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Deuteronomy 1:2

2  It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to d Kadesh-barnea.

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Deuteronomy 1:2 — The New International Version (NIV)

2  (It takes eleven days to go from Horeb to Kadesh Barnea by the Mount Seir road.)

Deuteronomy 1:2 — King James Version (KJV 1900)

2  ( There are eleven days’ journey from Horeb by the way of mount Seir unto Kadesh-barnea.)

Deuteronomy 1:2 — New Living Translation (NLT)

2  Normally it takes only eleven days to travel from Mount Sinai to Kadesh-barnea, going by way of Mount Seir.

Deuteronomy 1:2 — The New King James Version (NKJV)

2  It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea.

Deuteronomy 1:2 — New Century Version (NCV)

2  (The trip from Mount Sinai to Kadesh Barnea on the Mount Seir road takes eleven days.)

Deuteronomy 1:2 — American Standard Version (ASV)

2  It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by the way of mount Seir unto Kadesh-barnea.

Deuteronomy 1:2 — 1890 Darby Bible (DARBY)

2  There are eleven days’ journey from Horeb by the way of mount Seir to Kadesh-barnea.

Deuteronomy 1:2 — GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

2  (It takes 11 days to go from Mount Horeb to Kadesh Barnea by way of Mount Seir.) 

Deuteronomy 1:2 — The Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

2  It is an eleven-day journey from Horeb to Kadesh-barnea by way of Mount Seir.

Deuteronomy 1:2 — The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

2  (By the way of Mount Seir it takes eleven days to reach Kadesh-barnea from Horeb.)

Deuteronomy 1:2 — The Lexham English Bible (LEB)

2  It is a journey of eleven days from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir up to Kadesh Barnea.

Deuteronomy 1:2 — New International Reader’s Version (1998) (NIrV)

2  It takes 11 days to go from Mount Horeb to Kadesh Barnea if you travel on the Mount Seir road.

Deuteronomy 1:2 — New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (NASB95)

2  It is eleven days ’ journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to Kadesh-barnea .

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Why Did An 11-Day Journey Take 40 Years In The Bible?

The story of the Israelites’ 40-year journey through the wilderness to the Promised Land is one of the most well-known Biblical narratives.

On the surface, it seems odd that what should have been an 11-day trip ended up taking 40 long years to complete.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: According to the Bible, God purposefully made the Israelites wander in the desert for 40 years as a punishment for their lack of faith and obedience . Now, let’s dive into the details…

In this article, we will examine the Biblical account of the Israelites’ wilderness wanderings, analyze the reasons behind the prolonged journey, and reflect on the spiritual significance of this impactful story from the Old Testament.

The Biblical Account of the Wilderness Wanderings

The exodus from egypt.

The Israelites’ journey through the wilderness began when God delivered them from slavery in Egypt. After enduring 10 plagues sent by God, Pharaoh finally allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt.

According to the Bible, around 2 million Israelites left Egypt and journeyed into the Sinai desert under the leadership of Moses (Exodus 12:37-42).

This mass emigration of Israelites from Egypt is known as the Exodus.

The Scouting of Canaan

After some time in the wilderness, the Israelites approached the land of Canaan, which God had promised them. Moses sent 12 men to scout out the land in advance.

The scouts returned with a mixed report – the land was indeed fertile, but its inhabitants were strong and their cities large (Numbers 13:1-33).

Intimidated by the challenge, the Israelites lost faith in God’s promise to deliver the land to them. As a result, God judged them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years before entering Canaan.

The Israelites’ Rebellion

During their 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites frequently complained against God and rebelled against His appointed leader, Moses.

For example, they grumbled about the lack of food and water (Exodus 15:22-27, Exodus 16, Exodus 17:1-7) and expressed a desire to return to Egypt (Numbers 14:2-4).

The Israelites also worshipped a golden calf idol (Exodus 32) and challenged the authority of Moses (Numbers 16). Their constant rebellion demonstrated a lack of faith in and gratitude toward God.

God’s Judgment

God did not take the Israelites’ rebellion lightly. Their complaints were an affront against God’s gracious provision for them.

As a result, God responded on various occasions with punishment. For example, after the golden calf incident, the Levites killed 3,000 people under Moses’ command (Exodus 32:25-29).

