from the same as קָדֵשׁ and an otherwise unused word (apparently compounded of a correspondent to בַּר and a derivative of נוּעַ) meaning desert of a fugitive; Kadesh of (the) Wilderness of Wandering; Kadesh-Barnea, a place in the Desert; Kadeshbarnea.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew compound place name "Qâdêsh Barnêaʻ" (`{{H6947}}`, קָדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ) carries a rich semantic load derived from its constituent parts. The first element, "Qâdêsh" (קָדֵשׁ), is closely related to the root `{{H6942}}` *qādash*, meaning "to be holy, set apart, consecrated." This suggests that Kadesh was perceived as a sacred or designated location, perhaps due to divine presence or significant events that transpired there. The second element, "Barnêaʻ" (בַּרְנֵעַ), is more etymologically obscure but is often interpreted as a compound of "bar" (possibly related to Aramaic for "outside" or "desert") and a derivative of "nûaʻ" (נוּעַ, `{{H5128}}`), meaning "to waver, wander, stagger." Thus, the complete name "Kadesh-Barnea" is commonly understood as "Holy Place of Wandering" or "Sanctuary of the Wilderness of Wandering." This interpretation profoundly links the concept of a sacred space with the Israelites' tumultuous journey through the desert, foreshadowing the pivotal events that would occur there.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Kadesh-Barnea (`{{H6947}}`) features prominently in the Pentateuch, marking a critical geographical and theological waypoint in the Israelites' wilderness sojourn.
* **The Sending of the Spies:** Its most significant appearance is as the starting point for the twelve spies sent by Moses to reconnoiter the land of Canaan ([[Numbers 13:26]]). The subsequent report of ten spies, filled with fear and unbelief, led to the people's rebellion against God and their refusal to enter the Promised Land. This pivotal event at Kadesh-Barnea resulted in God's judgment of 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, with that entire generation (save Joshua and Caleb) perishing outside the promised inheritance ([[Numbers 14:26-35]]). Deuteronomy reiterates this event, emphasizing the people's rebellion at this very location ([[Deuteronomy 1:19]], [[Deuteronomy 1:46]], [[Deuteronomy 9:23]]).
* **Miriam's Death:** Kadesh-Barnea is also the place where Miriam, Moses' sister, died and was buried ([[Numbers 20:1]]). This marks a significant transition, as one of the key figures from the Exodus generation passes away.
* **Moses' Disobedience at Meribah:** Immediately following Miriam's death, the Israelites once again grumbled about lack of water at Kadesh-Barnea. Here, Moses, in frustration, struck the rock twice instead of speaking to it as God commanded. This act of disobedience, known as the waters of Meribah (`{{H4809}}`), resulted in God's judgment that Moses himself would not enter the Promised Land ([[Numbers 20:1-13]], [[Deuteronomy 32:51]]).
* **Boundary Marker:** Later, Kadesh-Barnea is explicitly identified as a boundary marker for the southern border of the Promised Land ([[Numbers 34:4]], [[Joshua 15:3]]).
Contextually, Kadesh-Barnea functions as a threshold—a place of decision, rebellion, judgment, and ultimately, a new beginning for the subsequent generation. It is where the first generation failed to enter the land and where the second generation, after 38 years, returned to prepare for the conquest.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding Kadesh-Barnea (`{{H6947}}`) is enhanced by examining its linguistic and conceptual connections to other biblical terms:
* **קָדֵשׁ (Qādesh, `{{H6946}}`):** The first part of the compound name, derived from `{{H6942}}` (*qādash*), meaning "holy, set apart." This root is fundamental to the biblical understanding of God's nature and His call for His people to be holy. The naming of Kadesh as a "holy place" suggests a divine designation, even amidst the wilderness.
* **מְרִיבָה (Meribah, `{{H4809}}`):** Meaning "strife" or "contention." This name is directly linked to Kadesh-Barnea due to the Israelites' quarreling with God and Moses over water, and Moses' subsequent act of disobedience ([[Numbers 20:13]]). The association highlights the theme of human rebellion and divine judgment.
* **נוּעַ (Nûaʻ, `{{H5128}}`):** "To waver, wander, stagger." This root, suggested as part of the "Barnêaʻ" component, emphasizes the transient, unsettled nature of the wilderness journey. It directly relates to the 40 years of wandering, a period of divine discipline and purification.
