Kadesh Barnea has been significantly connected to many important events in the Bible from the place of combat during the time of Abraham and Amalekites to Hagar’s meeting place with the angel of the Lord, and the place where Miriam, Moses’ sister died.
But the most significant story that’s probably linked to this place is during Moses’ time where he led and delivered the Israelites out of Egypt (Numbers 13:32-33).
After sending twelve spies to survey the Promised Land, only two came back with a positive report and the rest succumbed with fear.
They described themselves as “mere grasshoppers” comparing them to the giants that inhabit the land.
Fully convinced of their insecurities and fear, and despite the many miracles and wonders God performed in their behalf, these spies were marked by unbelief, grumbling, and disobedience.
One fatal mistake that also led to the rejection of Moses to enter the Promise Land happened in Kadesh Barnea, during the time the Israelites were complaining of water source, God told Moses to speak to the rock but instead, he striked the rock twice.
After repeated grumbling, God’s frustrated response was a brutal but a humbling experience for the Israelites. He gave the word that not one of the Israelite generation at the time will get to the Promised Land and they will wander for 40 years.
One year for each day the spies have gone out to survey the land.
It seemed a long time but for God, the purging of the old Egyptian mindset was necessary for a new identity to be created within them and the wilderness is the perfect ground to do it.
For the Israelites, 400 years of slavery broke their spirits.
Kadesh Barnea seemed to be a regular camping spot for the Israelites while they wander the desert for 40years. It is known as a “holy place of the desert of wandering.”
A Kadesh Barnea spirit is simply the posture of holding back, being gripped with fear and disbelief despite God’s instructions.
This causes delay and stagnation to fully enter the Promise Land.
Is there still an area in your life where you have seen God repeatedly move and still refuse to trust Him?
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