Later, God sent poisonous snakes among the people after they criticized Moses and God (Numbers 21:4-9). Even Moses was barred from entering Canaan after he angrily struck a rock to bring forth water (Numbers 20:2-13).

The 40 year wilderness wandering served as a divine judgment and a test of Israel’s faithfulness.

Three Main Reasons for the 40-Year Delay

Lack of faith in god.

One key reason it took the Israelites 40 years to reach the Promised Land was their lack of faith in God . When Moses sent 12 men to explore Canaan, 10 returned with a bad report, saying the people there were too strong and would defeat them.

The Israelites chose to believe the majority report rather than trust God to deliver Canaan into their hands as He had promised.

Because of this faithlessness, God pronounced that generation would wander 40 years until they all died off, except Caleb and Joshua who trusted God (Numbers 13-14).

Their lack of faith after all the miracles God did to deliver them from Egypt led to serious consequences.

Disobedience Towards God

In addition to lack of faith, the Bible records many instances of Israelite disobedience during those 40 years which led to punishment and delays.

For example, right after the bad report, the Israelites presumptuously tried attacking Canaan without God’s blessing and were defeated (Numbers 14:39-45).

Later, they complained about lack of food and water, doubting God’s provision – sometimes even suggesting they were better off in Egypt!

As a result, God sent judgment including deadly snakebites and severe plagues (Numbers 16, 21). The Israelites often grumbled, disobeyed, and tested God’s commands.

Their stubbornness to submit to God after He powerfully delivered them from slavery exhibited unbelievable ingratitude!

Punishment for Idolatry

One of the main reasons God kept Israel wandering in the wilderness for 40 years was to punish them for idolatry .

Soon after experiencing God’s incredible miracles of the Exodus plagues and crossing the Red Sea, they quickly abandoned Him to worship a golden calf idol when Moses was away receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 32).

Their idolatry violated God’s first two Commandments in outrageous fashion! God punished them by having the Levites kill 3,000 people that day. Later there were other instances of idolatry recorded in Scripture as well (Numbers 25).

Overall, the 40 years typed God’s judgment on Israel’s idolatrous hearts – it took that long for the old unfaithful, rebellious generation to completely die off.

In the end, the Israelites’ own lack of trusting and obeying the Lord transformed an 11-day journey into an epic 40-year sojourn.

Their story serves as a warning for all followers of God to walk by faith, surrender to His Lordship, and refrain from idolatry so we don’t forfeit blessings He intends for us.

As 1 Corinthians 10:11 declares, “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction…”

Spiritual Significance and Lessons

God’s sovereignty and justice.

The Israelites were punished for 40 years in the wilderness because God is a just judge who disciplines those disobedient to His word .

He gave the nation of Israel a task to enter the Promised Land, but they refused due to fear and lack of faith.

God desires obedience as seen in His laws and covenants, so their failure to follow His will incurred discipline for molding His people into righteousness (Deuteronomy 8:5).

Learning to Trust in God

The 40 years also served as a time for Israel to learn trust in God. As an act of mercy, God sustained the people through manna from heaven and water from a rock as signs of His providence.

Yet they continued to grumble, doubt, and rebel.

The generation that left Egypt had hardened, stubborn hearts that needed cleansing. God works patiently and waits for His timing before fulfilling promises. As Hebrews 3:8 says “do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.”

We too must learn not to demand our own timing but depend on the Lord’s faithful, if mysterious ways .

Warning Against Disobedience

The 40 years portray the potency of consequences for decisions made. By not conquering Canaan at an appointed time, the timeline expanded exponentially.

We reap what we sow as individuals and communities based on whether we follow or reject God’s commands (Galatians 6:7).

God may relent of intended discipline for repentance and change, as seen in the Book of Jonah. Nonetheless the episode remains a sober historical example against distrust, complaining and mutiny towards what God appoints his people towards a Promised Land .

As numbers 14:11 declares the Lord said “How long will this people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me?” May we answer faithfully in our day.

The Israelites’ circuitous journey to Canaan serves as a sobering reminder that God does not tolerate sin or lack of faith among His people.

While the 40-year delay was certainly difficult for the Israelites, it ultimately accomplished God’s purposes in preparing them to inherit the Promised Land.

As modern readers, we would do well to learn from this Biblical account and embrace a posture of wholehearted trust and obedience towards God.

