Kadesh

Kadesh, also known as Kadesh-barnea and En-mishpat, was an important oasis located in the Wilderness of Zin, near the border of Edom (Numbers 20:16). It served as a significant campsite for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings after the Exodus from Egypt. Kadesh was the place from which Moses sent the twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:26; 32:8). It was also the site where Miriam died and was buried (Numbers 20:1) and where Moses and Aaron disobeyed God by striking the rock to bring forth water (Numbers 20:10-13). The Israelites spent a considerable amount of time at Kadesh (Deu.1.46) before moving on to other locations in the wilderness. Kadesh was known for its spring (En-mishpat, meaning "spring of judgment," Genesis 14:7) and was a strategic location along trade routes. It also marked the southern boundary of the Promised Land (Numbers 34:4; Joshua 15:3). The Bible mentions several events that took place at Kadesh, including the rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16) and the Israelites' refusal to enter the Promised Land, resulting in their forty-year wandering in the wilderness (Numbers 14; Deu.1.19-46).