Overview
En-Mishpat, also called Kadesh, was a crucial desert oasis where the Israelites encountered God's judgment and mercy. This location appears in biblical narratives involving Abraham and later the wandering of Israel in the wilderness, serving as a geographical and spiritual marker of God's covenant dealings with His people.
Key Scriptures
"Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh) and defeated all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who lived in Hazazon-tamar" (Genesis 14:7, ESV).
"From the wilderness of Zin they continued to Kadesh. Then Moses sent men to spy out the land of Canaan" (Numbers 13:21, NASB).
"Now there was no water for the congregation. And they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron" (Numbers 20:2, NIV).
Application
Recognize that seasons of testing at life's "wilderness places" reveal both God's judgment against sin and His faithful provision for those who trust in Him.