Amanda Williams is a dedicated Christian writer and blogger who is passionate about sharing Biblical truth and encouraging believers in their faith walks. After working as a youth pastor and Bible teacher for several years, she launched her blog in 2022 to minister to Christians online seeking to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ. When she's not creating content or connecting with readers, Amanda enjoys studying theology, being out in nature, baking, and spending time with family. Her goal is to provide practical wisdom and hope from a genuine Christian perspective. Amanda currently resides in Colorado with her husband, daughter, and two rescue dogs.

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Deuteronomy 1 :: King James Version (KJV)

Israel's History after the Exodus

The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV) , 1611, 1769. Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.

Pericope taken from the NASB95 and has been graciously provided by The Lockman Foundation , La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation , La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.

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Why Did an 11-Day Journey Take 40 Years? Insights from Bible Verses

The Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land is a remarkable and enduring story in the Bible. It should have taken them only 11 days, but it stretched into a 40-year odyssey. This prolonged journey was not just a historical account; it carries profound lessons about faith, obedience, and preparation for God’s promises.

Why Did an 11-Day Journey Take 40 Years?

The delay in reaching the promised land can be attributed to several key factors: disobedience, lack of faith, fear, negative reports, murmuring and rebellion, intercession and forgiveness, unbelief in God’s power, doubts about personal redemption, a purging process in the wilderness, and the need for demonstrating faith for redemption.

Disobedience To God (Numbers 14:1-40)

After being liberated from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites embarked on their journey. However, when they encountered the challenges of confronting the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the Promised Land, they wavered in faith. Their disobedience manifested as a refusal to enter the land that God had promised them.

In response, God decreed that they would wander in the wilderness for 40 years, allowing only the younger generation to inherit the Promised Land.

Lessons from Disobedience

The Israelites’ lack of faith in God’s promises led to their disobedience. Their doubts and fears caused them to question God’s plans, ultimately resulting in a prolonged journey. This teaches us that distrust in God’s promises can lead us down a similar path of disobedience.

Disobedience comes with consequences. In the case of the Israelites, it meant an extended period of wandering in the wilderness. When we disobey God’s guidance, we may face setbacks, delays, or challenges in our own journeys.

The Israelites’ story also teaches us about the importance of repentance. Even when we make mistakes, God is willing to forgive and restore us when we turn back to Him. Acknowledging our disobedience and seeking forgiveness is an essential part of our spiritual growth.

Lack of Faith (Numbers 13:1-33)

A fundamental reason for the delay in the Israelites’ journey was their lack of faith. When God sent them to scout out the land, they brought back a negative report, emphasizing the strength of the Canaanites and the fortified cities. Ten of the spies believed it was impossible to conquer the land, while only two, Joshua and Caleb, had faith in God’s help.

The Israelites’ acceptance of the negative report from the ten spies demonstrated their lack of faith in God’s promises.

Lessons from Lack of Faith

The Israelites’ journey was significantly delayed due to their fundamental lack of faith. Their negative report and refusal to trust in God’s assurances resulted in a prolonged period of wandering. This underscores the critical importance of maintaining faith in God’s promises, even in the face of challenges.

Lack of faith can lead to missed opportunities and hinder progress in our spiritual journeys. It is a reminder for us to cultivate and strengthen our trust in God, especially when confronted with uncertainties. The contrasting examples of Joshua and Caleb highlight the positive outcomes that arise from unwavering faith in God’s ability to fulfill His promises.

Fear and Negative Reports

The Israelites’ journey was influenced by fear and negative reports. At Kadesh-barnea, despite positive reconnaissance reports about the promised land’s fertility, fear instilled by the majority of the spies led to rebellion against God’s command to enter.

Lessons from Fear and Negative Reports Fear, combined with negative reports, played a significant role in the Israelites’ disobedience. The majority’s fear of the challenges ahead resulted in a lack of trust in God’s guidance. This serves as a cautionary tale for us to confront our fears and not be swayed by negative perspectives, as they can hinder our faith and obedience.

3. Murmuring and Rebellion

The people’s response to fear and doubt was one of murmuring and rebellion, as seen in their expressed desire to have died in Egypt or the wilderness. This rebellion reflected a lack of trust in God’s guidance and provision.

