Kadesh-barnea

Meaning - holy" or "consecrated

Kadesh-barnea is an important place in the desert wanderings of the Israelites. Located in the north-east section of the Sinai Peninsula, it is associated with the Wilderness of Zin and the Wilderness of Paran (Num 13:26; 20:1; Deut 1:19,46). The place that Hagar fled to (Beer-lahai-roi) is between Kadesh-barnea and Bered ; on the way to Shur (Gen 16:7,14).

The Israelites stayed in this region during the time they were in the wilderness. Moses and the Israelites moved from Hazeroth and camped in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh-barnea. It was from Kadesh-barnea that Moses sent the spies into Canaan. After the spies returned they reported giants in the land and the Israelites began to doubt God's ability to give them victory. This rebellion against God forced them to wander in the desert for 40 years until a new generation would begin the victory over the promised land under Joshua (Numbers 12:16 - 14:9). Interestingly, only Joshua and Caleb who had disagreed with the others regarding God's will, survived to enter the Promised Land (Num 14:6-40). Later it was around Kadesh-barnea, that Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebelled against Moses’ leadership. As a result, these men and their families were swallowed up in the earth. Also, two hundred fifty men who burned incense were also killed. In addition, when a plague swept through the camp because of Korah’s sin, 14,700 people died. The plague was only averted after Aaron took fire from the altar, placed it in his censer, and circled the camp (Numbers 16).
It was also at Kadesh-barnea that Miriam, Moses' sister and his brother Aaron, died and were buried here (Num 20:1).

It was also here that the Israelites complained to Moses about the lack of water.God commanded Moses to speak to the rock so it would bring forth water. In his anger against the people for their rebellion, Moses struck the rock, as he had done forty years earlier at Horeb (Ex 17:1-7). Water gushed out, but the penalty for disobeying God’s command resulted in Moses not be allowed to bring the people into the Promised Land. The spring at that place was called the "waters of Meribah" because, "…the sons of Israel contended with the Lord, and He proved Himself holy among them." (Num 20:2-13).

Scriptures

Genesis 14: 7

Genesis 16: 14

Genesis 20: 1

Numbers 12: 16-14:9

Numbers 14: 10-45

Numbers 16: 1-50

Numbers 20: 1-22

Numbers 32: 8

Numbers 33: 36, 37

Numbers 34: 4

Deuteronomy 1: 19

Deuteronomy 1: 46

Deuteronomy 2: 14

Deuteronomy 9: 23

Joshua 10: 41

Joshua 14: 6-14

Joshua 15: 3

Judges 11: 16, 17

Psalm 29: 8

References

genesisfiles.com