnea: A significant location where the Israelites spent much time. It was from here that the spies were sent into Canaan (Numbers 13:26).
· The Bronze Serpent: When the people spoke against God and Moses, fiery serpents were sent among them. God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole; those who looked at it were healed (Numbers 21:6-9).
· The Deaths of Miriam and Aaron: Miriam died at Kadesh, and Aaron died on Mount Hor. Aaron's priestly garments were transferred to his son Eleazar (Numbers 20:1, 22-29).

Leadership Transition

As the 40 years drew to a close, Moses was informed that he would not enter the Promised Land due to his disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:12). Joshua was appointed as his successor to lead the people into Canaan (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).

Conclusion of the Wanderings

The wanderings concluded with the Israelites encamped on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River. Here, Moses delivered his final speeches, recounted the law, and blessed the tribes before his death (Deuteronomy 34:1-5). The Israelites were then poised to enter the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership, marking the end of their wilderness journey.Wanderings of the Israelites

See EXODUS. The following tabular view of their various encampments, so far as they are recorded in Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, is from Dr. Robinson's Biblical Researches. The "great and terrible wilderness" between mount Sinai and Palestine is still known by the Arabs as Et-Tyh, or the Wanderings.

Perseverance of Saints.
... In his wanderings from God, as is common, he fell into great doubts and embarrassments ...
It is said of this passage, that the history of the Israelites is here ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
... was still held in reverence; and when he died, "all the Israelites were gathered ...
ie we know more of his history, of his imprisonments, his wanderings, and his ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon ix jeremiah a lesson.htm

Moses and his Writings
... worship of false gods had been the terrible sin of their wilderness wanderings,
and now ... asking how a God of love and mercy could bid the Israelites utterly to ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter iii moses and his.htm

The Rock of Ages
... He knows that the spiritual Rock has been following him through all his wanderings
in this ... it was to him in the Holy Communion as to the Israelites of old in ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xiv the rock of.htm

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... There were far too many of the Israelites to hear his voice and he probably ... In these
addresses Moses recounted their wanderings and Jehovah's goodness to them. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

A Coffin in Egypt
... among the Israelites to uphold fainting faith, and at last was carried up before
their host, and reverently guarded during forty years' wanderings, till it was ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a coffin in egypt.htm

The Eagle and Its Brood
... reference of these words is to the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt ... to the
experience of the infant nation in the forty years' wanderings, it carries ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the eagle and its brood.htm

David.
... and staid there quietly until his father sent him to the camp of the Israelites,
with food ... During these wanderings, he wrote some of his most beautiful psalms. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/david.htm

September 16. "I Will Never Leave Thee nor Forsake Thee" (Heb. ...
... The Israelites did not follow when He called them into the Land of Promise, yet ... carried
them all the days of old." And so yet, while our wanderings bring us ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /september 16 i will never.htm

Canaan
... Hardly had the Israelites escaped from Egypt when they were called upon to dispute ...
again ventured to molest the people of Yahveh during their wanderings in the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

Why is a bronze serpent used to save the Israelites in Numbers 21:8-9? | GotQuestions.org

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Wanderings: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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