Kadesh, also known as Kadesh-Barnea, was a place in the south of Palestina.
The name Kadesh means holy; it is the same word as the Arabic name of Jerusalem, el-Khuds. The name Barnea means desert of wandering. This place, the scene of Miriam’s death, was the farthest point which the Israelites reached in their direct road to Canaan; it was also that whence the spies were sent, and the spies brought back an evil report, Joshua and Caleb alone giving a good report of the land (13:18-31). Because of their unbelief, they were condemned by God to wander for years in the wilderness. (Numbers 13:3,26)They took their journey from Kadesh into the deserts of Paran , "by way of the Red Sea" (Deut. 2:1). At the end of these years of wanderings, the tribes were a second time gathered together at Kadesh. During their stay here at this time Miriam died and was buried. The people of Israel complained to Moses about the lack of water. Here Moses gave himself the glory. As a punishment, Moses would not be allowed to bring the people into the Land. From that time, the spring at that place was called the waters of Meribah because the Israelites contended with the Lord, and He proved Himself holy. (Num 20:2-13).