Lessons from Murmuring and Rebellion

Murmuring and rebellion demonstrated the Israelites’ discontent and lack of gratitude for God’s deliverance. It serves as a warning against allowing discontentment to foster disobedience. Gratitude and trust in God’s provision are essential for a faithful journey.

Unbelief in God’s Power

The root cause of the extended journey was the Israelites’ overall unbelief in God’s delivering power. From Mount Sinai to Kadesh-barnea, they struggled to trust that God could lead them safely into the promised land, despite witnessing His miraculous interventions throughout their journey.

Lessons from Unbelief in God’s Power

The Israelites’ journey teaches the enduring consequences of persistent unbelief. Trusting in God’s power is essential for spiritual progress. The recognition of His ability to guide and deliver should be a cornerstone of faith, preventing prolonged journeys caused by doubts.

Doubts About Personal Redemption

Drawing a parallel to modern challenges, the article highlights that just as ancient Israel doubted God’s power, some individuals struggle to accept the full redeeming power of Jesus Christ. This lack of belief in personal redemption hinders spiritual progress.

Lessons from Doubts About Personal Redemption

The connection between the Israelites’ doubts and modern struggles emphasizes the timeless nature of faith challenges. Acknowledging and overcoming doubts about personal redemption are crucial for spiritual growth. Accepting Christ’s redeeming power is essential for progressing on our spiritual journey.

Purging Process in the Wilderness

The wilderness wandering served as a purging process, eliminating unbelievers and teaching the remaining Israelites to trust God more than man. This process aimed to strengthen their faith and dependence on the Lord.

Lessons from the Purging Process

The wilderness purging process demonstrates God’s commitment to refining His people. It teaches us that challenges and trials can serve as opportunities for growth. Depending solely on God and allowing Him to shape our character are vital aspects of the spiritual journey.

Demonstrating Faith for Redemption

Similar to the Israelites crossing the river Jordan into the promised land, individuals are encouraged to demonstrate faith in Christ’s delivering power. Trusting fully in the Lord’s ability to redeem and following His instructions becomes crucial for personal redemption and spiritual progression.

Lessons from Demonstrating Faith for Redemption

Demonstrating faith involves actively trusting in God’s guidance and redemptive power. The Israelites’ crossing of the river Jordan symbolizes the importance of taking steps of faith, even when faced with uncertainty. Faithful obedience and trust in God’s promises are fundamental for experiencing redemption and progressing in our spiritual journey.

Importance of Faith and Obedience (Hebrews 11:6)

One of the core lessons that the Israelites learned was the significance of faith and obedience. Hebrews 11:6 highlights that “without faith, it is impossible to please God.” This verse underscores the importance of believing in God’s existence and His willingness to reward those who earnestly seek Him.

The Israelites were called to trust God and obey His commands, even when they were difficult to understand. For example, when God led them to the Promised Land, they faced Jericho, a fortified city. God instructed them to march around the city for seven days, which seemed foolish. Nevertheless, they obeyed, and on the seventh day, the walls of Jericho collapsed. This story illustrates how God can accomplish great things when we have faith and obey Him, even when it appears inexplicable to us.

God’s Faithfulness and Patience (Deuteronomy 7:9)

Another crucial lesson from the Israelites’ journey is God’s faithfulness and patience. Deuteronomy 7:9 emphasizes that “the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments.”

Despite the Israelites’ disobedience and rebellion at times, God remained faithful. He provided for their needs in the wilderness, protected them from their enemies, and continued to guide them toward the Promised Land, even though it took 40 years. This story reveals God as a faithful, loving God who always keeps His promises, even when we are unfaithful.

Need for Spiritual Growth and Preparation (Ephesians 4:11-16)

The Israelites’ 40-year journey was also a period of spiritual growth and preparation, aligning with the principles laid out in Ephesians 4:11-16. Paul’s writing stresses the importance of spiritual growth and maturity within the body of Christ.

This story shows us that spiritual growth is essential for all Christians. We must be equipped for the work of ministry and for building up the body of Christ. Additionally, we need to lead lives that are pleasing to God.

What Led to the 40th Year Deliverance?

The 40th-year deliverance for the Israelites was a culmination of several factors and events that transpired during their wilderness journey. Key elements contributing to this deliverance include:

1. Repentance and Change of Heart

Over the course of the 40 years, a transformation occurred within the Israelite community. The purging process in the wilderness, coupled with the hardships they faced, led to introspection and a change of heart among those who remained. Individuals and the community as a whole began to recognize the consequences of their disobedience and lack of faith.