* **מִדְבָּר (Midbār, `{{H4057}}`):** "Wilderness, desert." Kadesh-Barnea is consistently situated within the wilderness, specifically the Wilderness of Zin ([[Numbers 20:1]]). The wilderness itself is a pervasive biblical motif, representing a place of testing, purification, and direct encounter with God.
* **אֱמוּנָה (ʼĔmûnâ, `{{H530}}`):** "Faithfulness, firmness, trustworthiness." The events at Kadesh-Barnea, particularly the sending of the spies, serve as a stark contrast to *ʼĕmûnâ*. The people's lack of faith and trust in God's promises led to their downfall, underscoring the critical importance of *ʼĕmûnâ* in the covenant relationship.
These related terms collectively illuminate Kadesh-Barnea as a place where divine holiness encountered human stubbornness, leading to prolonged wandering and divine discipline, all within the framework of God's overarching plan for His people.
### Theological Significance
Kadesh-Barnea (`{{H6947}}`) is laden with profound theological significance within the biblical narrative of salvation history.
1. **The Crossroads of Faith and Disobedience:** It stands as a powerful symbol of a critical juncture where Israel's faith was put to the test, and they catastrophically failed. Their refusal to trust God's promise and enter the land, despite His manifest presence and power, led to severe consequences. This episode underscores the non-negotiable importance of obedience and unwavering faith in God's covenant.
2. **Divine Judgment and Enduring Patience:** God's judgment of 40 years of wilderness wandering, resulting in the perishing of an entire generation (save Joshua and Caleb), demonstrates His holiness and the gravity of rebellion against His will. Yet, amidst this judgment, God's enduring patience and faithfulness are also evident, as He continued to sustain, guide, and protect the new generation destined for the Promised Land.
3. **The Cost of Leadership Failure:** Moses' sin at the waters of Meribah in Kadesh-Barnea, striking the rock out of frustration rather than speaking to it as commanded, serves as a sobering reminder that even great leaders are accountable to God and face consequences for their disobedience ([[Numbers 20:12]]). It highlights the frailty of human leadership and the absolute sovereignty of God.
4. **A Place of Transition and Renewal:** Theologically, Kadesh-Barnea marks both the tragic beginning of the wilderness wandering (as a period of judgment) and its eventual end. It is where the old, rebellious generation died off, and the new generation prepared to finally enter the land. This signifies the necessity of spiritual renewal and the passing of the torch to a generation ready to obey and inherit God's promises.
5. **Warning and Hope:** While deeply associated with failure and judgment, Kadesh-Barnea is also the place from which the conquest of Canaan was ultimately launched by the new generation. It embodies both the dire consequences of sin and the ultimate faithfulness of God to bring His promises to fruition, even if it requires raising up a new people. It serves as a perennial warning against unbelief and a profound encouragement towards steadfast trust in the Lord.
### Summary
Kadesh-Barnea (`{{H6947}}`, קָדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ) is a geographically and theologically pivotal site in the Old Testament, particularly within the narrative of the Israelites' wilderness journey. Its name, "Holy Place of Wandering" or "Sanctuary of the Wilderness of Wandering," encapsulates its dual nature: a consecrated location intertwined with a period of divine discipline. Biblically, it is the crucial place from which the twelve spies were sent, leading to Israel's catastrophic decision to disobey God and the subsequent 40-year wandering. It is also where Miriam died and where Moses' own disobedience at the waters of Meribah (`{{H4809}}`) resulted in his exclusion from the Promised Land.
Related concepts such as holiness (from `{{H6942}}` *qādash*), wandering (from `{{H5128}}` *nûaʻ*), and the wilderness (`{{H4057}}` *midbār*) converge at Kadesh-Barnea, highlighting themes of divine judgment, human rebellion, and God's enduring faithfulness. Theologically, Kadesh-Barnea serves as a powerful symbol of the consequences of unbelief and disobedience, the cost of leadership failure, and the necessity of spiritual renewal for the fulfillment of God's promises. It marks a critical transition point where an old, disobedient generation passed away, and a new, prepared generation emerged to inherit the land. Its narrative offers both a solemn warning against rebellion and a profound testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people.
TRV