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 name **Qâdêsh Barnêaʻ**, represented by `{{H6947}}`, identifies a key location in the desert known as Kadesh-Barnea. Its name means "Kadesh of (the) Wilderness of Wandering". It appears **10 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible, marking it as a significant site in the narrative of Israel's journey toward the promised land.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Kadeshbarnea** `{{H6947}}` is a pivotal location of testing, failure, and demarcation. It was from **Kadeshbarnea** that Moses `{{H4872}}` sent the fathers of Israel to see `{{H7200}}` the land `{{H776}}` [[Numbers 32:8]], an event Caleb later recalled to Joshua `{{H3091}}` [[Joshua 14:7]]. The most critical event at this site was Israel's rebellion. The LORD `{{H3068}}` sent `{{H7971}}` them from **Kadeshbarnea** with the command `{{H6310}}` to go up `{{H5927}}` and possess `{{H3423}}` the land, but they rebelled `{{H4784}}` and did not believe `{{H539}}` Him [[Deuteronomy 9:23]]. This act of disobedience resulted in a thirty-eight-year delay until that generation passed away [[Deuteronomy 2:14]]. The location also serves as a geographical boundary for the promised land ([[Numbers 34:4]], [[Joshua 15:3]]) and a marker of Joshua's military conquests [[Joshua 10:41]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are crucial to understanding the events at **Kadeshbarnea** `{{H6947}}`:
* `{{H7971}}` **shâlach** (to send away, for, or out): This action precipitates the central crisis. Moses **sent** the spies from **Kadeshbarnea** [[Joshua 14:7]], and the LORD **sent** the people from there to inherit the land [[Deuteronomy 9:23]].
* `{{H4784}}` **mârâh** (to be... bitter... to rebel): This word defines Israel's response to God's command at **Kadeshbarnea**. They **rebelled** against the commandment of the LORD their God `{{H430}}` [[Deuteronomy 9:23]], a failure with long-lasting consequences.
* `{{H3423}}` **yârash** (to occupy... possess): This represents the goal that was rejected at **Kadeshbarnea**. The command was to "Go up and **possess** the land which I have given you" [[Deuteronomy 9:23]], an opportunity forfeited through disbelief.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of the events at **Kadeshbarnea** `{{H6947}}` is profound, highlighting key themes of faith and obedience.
* **A Crisis of Faith:** This location is the setting for a foundational test of Israel's trust in God. When commanded to possess the land, the people did not believe `{{H539}}` the LORD `{{H3068}}` and refused to hearken `{{H8085}}` to His voice `{{H6963}}` [[Deuteronomy 9:23]].
* **The Consequence of Rebellion:** The failure at **Kadeshbarnea** directly led to the divine judgment that the generation of men of war would be wasted from the host, as the LORD sware `{{H7650}}` to them [[Deuteronomy 2:14]]. It serves as a stark reminder of the cost of disobedience.
* **A Landmark of Divine Promises:** Despite the people's failure, **Kadeshbarnea** is also remembered as the place where the LORD spoke to Moses `{{H4872}}` concerning Caleb and Joshua `{{H3091}}`, whose faithfulness stood in contrast to the rebellion [[Joshua 14:6]].
### Summary
In summary, **Qâdêsh Barnêaʻ** `{{H6947}}` is far more than a point on a map. It is the backdrop for one of the most critical turning points in Israel's history. As a geographical boundary and a historical landmark, it represents the moment of Israel's great failure of faith, their subsequent rebellion, and the resulting years of wandering. The events at **Kadeshbarnea** serve as a powerful biblical illustration of the conflict between divine command and human disobedience.
TRV