Deuteronomy 1:46 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 1:46 mean?

Deuteronomy 1:46 says that the Israelites stayed in Kadesh for a long time, remaining there as many days as they did. This verse marks the end of a period where the people waited in one place after being told they could not enter the promised land right away.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites, reminding them of their history as they prepare to enter Canaan. The verse refers to the time after the people refused to go into the land because of fear, and God told them to turn back. Kadesh was a key stopping point in the wilderness, and this verse highlights how their journey was delayed because of their earlier disobedience.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 1:46

• "abode" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This word means "to dwell" or "to remain." It emphasizes that the Israelites were not just passing through Kadesh but settled there for a significant time.
• "Kadesh" (קָדֵשׁ, Qadesh): This is the name of the place where the Israelites camped. Kadesh was a major location in their wilderness wanderings, often associated with moments of decision and waiting.
• "many" (רַב, rav): This word means "many" or "much," stressing that their stay was not brief but lasted for an extended period.
• "days" (יֹום, yom): Repeated twice in the verse, this word means "day" but can also refer to a period of time. The repetition underlines the length of their stay.

Why Deuteronomy 1:46 matters

• This verse clarifies that the Israelites' delay in the wilderness was not accidental but a direct result of their choices and God's response to their lack of trust.
• The emphasis on "many days" helps the reader see that the consequences of disobedience were real and lasted a long time, shaping the next generation's experience.
• By marking the end of this period, the verse sets up the transition to the next stage of Israel's journey, connecting their past actions to their present situation as Moses addresses them.