Numbers 32:8
Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֥ה
H3541
כֹּ֥ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
עָשׂ֖וּ
Thus did
H6213
עָשׂ֖וּ
Thus did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֲבֹֽתֵיכֶ֑ם
your fathers
H1
אֲבֹֽתֵיכֶ֑ם
your fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
3 of 10
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
בְּשָׁלְחִ֥י
when I sent
H7971
בְּשָׁלְחִ֥י
when I sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
4 of 10
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֹתָ֛ם
H853
אֹתָ֛ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּרְנֵ֖עַ
them from Kadeshbarnea
H6947
בַּרְנֵ֖עַ
them from Kadeshbarnea
Strong's:
H6947
Word #:
7 of 10
kadesh-barnea, a place in the desert
לִרְא֥וֹת
to see
H7200
לִרְא֥וֹת
to see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
8 of 10
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
Historical Context
Kadesh-barnea (meaning 'holy wilderness') was the southern staging area for Canaan invasion, approximately 50 miles southwest of Beersheba. The spy mission occurred in year two of the Exodus; Moses' rebuke comes 38 years later, addressing a new generation tempted to repeat the old sin.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'Kadesh-barnea moments' in your spiritual journey tempted you to abandon God's promises?
- How do you respond when leaders connect your current choices to past failures in your family or community?
- What role does historical/spiritual memory play in avoiding repeated cycles of disobedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea (כֹּה עָשׂוּ אֲבֹתֵיכֶם בְּשָׁלְחִי אֹתָם מִקָּדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ)—Moses invokes Israel's darkest hour: the spy report that triggered forty years of wilderness wandering (Numbers 13-14). The parallel is devastating: that generation chose visible obstacles over God's promise; this generation chooses visible pasture over God's inheritance. The phrase 'your fathers' distances them from patriarchal faith (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) while connecting them to faithless rebels.
Kadesh-barnea represents the perpetual temptation to stop short of God's purposes when the cost appears too high. The spies saw giants and walled cities (Numbers 13:28); Gad and Reuben see prime cattle land. Both groups made 'reasonable' assessments that contradicted divine intention. Moses' rhetorical strategy is brilliant: by naming the sin, he forces them to see themselves in their fathers' failure.