Scriptural Reference: Deuteronomy 30:2-3 (NIV) – “and when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul… then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you.”

2. New Generation’s Faith

As the older generation, marked by disobedience and unbelief, gradually passed away, a new generation emerged. This younger generation, having grown up in the wilderness, witnessed the consequences of disobedience and the faithfulness of God in providing for their journey. Their faith in God’s promises and willingness to follow His guidance became a pivotal factor in the 40th-year deliverance.

Scriptural Reference: Joshua 1:9 (NIV) – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

3. Lessons Learned from Past Mistakes

The extended period of wandering allowed the Israelites to reflect on their past mistakes and the repercussions of their actions. The stories of disobedience, fear, and rebellion served as cautionary tales for the new generation. The collective memory of their journey became a source of wisdom, fostering a renewed commitment to trust and obey God.

Scriptural Reference: 1 Corinthians 10:11 (NIV) – “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.”

4. Moses’ Leadership and Intercession

Throughout the wilderness journey, Moses played a central role as a leader and intercessor for the people. His consistent intercession and pleas for God’s mercy on behalf of the Israelites demonstrated a deep commitment to their spiritual well-being. Moses’ leadership, combined with his intimate relationship with God, contributed to the eventual turning of God’s favor towards the Israelites.

Scriptural Reference: Exodus 32:11-14 (NIV) – “But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?’”

5. Fulfillment of God’s Covenant

Despite the Israelites’ shortcomings, God remained faithful to His covenant with them. The 40th-year deliverance marked the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring the descendants of Abraham into the Promised Land. God’s enduring commitment to His people and His desire to see them inherit the land He had sworn to their forefathers played a crucial role in the timing of their deliverance.

Scriptural Reference: Genesis 15:18 (NIV) – “On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, ‘To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates.’”

6. Joshua’s Leadership

As Moses’ successor, Joshua emerged as a key figure in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. His unwavering faith, demonstrated during the earlier reconnaissance mission, positioned him as a capable leader for the new generation. Joshua’s leadership became instrumental in guiding the people across the Jordan River and into the long-awaited fulfillment of God’s promise.

Scriptural Reference: Joshua 3:7 (NIV) – “And the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.’”

7. Faithful Remnant

The faithful remnant that survived the wilderness journey became a testament to the power of enduring faith. Those who remained steadfast in their trust in God and His promises played a vital role in the 40th-year deliverance. Their resilience, coupled with the newfound faith of the younger generation, contributed to the collective readiness to enter the Promised Land.

Scriptural Reference: Numbers 14:24 (NIV) – “But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.”

In summary, the 40th-year deliverance of the Israelites resulted from a combination of repentance, the emergence of a faithful new generation, the lessons learned from past mistakes, Moses’ leadership and intercession, the fulfillment of God’s covenant, Joshua’s guidance, and the presence of a faithful remnant. These elements converged to pave the way for the long-awaited entry into the Promised Land.

In conclusion, the Israelites’ 40-year journey to the Promised Land was a result of their disobedience and lack of faith, but it was also a time of spiritual growth and preparation. God used the wilderness years to teach them about his character and to prepare them for the challenges of living in the Promised Land. He also used this time to raise up a new generation of Israelites who were faithful to him.

We can learn a lot from the Israelites’ story. First, we learn that God is faithful and patient, even when we are disobedient. Second, we learn that God uses all of our experiences, even the difficult ones, to shape us and grow us in our faith. Third, we learn that God is always preparing us for his promises, even when we don’t realize it.

I encourage you to reflect on the story of the Israelites’ journey and to consider how you can apply its lessons to your own life. Ask yourself these questions:

• What can I learn from the Israelites’ mistakes?
• How can I grow in faith and obedience to God?
• How can I prepare myself for God’s promises in my life?

May God bless you as you continue your journey with him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we finish our exploration of the 40-year journey mentioned in the Bible, let’s answer some common questions about this significant event. These are the questions people often ask, and they help us understand what this journey means, the difficulties the people faced, and how it matters to us today. Let’s delve into these questions to get a better understanding of this fascinating Bible story.

Why Did God Choose a 40-Year Journey?

God’s decision to have a 40-year journey is a mystery that shows His special plan. It was a time for making the people stronger and ready, testing their faith and the kind of people they were.

