Numbers 33:36
And they removed from Ezion-gaber, and pitched in the wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּסְע֖וּ
And they removed
H5265
וַיִּסְע֖וּ
And they removed
Strong's:
H5265
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey
וַיַּֽחֲנ֥וּ
and pitched
H2583
וַיַּֽחֲנ֥וּ
and pitched
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
בְמִדְבַּר
in the wilderness
H4057
בְמִדְבַּר
in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
5 of 8
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
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 27:14For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.
Historical Context
Kadesh-barnea (possibly modern Ain el-Qudeirat) was a major oasis in the northern Sinai, serving as Israel's base of operations during much of the wilderness period. This return to Kadesh (around year 40) sets the stage for the events of chapter 20, including Miriam's death and Moses' striking the rock.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's bringing Israel back to Kadesh after 38 years demonstrate both justice and mercy?
- Have you experienced 'returning' to a place of past failure, but this time with greater faith and maturity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Removed from Ezion-gaber, and pitched in the wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh—מִדְבַּר צִן (midbar Ṣin) at קָדֵשׁ (Qādēsh, 'holy' or 'sanctuary'). This verse records Israel's return to Kadesh-barnea, where they had rebelled 38 years earlier (13:26-14:45). The second generation now stood where their fathers fell into unbelief.
Kadesh was both judgment site (where the wilderness sentence was pronounced) and boundary of promise (on the edge of Canaan). Israel's circular route brought them back to square one—yet not unchanged. The old generation had died; new leadership and new faith would carry them forward. God's discipline is never merely punitive but always redemptive, preparing His people for inheritance.