Deuteronomy 2:14
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 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse, found in the book of Deuteronomy, recounts the journey of the Israelites from Kadeshbarnea to the brook Zered. The journey took thirty-eight years, during which time the entire generation of men of war perished. This was part of the fulfillment of the oath that the Lord had made to them. This verse highlights the consequences of disobedience and lack of faith, as those who doubted God's promises were not allowed to enter the Promised Land. The Israelites' journey serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and obedience in the face of challenges and uncertainty.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse is that it serves as a reminder of the faithfulness and justice of the Lord. The thirty-eight years spent wandering in the wilderness from Kadeshbarnea to the brook Zered was a result of the disobedience and lack of faith of the previous generation of Israelites. The men of war from that generation were not allowed to enter the Promised Land as the Lord had sworn. This period of wandering served as a time of purification and discipline for the Israelites, as they were being prepared for the conquest of the land. It also serves as a warning to future generations about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of remaining faithful to the Lord's commands.
Deuteronomy 2:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the days in which we came from Kadesh-barnea, until we were come over the brook Zered, were thirty and eight years; until all the generation of the men of war were consumed from the midst of the camp, as Jehovah sware unto them.
World English Bible
The days in which we came from Kadesh Barnea, until we had come over the brook Zered, were thirty-eight years; until all the generation of the men of war were consumed from the midst of the camp, as Yahweh swore to them.
Douay-Rheims
And the time that we journeyed from Cadesbarne till we passed over the torrent Zared, was thirty-eight years: until all the generation of the men that were fit for war was consumed out of the camp, as the Lord had sworn:
Geneva Bible (1599)
The space also wherein we came from Kadesh-barnea, vntill we were come ouer the riuer Zered, was eight and thirtie yeeres, vntill all the generation of the men of warre were wasted out from among the hoste, as the Lord sware vnto them.