What Were the Main Challenges During the Journey?

The people had to deal with different problems, like not having enough food and water, meeting unfriendly tribes, and sometimes losing their faith.

Was the 40-Year Journey a Real Event?

While most people believe the Bible’s story is a real historical event, some parts, like the exact path they took and all the details, are still being studied and talked about by experts and scientists.

What Can We Learn from the 40-Year Journey?

This journey teaches us about having faith, being patient, and what happens when you don’t follow the rules. It tells us to trust in the guidance we get and to keep going, even when things are tough.

Did the Israelites Finally Get to the Promised Land?

Yes, after 40 years of wandering, the Israelites did make it to the Promised Land. Joshua was the leader who took them there, making God’s promise come true.

How Does the 40-Year Journey Relate to Our Lives Today?

This journey is like our own lives. We face challenges, learn to have faith, and eventually reach our own good place. It reminds us to trust in our own journeys.

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Deuteronomy 1:2 Share

Deuteronomy 1:1-2 the message ( msg ).

These are the sermons Moses preached to all Israel when they were east of the Jordan River in the Arabah Wilderness, opposite Suph, in the vicinity of Paran, Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab. It takes eleven days to travel from Horeb to Kadesh Barnea following the Mount Seir route. * * *

Deuteronomy 1:2 King James Version ( KJV )

(There are eleven days' journey from Horeb by the way of mount Seir unto Kadesh-barnea.)

Deuteronomy 1:2 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 ( NASB1995 )

It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to Kadesh-barnea.

Deuteronomy 1:2 New Century Version ( NCV )

(The trip from Mount Sinai to Kadesh Barnea on the Mount Seir road takes eleven days.)

Deuteronomy 1:2 American Standard Version ( ASV )

It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by the way of mount Seir unto Kadesh-barnea.

Deuteronomy 1:2 New International Version ( NIV )

(It takes eleven days to go from Horeb to Kadesh Barnea by the Mount Seir road.)

Deuteronomy 1:2 New King James Version ( NKJV )

It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea.

Deuteronomy 1:2 Amplified Bible ( AMP )

It is [only] eleven days’ journey from Horeb (Mount Sinai) by way of Mount Seir to Kadesh-barnea [on Canaan’s border; yet Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years before crossing the border and entering Canaan, the promised land].

Deuteronomy 1:2 New Living Translation ( NLT )

Normally it takes only eleven days to travel from Mount Sinai to Kadesh-barnea, going by way of Mount Seir.

Deuteronomy 1:2 English Standard Version 2016 ( ESV )

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Reading the Bible Chronologically in 365 days

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Tag Archives: 40 years in wilderness should have only taken 11 days

Deuteronomy 1-2.

Click here for today’s reading

Chapter 1 — Forty years have passed since their exodus from Egypt.  In verse 7 the Lord tells them to “break camp” and in verse 8 — “go in and TAKE possess of the land that the Lord swore HE would give them”.  Moses begins a recap of their journey but does not begin with their departure out of Egypt.  He begins at Mount Horeb (Mount Sinai) where The Israelite Nation began with God giving HIS covenant to them.  When the people CHOSE GOD, He then gave them The 10 Commandments so they would know HOW to live a holy life.  Moses is telling them the history of the development of their nation!!

In verse 2 we are told that this 40 year wilderness journey SHOULD have ONLY taken 11 days!!!  WHOAAAAA ….. an 11 day trip that took 40 YEARS!!!  He reminded this NEW generation of their parents’ and relatives’ rebelling, grumbling, murmuring, arrogance, and involvement with worshipers of other gods which all lead to them wandering and dying in the wilderness.  GOD did NOT want this situation to turn out like this.  However, the people CHOSE God, then CHOSE murmuring which lead to rebellion which all lead to CONSEQUENCES directly from their choices.  God and Moses WANTED the NEW generation to hear what the OLD generation had done so they would not repeat it!  Both Moses and God WANTED the NEW generation to do what their relatives had not……. TAKE the LAND the LORD PROMISED them!!!

There were two things that stood out to me in today’s reading.

