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CHAP. VII. Cadesh. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. And that double. Enquiry is made, whether the doubling it in the Maps is well done. (Book 7)
THE Readers of the Eastern Interpreters will observe, that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Cadesh is rendred by all 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee it is Rekam: in the Syriak, Rekem: in the Arabic, Rakim. And Cadesh Barnea in Onkelos is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in Jonathan 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (from which words compared we may observe how the gut∣tural 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is melted.) In the Targum of Hierusalem 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: in the Gemarists 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
There are two places noted by the name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Rekam in the very bounds of the land, to wit, the Southern, and Eastern: that is a double Cadesh.
I. Of Cadesh, or Rekam in the South part there is no doubt.
II. Of it in the Eastern part there is this mention. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. a 1.1 From Rekam to the East, and Rekam is as the East: that is, R. Nissim interpreting. Rekam it self is reckoned for the East of the World, (that is for the land of the Heathen) not for the land of Israel. Behold! a Rekam, or a Cadesh, also on the East. But the Maps have feigned to themselves another Cadesh, besides Barnea, and this Eastern Rekam; whither they think the people of Israel came in the fortieth year of their travail, Numb. XX. These, we suppose, were some of the reasons, whereby the Authors of them were drawn to it.
I. Because Cadesh Barnea was in the desert of Paran, Numb. XII. 16. & XIV. 1. But the Cadesh, whither they came the fortieth year was in the desert of Zin, Numb. XX. 1. I answer, The searchers of the land departing from Cadesh Barnea, are said also to go out of the deserts of Zin, Numb. XIII. 21. Paran was the general name of that dreadful desert: Zin only one part of it.
II. In Cadesh Barnea they encamped many days, Deut. I. 46. But in that Cadesh, con∣cerning which mention is made, Numb. XX. there was not provision sufficient, whereby they might be sustained one day. For they complain, that it was a place altogether de∣stitute of seed, Figs, Vines, and Pomegranates, Numb. XX. 5. which they did not at all complain of, while they remained in Cadesh Barnea. I answer, Omitting, that where∣soever they encamped, they were fed by Manna; the Complaint arose among them, not so much of the place it self, as of the ill boding and prejudice, as I may so say, of the place: because from the barrenness of this place they prejudged of the like barrenness of that land, into which they were to enter, and the Porch as it were of which was Cadesh Barnea. When they came hither first, now thirty eight years before, Ye came to the Moun∣tain of the Amorites, saith Moses, which the Lord giveth you, Deut. I. 20, 21. Is it so? (think they with themselves) Does the first entrance of the land of promise promise no bet∣ter? There is little hope of the land it self, if the beginnings of it are such. It is conveni∣ent therefore, that we send before us spies, who may bring us word, whether it is of so great account, that we should tyre and hazzard our selves by going to that soil, whose first appear∣ance is so horrid and desperate. And hence was that unhappy argument before their eyes, by the inducement of which the whole multitude by so unanimous a Vote concluded and resolved against the land. And since now after so much time passed, they are come back to the same place, they think, distrust, and complain of the same things.
III. In Cadesh Barnea they had a supply of water; in Cadesh, whether they came the fortieth year, there was no water, Numb. XX. &c. I answer, They drunk, when they first came to Cadesh Barnea, of the Rock, which followed them, (1 Cor. X. 2.) which dried up when they were now ready to enter into the land. If you ask, why had those rivers that followed them dried up as soon as they came at Cadesh Barnea, which before had not dried up when they came thither: then I ask also, why had they dried up when they came to another Cadesh?
IV. Concerning the Cadesh, whither they came the last year of their travail, it is said, that the City was in the utmost bounds of the land of Edom: and therefore they desire leave of the King to pass through the land of Edom, Numb. XX. 16, 17. I answer, No∣thing at all hinders, but these things may be spoke of Cadesh Barnea, which laying con∣tiguous to the Mountain of the Amorites, that is, to Mountanous Judea, shewed so great an Army an access, and promised it; only that access was winding and very difficult to be passed. They desire therefore a more level way of the King of Edom, but obtain it not.