### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Tsin**, represented by `{{H6790}}`, refers to a specific geographical location, the **Wilderness of Zin**. It is defined as a crag or desert region. Appearing **10 times** across **9 unique verses**, it marks a significant place in Israel's journey and the demarcation of its promised territory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the Wilderness of Zin `{{H6790}}` is the setting for several pivotal events. It is where the children of Israel arrived and abode in Kadesh, and where Miriam died and was buried [[Numbers 20:1]]. Critically, it is the location of the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, where the people contended with God and where Moses and Aaron rebelled against God's commandment by not sanctifying Him before the congregation ([[Numbers 27:14]], [[Deuteronomy 32:51]]). The spies sent to survey the promised land began their mission from the wilderness of Zin [[Numbers 13:21]]. Geographically, it is consistently identified as part of the southern border of the inheritance of Judah ([[Numbers 34:3]], [[Joshua 15:1]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and significance of Zin:
* `{{H4057}}` **midbâr** (wilderness): This term is almost always used to describe Zin, emphasizing its nature as an arid desert or pasture land, a key setting for Israel's journey [[Numbers 20:1]].
* `{{H6946}}` **Qâdêsh** (Kadesh): This location is inextricably linked with Zin, often mentioned as being within the wilderness of Zin. It was at Kadesh in Zin that the Israelites encamped, and where key events of their sojourn occurred ([[Numbers 33:36]], [[Numbers 20:1]]).
* `{{H1366}}` **gᵉbûwl** (border): The Wilderness of Zin is explicitly named as a boundary marker, forming the southern **border** of the land promised to Israel, along the coast of Edom ([[Numbers 34:3]], [[Joshua 15:1]]).
* `{{H4809}}` **Mᵉrîybâh** (Meribah): This is the specific site within the Wilderness of Zin where Israel strove with the Lord over water, leading to a significant act of disobedience by their leaders [[Numbers 27:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6790}}` is demonstrated through its association with key themes in Israel's history.
* **A Boundary of Promise:** Zin is not an arbitrary wasteland but a divinely appointed landmark. Its repeated mention as the southern **quarter** `{{H6285}}` of the promised land establishes the fixed limits of God's covenant gift to the tribe of Judah ([[Numbers 34:3]], [[Joshua 15:1]]).
* **A Scene of Rebellion and Judgment:** The events at Meribah in the desert of Zin serve as a powerful reminder of human failure and divine holiness. It was here that the congregation **rebelled** `{{H4784}}` and the leaders failed to **sanctify** `{{H6942}}` God, resulting in judgment [[Numbers 27:14]].
* **A Stage in the Wilderness Journey:** As a place where the Israelites **pitched** `{{H2583}}` their camp, mourned a leader, and initiated the search of the promised land, Zin represents a crucial phase of testing, wandering, and preparation before entering Canaan ([[Numbers 33:36]], [[Numbers 13:21]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6790}}` Tsin is far more than a name on a map. It is the Wilderness of Zin, a place that defines the southern edge of Israel's inheritance and serves as the backdrop for profound moments of faith, failure, and divine judgment. It marks the boundary between the wilderness wandering and the promised land, encapsulating themes of rebellion at Meribah and the sovereign establishment of the borders of God's people.
TRV