### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Qâdêsh**, represented by `{{H6946}}`, refers to a **sanctuary** or, more commonly, a significant location in the desert named **Kadesh**. It appears **18 times** across **18 unique verses**, primarily marking a critical station in the wilderness wanderings of Israel. It is a place of prolonged encampment, pivotal events, and major spiritual failures.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Kadesh is a key geographical and historical anchor. It is where the **children** `{{H1121}}` of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` **abode** `{{H3427}}` for **many** `{{H7227}}` **days** `{{H3117}}` [[Deuteronomy 1:46]]. During this time, Miriam **died** `{{H4191}}` and was **buried** `{{H6912}}` there [[Numbers 20:1]]. From Kadesh, **Moses** `{{H4872}}` sent **messengers** `{{H4397}}` to the king of **Edom** `{{H123}}` to request passage [[Numbers 20:14]]. It was also to Kadesh in the wilderness of Paran that the spies returned with their report and the **fruit** `{{H6529}}` of the **land** `{{H776}}` [[Numbers 13:26]]. Critically, the place is identified as the site of the "waters of Meribah-Kadesh," where Israel **trespassed** `{{H4603}}` and Moses failed to **sanctify** `{{H6942}}` the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Deuteronomy 32:51]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the events and geography surrounding Kadesh:
* `{{H4808}}` **mᵉrîybâh** (quarrel; provocation, strife): This word is directly tied to Kadesh in the phrase "waters of Meribah-Kadesh," highlighting the rebellion and **strife** `{{H4808}}` of the congregation that occurred there [[Numbers 27:14]].
* `{{H3427}}` **yâshab** (to dwell, to remain): This verb describes how Israel **abode** `{{H3427}}` in Kadesh, emphasizing its role as a long-term encampment rather than a brief stop in their journey ([[Deuteronomy 1:46]], [[Judges 11:17]]).
* `{{H123}}` **ʼĔdôm** (Edom): Kadesh is located at the **uttermost** `{{H7097}}` **border** `{{H1366}}` of Edom's territory, making it the setting for Israel's failed diplomatic mission to pass through their land ([[Numbers 20:16]], [[Numbers 33:37]]).
* `{{H5265}}` **nâçaʻ** (to start on a journey): This word marks Israel's movements, including the journey of **Abraham** `{{H85}}` near Kadesh [[Genesis 20:1]] and Israel's departures from Kadesh to Mount **Hor** `{{H2023}}` [[Numbers 20:22]].
### Theological Significance
The geographical and theological significance of `{{H6946}}` is profound, marking a place of divine judgment and national definition.
* **A Site of Rebellion and Consequence:** Kadesh is primarily remembered as the location of **strife** `{{H4808}}` where the people **rebelled** `{{H4784}}` against God's **commandment** `{{H6310}}`. This event had lasting consequences, preventing an entire generation, including Moses, from entering the promised land [[Numbers 27:14]].
* **A Strategic Boundary:** The location serves as a critical border marker. It is situated between other known locations like **Bered** `{{H1260}}` [[Genesis 16:14]] and on the edge of the **land** `{{H776}}` of **Edom** `{{H123}}` [[Numbers 33:37]]. Ezekiel's prophecy also uses Kadesh to define the future southern **border** `{{H1366}}` of the tribe of **Gad** `{{H1410}}` [[Ezekiel 48:28]].
* **A Stage for Divine Power:** Even as a place of human failure, it is also a place where God's power is evident. The **voice** `{{H6963}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` is said to **shake** `{{H2342}}` the wilderness of Kadesh, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation [[Psalms 29:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6946}}` Kadesh is far more than a name on a map. It represents a crucial and often painful chapter in the story of Israel. It served as a long-term wilderness encampment, a strategic borderland, and the backdrop for events that shaped the destiny of a nation. As the site of Meribah, it stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion and the importance of sanctifying God.
TRV