Translations
Original
Notes
The distance from Mount Horeb in the southern Sinai Peninsula to Kadesh-barnea in the north is only 241 kilometers (150 miles) (see study note on 1:19). The large Hebrew population could have easily traveled this distance in eleven days if they had traveled directly. Yet, their rebellion against the Lord caused a 38-year delay and a circular route (see 2:14; Numbers 14:34).
Horeb (or Sinai): Deuteronomy uses this name for the holy mountain where God gave the covenant. The name likely has a connection to a word meaning "drought" or "devastation." This suggests the harsh conditions the people of Israel encountered.
The way of Mount Seir was the route from Mount Horeb to Mount Seir. Seir is another name for Edom. It was east-southeast of the Dead Sea. The usual route took travelers through the Arabah north from the Gulf of Aqaba and then west to Kadesh-barnea. This is 97 kilometers (60 miles) southwest of the Dead Sea.
Ancient Near Eastern treaty texts usually began with a brief section introducing the partners in the covenant, their relationship to each other, and their immediate ancestry. This introduction provides information primarily about the social and geographic setting.
Parallels
Places
Kadesh: An important oasis in the Wilderness of Zin Mount Seir: Mountainous region in Seir, associated with Edom Sinai: Mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments
Glossary
Amorites Archaeology and the Bible Deuteronomy, Book of Perea
Topics
Horeb: A Range of Mountains of Which Mount Sinai is the Most Prominent Seir: A Range of Hills Southwest of the Dead Sea Seir: A Range of Hills Southwest of the Dead Sea: Along the Route from Horeb to Kadesh-Barnea Seir: A Range of Hills Southwest of the Dead Sea: The People of Israel Travel By Sinai: The People of Israel Arrive At, in Their Wanderings in the Wilderness The Law of Moses: Rehearsed by Moses Travellers: Estimated the Length of Their Journey by the Number of Days