For this reasonThis phrase refers back to the preceding verses where the Israelites' disobedience and lack of faith in God's promise led to their punishment. The context is the aftermath of the Israelites' refusal to enter the Promised Land due to fear of the inhabitants, despite God's assurance of victory. This disobedience resulted in God's decree that the current generation would not enter the land, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience in the believer's life.
you stayed in Kadesh
Kadesh-Barnea was a significant location in the wilderness journey of the Israelites. It served as a major encampment site and a place of decision-making. Archaeologically, Kadesh is identified with Ain el-Qudeirat in the northeastern Sinai Peninsula. It was here that the Israelites faced a pivotal moment of rebellion and unbelief. Theologically, Kadesh represents a place of testing and failure, a reminder of the consequences of not trusting in God's promises.
for a long time—a very long time.
The repetition emphasizes the duration of the Israelites' stay, which was approximately 38 years. This extended period symbolizes the consequences of disobedience and the delay in receiving God's promises due to lack of faith. It serves as a warning to future generations about the cost of unbelief. Theologically, this period can be seen as a time of discipline and preparation for the new generation that would eventually enter the Promised Land. The long stay at Kadesh is a type of the spiritual stagnation that can occur when believers fail to trust and obey God fully.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who is recounting their journey and the consequences of their disobedience.
2.
IsraelitesThe people of God who were delivered from Egypt and are on their journey to the Promised Land.
3.
KadeshA significant location in the wilderness where the Israelites camped for an extended period due to their disobedience and lack of faith.
4.
Wilderness WanderingsThe period of 40 years when the Israelites wandered in the desert as a result of their rebellion against God.
5.
Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Teaching Points
Consequences of DisobedienceThe Israelites' extended stay at Kadesh serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and lack of faith in God's promises.
The Importance of FaithTrusting in God's promises is crucial. The Israelites' failure to trust led to unnecessary delays and hardships.
God's Patience and JusticeWhile God is patient, there are consequences for persistent rebellion. His justice ensures that disobedience is addressed.
Reflecting on Our Spiritual JourneyJust as the Israelites had a physical journey, we have a spiritual journey. It's important to assess where we might be "camped" due to disobedience or lack of faith.
Encouragement to Move ForwardGod desires for us to move forward in faith, not to remain stagnant in our spiritual lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 1:46?
2.How does Deuteronomy 1:46 illustrate consequences of disobedience to God's commands?
3.What lessons can we learn from Israel's delay at Kadesh-barnea?
4.How does Deuteronomy 1:46 connect to Hebrews 3:7-19 about unbelief?
5.In what ways can we avoid spiritual stagnation like Israel at Kadesh?
6.How can we apply patience and obedience in our spiritual journey today?
7.Why did the Israelites remain in Kadesh for so long according to Deuteronomy 1:46?
8.What does Deuteronomy 1:46 reveal about God's patience with the Israelites?
9.How does Deuteronomy 1:46 reflect on the consequences of disobedience?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 1?
11.Why do you feel abandoned when God is with you?
12.Should Ezra have ordered abandoning foreign wives and children?
13.What is the biblical significance of Kadesh Barnea?
14.Deuteronomy 1:10-11 suggests a huge population in the desert; where is the archaeological evidence for such a large group?What Does Deuteronomy 1:46 Mean
For this reason• Moses has just recounted Israel’s refusal to enter the land after the spies’ report (Deuteronomy 1:26–32).
• Because they “rebelled against the command of the LORD” (v. 26), the LORD swore that generation would not see the promised land (vv. 34–35;Numbers 14:22-23).
• The “reason” is unmistakable: unbelief and disobedience. CompareHebrews 3:16-19, where the same episode is used to warn against a hardened heart.
• Scripture records events exactly as they occurred; the consequence that follows sin is historically and spiritually certain.
you stayed• The verb highlights forced pause. Israel’s journey, designed to move from Sinai to Canaan in days (Exodus 33:1-3), became a standstill.
• God Himself imposed the halt: “turn back and set out toward the wilderness” (Deuteronomy 1:40).
• Staying instead of advancing underlines divine discipline and fatherly correction (Proverbs 3:11-12;Revelation 3:19).
in Kadesh• Kadesh-barnea sat on the very edge of the inheritance (Numbers 13:26). They were within reach, yet barred.
• It became a place of repeated testing: later, Moses struck the rock there (Numbers 20:1-13).
• The site embodies the tension between promise and possession—God’s word is sure, yet human obedience matters (Deuteronomy 9:23).
for a long time—a very long time• The phrase intensifies the delay.Deuteronomy 2:14 specifies thirty-eight years—an entire adult lifespan.
•Numbers 14:33-35 shows the delay was measured “year for year” in discipline.
• The wilderness years forged the next generation’s dependence on the LORD (Deuteronomy 8:2-4;Joshua 5:6).
• God’s timing is exact, never arbitrary; the extended stay fulfilled His righteous judgment and His covenantal purpose.
summaryDeuteronomy 1:46 records a historical fact laden with spiritual weight. Israel’s prolonged stay at Kadesh was the direct, literal outcome of unbelief. God halted their progress at the border of blessing to discipline, instruct, and prepare a new generation. The verse stands as a sober reminder: obedience opens doors; disobedience can keep us wandering until God’s perfect purposes are met.
(46)
So ye abode in Kadesh many days.--Better,
and.In
Numbers 14:25 the command was,
"Tomorrowturn you, and get you into the wilderness." This command was broken by the attack on the Canaanites, made on the morrow after the command. We cannot be certain that the many days spent in Kadesh were spent after the defeat. It may be merely a note of the fact that the time spent in Kadesh was considerable. The mission of the spies alone occupied forty days.
According unto the days that ye abode there.--The Jewish commentator Rashi, quoting fromSeder Olam,says they in Kadesh, and nineteen in their wanderings.
Verse 46. - It was unnecessary that Moses should tell the people the precise length of time they abode in Kadesh after this, because that was well known to them; he, therefore, contents himself with saying that they remained there as long as they did remain (comp. for a similar expression,Deuteronomy 9:25). How long they actually remained there cannot be determined, for the expression, many days, is wholly indefinite.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
For this reason you stayed
וַתֵּשְׁב֥וּ(wat·tê·šə·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry
in Kadesh
בְקָדֵ֖שׁ(ḇə·qā·ḏêš)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6946:Kadesh -- 'sacred', a place in the desert
for a long time—
רַבִּ֑ים(rab·bîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7227:Much, many, great
a very long time.
כַּיָּמִ֖ים(kay·yā·mîm)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117:A day
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 1:46 So you abode in Kadesh many days (Deut. De Du)
