Deuteronomy 2 14

Deuteronomy 2:14 kjv

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.

Deuteronomy 2:14 nkjv

And the time we took to come from Kadesh Barnea until we crossed over the Valley of the Zered was thirty-eight years, until all the generation of the men of war was consumed from the midst of the camp, just as the LORD had sworn to them.

Deuteronomy 2:14 niv

Thirty-eight years passed from the time we left Kadesh Barnea until we crossed the Zered Valley. By then, that entire generation of fighting men had perished from the camp, as the LORD had sworn to them.

Deuteronomy 2:14 esv

And the time from our leaving Kadesh-barnea until we crossed the brook Zered was thirty-eight years, until the entire generation, that is, the men of war, had perished from the camp, as the LORD had sworn to them.

Deuteronomy 2:14 nlt

"Thirty-eight years passed from the time we first left Kadesh-barnea until we finally crossed the Zered Brook! By then, all the men old enough to fight in battle had died in the wilderness, as the LORD had vowed would happen.

Deuteronomy 2 verses

Deuteronomy 2 14 Meaning

Deuteronomy 2:14 states that the duration of the wilderness wandering, from the rebellion at Kadesh-barnea until crossing the Brook Zered, was thirty-eight years. This period served as the divine judgment for their unbelief, ensuring that the entire generation of adult males capable of warfare who had previously rebelled, completely perished in the wilderness, just as the LORD had solemnly declared to them. It marks the precise fulfillment of God’s oath concerning the rebellious generation.

Deuteronomy 2 14 Context

Deuteronomy chapter 2 begins Moses' recounting of Israel's journey from Mount Horeb (Sinai), detailing their bypassing of Edom, Moab, and Ammon, nations with whom God commanded them not to contend. Before detailing these specific journeys, Moses first addresses the lengthy wilderness period following the Kadesh-barnea rebellion. Verse 14 specifically refers to the approximately 38 years during which the generation of rebellion died off, culminating in the complete removal of those who refused to trust God at Kadesh-barnea. This historical reflection serves to teach the new generation entering the promised land about the consequences of disobedience, God's faithfulness to His promises (both of blessing and judgment), and His meticulous adherence to His declared timings. Historically, this generation had wandered for nearly 40 years (approx. 2 years to Kadesh, then 38 more). The Brook Zered served as a key geographical marker, signifying the end of the long punitive wandering and the immediate approach to the Transjordan territories that would lead them to the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy 2 14 Word analysis

• And the days in which we came from Kadesh-barnea: This marks the pivotal point of the rebellion (Numbers 13-14) as the start of the punitive period. The time reference highlights the exact fulfillment of God’s declared judgment, showing divine precision in consequences for unbelief. Kadesh-barnea (`קָדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ`, Qadesh Barnea) was the wilderness oasis from which the spies were sent out.
• until we were come over the brook Zered: This geographical marker signifies the endpoint of the divine judgment and the transition to the next phase of the journey towards the promised land (Deut 2:13). The Brook Zered (`נַחַל זֶרֶד`, Nachal Zered) effectively demarcates the end of the barren wandering and the beginning of approaching inhabited lands.
• were thirty and eight years: This specific period accounts for the vast majority of the "forty years" of wilderness wandering (cf. Num 14:34). Adding the roughly two years from Egypt to Kadesh-barnea, the total is nearly forty years, signifying one year for each day the spies spent in the land. This precision underscores divine justice and accurate fulfillment of prophecy.
• until all the generation of the men of war were wasted out from among the host:
  • generation of the men of war: This refers to males aged twenty years and older at the time of the census and the rebellion (Num 1:3; 14:29), those capable of military service and entering the land. This specific group was excluded from entering because of their unbelief, except for Joshua and Caleb. It implies a targeted judgment, removing those unfit for God's intended conquest.
  • wasted out (`תָּמַם`, tamam): The Hebrew verb implies 'to be completed,' 'to be finished,' 'to be consumed,' 'to come to an end.' It’s a powerful term, indicating not just a gradual natural death, but a divinely ordained, systematic removal or consumption of that generation, signaling the fulfillment of a process or a decree. It's an active work of God to "complete" His judgment upon them.
  • from among the host: The "host" or "camp" refers to the entire Israelite community. This phrasing emphasizes that their death occurred while they were still part of the communal journey, fulfilling God's decree that they would die in the wilderness.
• as the LORD sware unto them: The Hebrew verb for "swore" (`נִשְׁבַּע`, nishba') indicates a solemn, binding oath by God Himself (Num 14:28-30; Ps 95:11). This highlights the certainty and immutability of God's Word. When God swears, it is an irrevocable decree, and He remains faithful to His declarations, whether of blessing or judgment.

Deuteronomy 2 14 Bonus section

The concept of "Kadesh-barnea" serves as a biblical archetype for moments of spiritual crisis and decision, where trust in God's power and promises is tested. Israel failed this test due to unbelief and fear. The wilderness period, characterized by their deaths, emphasizes the profound link between faith and inheriting God's promises, specifically entry into "His rest" (Heb 3-4). This period of judgment also highlights God's patience and provision, as He miraculously sustained the generation in the wilderness despite their rebellion, caring for their basic needs (Deut 2:7, Neh 9:21). The selection of "men of war" for the judgment underscores that those who were physically capable of entering the land were spiritually unfit due to their lack of faith. Their passing prepared the way for a new, disciplined, and God-fearing generation who would indeed conquer the promised land.

Deuteronomy 2 14 Commentary

Deuteronomy 2:14 concisely summarizes the divine punishment for Israel’s unbelief at Kadesh-barnea. The specific timeframe of thirty-eight years, culminating at the Brook Zered, precisely marks the period required for the entire rebellious adult generation—defined as "men of war"—to perish in the wilderness. This "wasting out" was not random but a direct, complete, and purposeful act of God, in exact fulfillment of His solemn oath. This verse powerfully conveys God’s justice and His unswerving commitment to His declared word, serving as a grave reminder that sin carries consequences, and faithlessness denies one the full inheritance God promises. It sets a critical backdrop for the succeeding generation, demonstrating God's sovereign control over history and His determination to fulfill His covenant with the faithful. This historical lesson ensures the new generation understands the solemnity of God’s commands and the consequences of rejecting His leadership through unbelief.