The first thing that stood out to me was the “first month” in the Jewish calendar which is called Nisan on their sacred calendar.  In my Life Application Bible it points out that the events in Deuteronomy covered a week or two in the 11th month (Shebat – Jan – Feb).  The Israelites spent the 12th month (Adar – Feb-Mar) of the 40th year grieving the death of Moses for 30 days, as was their custom.  Then the first month (Nisan – Mar-Apr) of their 41st year is when they e ntered the Promised Land   (Joshua 4:19.)  Here’s what caught my attention … a LOT of things seem to happen in the month of Nisan in Scripture.  I looked up “first month” on www.biblegateway.com    A FEW things (MANY things occurred in the “first month”)  that I noticed that occurred during the first month (Nisan) were:

• Genesis 8:13 — Noah saw that the ground was dry after the flood
• Exodus 12 — The FIRST Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread (and future Passovers take place in the first month).
• 2 Chronicles 29 – Hezekiah purified the Temple of the Lord
• WHEN do we celebrate our Easter Christian Holiday??  —- At the Passover —- during the first month of Nisan!!
• I have read more than a couple of bible commentaries which also state from information they have gathered through the Bible that Jesus was probably born in the first month of Nisan because this is when the shepherds would have been out in their fields.  They would not have been out in the fields during the winter months!!  I have no proof of this point other than what I read … yet the first month stuck me deeply today which caused me to do a lot of research.

Makes you think doesn’t it??… Well… it did me anyway 🙂

The second thing that stood out to me was when Moses recalled saw how huge the Israelite Nation had become.  He knew he needed help leading this nation.  This took me back to the tender, gentle conversation his father-in-law, Jethro  (a Midianite Priest) gave Moses.  Jethro advised Moses to delegate his authority so Moses could focus on his “real job” which was to lead the people.  Moses took Jethro’s advice.  Jethro blessed him, praised God, and offered sacrifices to the God of the Israelites.  Moses remembered the important things Jethro told him in verse 13.  Moses was to appoint good leaders who had the following inner qualities:

• Understanding

Compare these inner qualities of leaders Moses chose …. to our leaders of today who seem to function solely on good looks, wealth, popularity, and willingness to do ANY thing to get to the top (not get the job done!).  It reminds me of how very important it is that we PRAY for our leaders at all levels in our state and country … PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!!  AND…. Pray to BE the kind of leader/person Moses would have wanted on his team.

Chapter 2 — Moses reminds the NEW generation that they have lacked for NOTHING during their 40 year journey.  He also reminds them of all the people they have recently encountered… wars they had won… BECAUSE GOD WAS DOING THE FIGHTING FOR THEM … the people God told them to destroy… and who to avoid… w ho to pay for EVERY thing they used while walking through their lands…. etc.  Did you recognize any of the names?  Esau/Edomites (Esau was Jacob/Israel’s twin brother, sons of Isaac);  Moabites and Ammonites (descendants of LOT through incest with his daughters … who God protected them..so far…  because Lot was related to Abraham and fell under the promise.)  Anakites (thought to be the people Goliath comes from), others called them other names such as Emites by Moabites, Zamzummites by Ammorites, and some still referred to them as Rephaites all of these people were very large in stature and are said to have been 7 feet tall or more.  Then the  defeat of the king of Sihon the Amorite, because GOD gave them to the Israelites to defeat!!!  GOD DID THE FIGHTING FOR THEM and was preparing the people in the places they were headed to fear them!!!  GOD WAS PREPARING THE WAY. ….. JUST AS HE DOES FOR US TODAY.

Are we like the OLD generation or the NEW generation??  Do we rebel, doubt, complain, murmur, fear, and then do things God does not want us to do leading us into our own wilderness journey?  Or … do we BELIEVE, have FAITH, and TAKE the LAND???

I’d love to hear your questions, or comments, your favorite verse today, any thing that impacted you, or how God is moving in your life 🙂

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Bible Verses About Journey

Photo credit: © Unsplash/Fancisco Delgado

1 Kings 19:4

Deuteronomy 10:11, exodus 3:18, exodus 40:36, genesis 29:1, jeremiah 29:11.

Proverbs 22:6

Psalms 23:4

Psalms 91:11

Psalms 119:105.

Psalms 146:9

Romans 15:24, numbers 9:13, proverbs 3:5-6.

Judges 18:5-6

Genesis 12:1-2.

Bob Clanton

Wednesday, march 23, 2011, when 11 days turns into 40 years.

Lovely and inspiring. Glory to God for whom He is