And the space in which we came from Kadeshbarnea, until we were come over the brook Zered, was thirty and eight years; until all the generation of the men of war were wasted out from among the host, as the LORD sware unto them.
The time it took us to travel from Kadesh-barnea until we crossed the Zered Valley was thirty-eight years. During this time, all the fighting men of that generation died out from among our people, just as the LORD had promised would happen.
This verse records how it took Israel 38 years to complete their wilderness journey, during which time all the original soldiers died as God had warned.
📚 Historical Context
This refers to Israel's prolonged wilderness wandering after they refused to enter the Promised Land at Kadesh-barnea due to fear of the inhabitants. God had decreed that the faithless generation would die in the wilderness and not enter the land. The 38 years represents the latter portion of their total 40-year journey.
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