Deuteronomy 1:46
So ye abode in Kadesh many days, according unto the days that ye abode there.
Original Language Analysis
יְשַׁבְתֶּֽם׃
So ye abode
H3427
יְשַׁבְתֶּֽם׃
So ye abode
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
כַּיָּמִ֖ים
according unto the days
H3117
כַּיָּמִ֖ים
according unto the days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 7
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
רַבִּ֑ים
many
H7227
רַבִּ֑ים
many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
4 of 7
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
כַּיָּמִ֖ים
according unto the days
H3117
כַּיָּמִ֖ים
according unto the days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
5 of 7
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
Cross References
Numbers 20:1Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.Numbers 20:22And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh, and came unto mount Hor.
Historical Context
Kadesh-barnea, located in the wilderness of Zin (modern Ain el-Qudeirat), served as Israel's base camp during much of their 40-year wilderness wandering (Numbers 13:26, 20:1). The 'many days' likely refers to the extended period before and after the failed spy mission (circa 1445 BC). Kadesh had abundant water springs, making it suitable for prolonged encampment, yet it represented defeat and judgment rather than the promised land of milk and honey.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Israel's prolonged stay at Kadesh serve as a warning against spiritual stagnation caused by unbelief?
- In what areas of your life might you be 'abiding in Kadesh' rather than advancing into God's promised purposes?
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Analysis & Commentary
The extended stay at Kadesh—'many days'—represents wasted time and lost opportunity due to unbelief. This prolonged encampment, intended as the launching point for Canaan conquest, became instead a monument to failure. The phrase emphasizes Israel's stagnation, contrasting sharply with God's promise of advancement and inheritance. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates how unbelief and disobedience halt spiritual progress. Believers can remain spiritually static, dwelling in places of discipline rather than advancing into promised blessings, when they resist God's will through fear or self-reliance.