The Hebrew phrase Qibrôwth hat-Taʼă-vâh, represented by H6914, translates to graves of the longing. This name marks a specific place in the Desert where the Israelites journeyed. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible, serving as a memorial to a significant and somber event.
The name Kibrothhattaavah was given to a location because it was there that the Israelites buried the people who had lusted Numbers 11:34. This site marks a specific stage in the wilderness wanderings. The Israelites traveled from the desert of Sinai and pitched their camp at Kibrothhattaavah Numbers 33:16. After the events that took place there, the people journeyed from Kibrothhattaavah to Hazeroth (Numbers 11:35, Numbers 33:17). The location is remembered as a place of rebellion, where the Israelites provoked the LORD to wrath Deuteronomy 9:22.
Several related words provide context for the events at this location:
- H183 ʼâvâh (to wish for; covet, long, lust after): This word is central to the location's name and story. The place was named because it was where they buried the people who lusted Numbers 11:34.
- H6912 qâbar (to inter; bury): This word forms the first part of the name, "graves." It directly references the consequence of the people's lust, as they were buried at this site Numbers 11:34.
- H2583 chânâh (to encamp; pitch tent): This word describes the action of the Israelites at this location. They departed from Sinai and pitched at Kibrothhattaavah Numbers 33:16 and later encamped at Hazeroth after leaving Numbers 33:17, framing the event within their journey.
The theological weight of H6914 is found in its role as a stark monument to sin and judgment.
- A Memorial of Consequence: The name itself, "graves of the longing," serves as an enduring reminder that the people's sinful lusting H183 led directly to their death and burial H6912 in that very spot Numbers 11:34.
- Divine Wrath Provoked: Kibrothhattaavah is explicitly listed as a place where the Israelites provoked the LORD H3068 to wrath H7107, alongside other sites of rebellion like Taberah and Massah Deuteronomy 9:22.
- A Landmark of Failure: As a stop on the journey after leaving the desert H4057 of Sinai H5514, this location represents a significant failure in the covenant relationship between God and His people on their way to the promised land Numbers 33:16.
In summary, H6914 is not merely a geographical name but a permanent biblical landmark of human failure and divine justice. The name Kibrothhattaavah ("graves of the longing") encapsulates the narrative of the event: a sinful desire that led to death. It stands as a solemn testament in Israel's history to the severe consequences of provoking the LORD to wrath during their wilderness journey.
TRV