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
In the biblical narrative, the Israelites had been freed from slavery in Egypt and were journeying toward the Promised Land, but their lack of faith at Kadesh Barnea led God to declare that the entire adult generation would die in the wilderness before entering it. This verse specifically highlights the 38 years of wandering from Kadesh Barnea to crossing the Brook Zered, during which time God fulfilled His oath by allowing that disobedient generation to pass away. It reflects the historical reality of Israel's nomadic life in the desert as a consequence of their rebellion.
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