What does Deuteronomy 2:14 mean?

Deuteronomy 2:14 (KJV) states, "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."

This verse comes from the book of Deuteronomy in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is part of Moses' retelling of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses is recounting the time it took for the Israelites to travel from Kadeshbarnea to the brook Zered, a journey that took 38 years. This period of time is significant as it marked the passing away of the generation of men who were of fighting age when they were first instructed to enter and conquer the Promised Land.

To fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to consider its context within the broader narrative of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their subsequent wanderings in the wilderness. After being delivered from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were led by Moses through the desert towards the land that God had promised to give them. However, due to their disobedience and lack of faith, they were condemned to wander in the wilderness for 40 years, with the entire rebellious generation dying out before their descendants would be permitted to enter the Promised Land.

The 38 years mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:14 represent a period of divine judgment and purification. During this time, the Israelites were held accountable for their unbelief and rebellion against God. It was a time of testing, refinement, and preparation for the new generation that would eventually inherit the land. This verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and his discipline and justice towards those who disobey him.

One of the key themes in this verse is the faithfulness of God. Despite the Israelites' disobedience, God remained faithful to his covenant with them. He fulfilled his promise to bring the people out of Egypt and to lead them to the land he had promised to them. The 38-year period served as a demonstration of God's faithfulness, as He remained true to His word, even in the face of the Israelites' shortcomings. This theme of God's faithfulness is consistent throughout the Bible and serves as a source of hope and encouragement for believers.

Another important theme in this verse is the consequences of disobedience. The Israelites' extended journey in the wilderness was a direct result of their refusal to trust in God and follow His commands. The passing away of the rebellious generation served as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rebellion and unbelief. It also highlights the importance of faith and obedience in the life of a believer. The verse teaches that there are consequences for disobedience, but it also emphasizes the redemptive nature of God, who gives second chances and remains faithful to His people even in their failings.

Symbolically, the 38-year period can be seen as a time of spiritual growth and maturation for the Israelites. It represents a time of refinement and preparation for the new generation, who would eventually enter the Promised Land. This period allowed the Israelites to learn important lessons about obedience, faith, and reliance on God. It also foreshadows the coming of a new generation of faithful believers who would inherit the promises of God.

In conclusion, Deuteronomy 2:14 (KJV) recounts a significant period in the history of the Israelites and conveys timeless truths about God's faithfulness, the consequences of disobedience, and the redemptive nature of God. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and obedience in the life of a believer and offers hope that God remains faithful in spite of human failings. The verse also carries important symbolic significance, representing a period of spiritual growth and preparation for the fulfillment of God's promises.

Artwork for Deuteronomy 2:14

Deuteronomy 2:14 - "And the space in which we came from Kadesh-barnea, 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."

"And the space in which we came from Kadesh-barnea, 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

Deuteronomy 14:14 - "And every raven after his kind,"

Deuteronomy 14:2 - "For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth."

Deuteronomy 14:17 - "And the pelican, and the gier eagle, and the cormorant,"

"And every raven after his kind," - Deuteronomy 14:14

Deuteronomy 14:16 - "The little owl, and the great owl, and the swan,"

Deuteronomy 14:3 - "¶ Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing."

Deuteronomy 14:11 - "¶ Of all clean birds ye shall eat."

Deuteronomy 14:20 - "But of all clean fowls ye may eat."

Deuteronomy 14:13 - "And the glede, and the kite, and the vulture after his kind,"

Deuteronomy 14:18 - "And the stork, and the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat."

Deuteronomy 14:12 - "But these are they of which ye shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray,"

Deuteronomy 14:15 - "And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,"

Deuteronomy 29:14 - "Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath;"

Deuteronomy 14:4 - "These are the beasts which ye shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat,"

Deuteronomy 14:19 - "And every creeping thing that flieth is unclean unto you: they shall not be eaten."

Deuteronomy 25:14 - "Thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures, a great and a small."

"And the pelican, and the gier eagle, and the cormorant," - Deuteronomy 14:17

Deuteronomy 27:14 - "¶ And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice,"

Deuteronomy 14:10 - "And whatsoever hath not fins and scales ye may not eat; it is unclean unto you."

Deuteronomy 14:5 - "The hart, and the roebuck, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, and the pygarg, and the wild ox, and the chamois."

Deuteronomy 33:14 - "And for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon,"

Deuteronomy 2:2 - "And the LORD spake unto me, saying,"

Deuteronomy 10:14 - "Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is."

Deuteronomy 1:14 - "And ye answered me, and said, The thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do."

Deuteronomy 14:9 - "¶ These ye shall eat of all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat:"

Deuteronomy 6:14 - "Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;"

Deuteronomy 30:14 - "But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it."

"The little owl, and the great owl, and the swan," - Deuteronomy 14:16