In this way the Scriptural account of the jour neyings of the Israelites becomes perfectly har monious and intelligible. The eighteen stations mentioned only in the general list in the book of Numbers as preceding the arrival at Kadesh, are then apparently to be referred to this eight-and thirty years of wandering, during which the peo ple at last approached Ezion-geber, and afterwards returned northwards a second time to Kadesh, in the hope of passing directly through the land of Edom. Their wanderings extended, doubtless, over the western desert: although the stations named are probably only those headquarters where the tabernacle was pitched, and where Moses and the elders and priests encamped while the main body of the people was scattered in various direc tions.
Where, then, was Kadesh? Clearly, on the bor ders of Palestine. We agree with Robinson and Raumer in placing it nearly at the top of the Wady Arabah, where, indeed, it is fixed by Scripture, for in Num. xx :t6 we read, 'Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy (Edom) border.' The pre cise spot it may be difficult to ascertain, but here, in the wilderness of Zin, which lay in the more comprehensive district of Paran, is Kadesh to be placed.
The stations over which the Israelites passed are set down in Num. xxxiii:t8, sq. (comp. Dent. x :6, 7), and little beyond the bare record can be given. Only it seems extraordinary, and is much to be regretted, that for so long a period as eight and-thirty years our information should be so exceedingly small. Raumer, indeed, makes an effort (Beitrage, p. is) to fix the direction in which some of the stations lay to each other, but we cannot find satisfaction in his efforts, and do not, therefore, bring them before the reader.
There are a few events which must be recorded in order to preserve, in a measure, the uniformity of the narrative designed to trace the passage of the Hebrews from the land of bondage to the Promised Land.
When we begin to take up the thread of the story at the second visit to Kadesh, we find time had, in the interval, been busy at its destructive work, and we thus gain confirmation of the view which has been taken of such second visit. No sooner has the sacred historian told us of the return of the Israelites to Kadesh, than he records the death and burial of Miriam and has, at no great distance of time, to narrate that of Aaron and Moses. While still at Kadesh a rising against
these leaders takes place, on the alleged ground of a want of water.
(6) Meribah. Water is produced from the rock at a spot called hence Meribah (strife). But Moses and Aaron displeased God in this pro ceeding, probably because they distrusted God's general providence and applied for extraordinary resources. On account of this displeasure it was announced to them that they should not enter Canaan. A similar transaction has been already spoken of as taking place in Rephiclim (Exod.
). The same name, Meribah, was occa sioned in that as in this matter. Hence it has been thought that we have here two versions of the same story. But there is nothing surprising, under the circumstances, in the outbreak of dis content for want of water, which may well have happened even more than twice. The places are different, very wide apart ; the time is different; and there is also the great variations arising out of the conduct and punishment of Moses and Aaron. On the whole, therefore, We judge the two records to speak of different transactions.
(7) The Edomites. Relying on the ties of blood (Gen. xxxii:3). Moses sent to ask of the Edomites a passage through their territory into Canaan. The answer was a refusal, accompanied by a display of force. The Israelites, therefore, were compelled to turn their faces southward, and, making a turn round the end of the Elanitic Gulf, reached Mount Hor, near Perta, on the top of which Aaron died.
(8) Serpent of Brass. Finding the country bad for traveling, and their food unpleasant, Israel again broke out into rebellious discontent, and was punished by fiery serpents, which bit the people, many of whom died, when a remedy was pro vided in a serpent of brass set on a pole (Num.
:S, sq.). Still going northward, and probably pursuing the caravan route from Damascus, they at length reached the valley of Zared (the brook), which may be the present Wady Kerek, that runs from the east into the Dead Sea. Hence they 're moved and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which is in the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites' (Num. xxi :13). Beer (the well) was the next station, where, finding a plenti ful supply of water, and being rejoiced at the prospect of the speedy termination of their jour ney, the people indulged in music and song, sing ing 'the song of the well' (Num. xxi 18).