The time we spent traveling from Kadesh-barnea until we crossed over the Brook of Zered was thirty-eight years, until that entire generation of fighting men had perished from the camp, as the LORD had sworn to them. Now the time it tookThis phrase sets the stage for a reflection on the journey of the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "time" here is "yom," which can mean day or a period. It emphasizes the passage of time and the fulfillment of God's plan. The journey was not just physical but also spiritual, marking a period of testing and transformation. for us to come from Kadesh-barnea until we crossed over the Brook Zered was thirty-eight years until the entire generation of fighting men had perished from the camp as the LORD had sworn to them Persons / Places / Events 1. Kadesh-barneaA significant location in the wilderness where the Israelites camped and from where the spies were sent into Canaan. It represents a place of decision and disobedience. 2. Brook Zered A stream marking the boundary of Edom and Moab, symbolizing a transition point in Israel's journey from wandering to approaching the Promised Land. 3. The Generation of Men of War Refers to the adult males who left Egypt but were condemned to die in the wilderness due to their lack of faith and disobedience. 4. The LORD's Oath God's promise that the disobedient generation would not enter the Promised Land, emphasizing His justice and faithfulness to His word. 5. Thirty-eight Years The period of wandering in the wilderness, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the fulfillment of God's judgment. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceDisobedience to God leads to severe consequences, as seen in the Israelites' extended wandering. Believers are called to trust and obey God's commands to avoid similar spiritual stagnation. God's Faithfulness to His Word God's promises, whether of blessing or judgment, are sure. This should encourage believers to take His word seriously and live in accordance with His will. The Importance of Faith The Israelites' lack of faith resulted in their downfall. Believers today are reminded to maintain faith in God's promises, trusting Him even when circumstances seem challenging. Transition and New Beginnings Crossing the Brook Zered symbolizes a new beginning for the Israelites. Believers can find hope in God's ability to bring new beginnings after periods of trial and discipline. Generational Impact The disobedience of one generation affected the next. Believers are encouraged to live faithfully, understanding that their actions can impact future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' experience at Kadesh-barnea about the importance of faith and obedience?2. How does the concept of God's faithfulness to His promises, both of blessing and judgment, influence your daily walk with Him? 3. In what ways can the transition from wandering to crossing the Brook Zered inspire you to embrace new beginnings in your spiritual journey? 4. How can the account of the Israelites' disobedience and its consequences serve as a warning for us today, especially in light of Hebrews 3-4? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "wilderness" period in your life. How did God use that time to prepare you for a new beginning, and how can you apply those lessons now? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 14This chapter details the rebellion of the Israelites at Kadesh-barnea and God's decree that the disobedient generation would not enter the Promised Land. Hebrews 3-4 These chapters draw a parallel between the Israelites' unbelief and the call for believers to enter God's rest through faith and obedience. Psalm 95 A call to worship and a warning against hardening hearts, referencing the rebellion in the wilderness.
People Ammonites, Anakites, Avvites, Caphtorim, Caphtorites, Emites, Esau, Geber, Horites, Moabites, Moses, Rephaites, Seir, Sihon, ZamzummitesPlaces Ammon, Ar, Arabah, Aroer, Caphtor, Elath, Ezion-geber, Gaza, Gilead, Heshbon, Jabbok River, Jahaz, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Kedemoth, Moab, Mount Seir, Red Sea, Seir, Valley of the Arnon, ZeredTopics Barnea, Battle, Brook, Camp, Consumed, Consumption, Crossed, Dead, Eight, Entire, Fighting, Generation, Host, Kadesh, Kadeshbarnea, Kadesh-barnea, Ka'desh-bar'nea, Leaving, Midst, Passed, Perished, Space, Stream, Sware, Swore, Sworn, Thirty, Thirty-eight, Till, Torrent, Valley, Walked, War, Wasted, Within, ZeredDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 2:14Library A Great Part of South Judea Cut Off under the Second Temple. Jewish Idumean. The Talmudic girdle ends, as you see, in "Kadesh, Barnea, and Ascalon." Hence it cannot but be observed, that these two places are placed, as it were, in parallel; and whatsoever space lies between Ascalon and the river of Egypt, is excluded,--to wit, fifty-four miles. And one might, indeed, almost see some footsteps of that exclusion under the first Temple, in that very common expression, "From Dan even to Beer-sheba." This country, that was excluded, was something barren. The Talmudists speak thus … John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The New Leaders Commission The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Section Chap. I. -iii. Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 2:14 NIVDeuteronomy 2:14 NLT Deuteronomy 2:14 ESV Deuteronomy 2:14 NASB Deuteronomy 2:14 KJV Deuteronomy 2:14 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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