Old Testament
Deuteronomy 2:14
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
The Israelites spent 38 years traveling from Kadesh Barnea to the brook Zered.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
The journey from Kadesh Barnea to the crossing of the brook Zered took 38 years. By that time, every fighting man from that generation had died off, just as the LORD had sworn would happen.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
The Israelites spent 38 years traveling from Kadesh Barnea to the brook Zered. This long journey was not just a physical trek; it was a time of loss and change. During these years, every man who had been part of the fighting generation died, fulfilling what the LORD had promised. This was a consequence of their earlier disobedience and lack of faith. The journey symbolizes a period of waiting and learning, where the new generation would rise. They would eventually be the ones to enter the Promised Land, carrying the lessons of their forefathers. This story reminds us that sometimes, we must endure difficult times to grow and prepare for what lies ahead. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and the consequences of our choices, shaping our future. The journey was not in vain; it was a necessary step toward a new beginning for the Israelites, teaching them resilience and trust in divine timing. Each step taken was a step toward a promised future, even if it took longer than expected.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Deuteronomy 2:14 to your life
Reflect on your own life and consider the times you've had to wait for something important. Use those experiences to build your faith and resilience. Remember that growth often comes through challenges, and trust that your journey is leading you to a better future. Stay faithful in your waiting period, as it shapes who you will become. Embrace the lessons learned along the way, as they are vital for your growth and future success.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 2:14 mean?
Deuteronomy 2:14 describes the 38-year journey of the Israelites from Kadesh Barnea to the brook Zered, highlighting that during this time, all the fighting men of that generation died as a consequence of their disobedience to God.
What is the significance of the 38 years in Deuteronomy 2:14?
The 38 years represent a period of waiting and transformation for the Israelites, where the older generation passed away, making way for a new generation to learn from past mistakes and eventually enter the Promised Land.
What lessons can we learn from Deuteronomy 2:14?
Deuteronomy 2:14 teaches that difficult journeys can lead to growth and preparation for future opportunities, reminding us to remain faithful during challenging times.
How does Deuteronomy 2:14 relate to faithfulness?
The verse illustrates that faithfulness is crucial, as the Israelites' journey and the deaths of the older generation were direct results of their earlier lack of faith, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's promises.
The Book of Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy 1: Moses Reviews the Wilderness Journey
Moses speaks to all Israel in the plains of Moab and recalls earlier events. He says the LORD tells Israel to leave Horeb and go toward the land promised to their fathers: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses explains how the people become too numerous for him to manage alone, so leaders are appointed over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and judges are instructed to judge fairly without respect of persons.
Unlock the full Deuteronomy summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Deuteronomy — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 34 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Deuteronomy summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.