The Hebrew word for wilderness shares a root with the word for speak. Explore why Scripture consistently treats the wilderness as the place where God speaks most.
Although I still want to ask: while the Israelites' initial journey in the wilderness was indeed a period of formation, wasn't the additional 40 years a genuine punishment when the people rebelled against Moses and Aaron and refused to enter the Promised Land? So in a prolonged period of dryness, is there any distinction between the wilderness-as-formation and wilderness-as-punishment?
Yes the forty years were judgment (consequence for their unbelief). But in Scripture, judgment and formation don’t sit in separate categories like that. They overlap more than we’re used to thinking.
But the wilderness is also where Israel is being shaped, humbled, tested, learning how to depend on God.
So it’s not either/or. The same wilderness can hold both. It can be judgment for unbelief and still be the place where formation is happening. The difference ends up being more about what God is doing in the people while they’re there.
This is so incredible. I had to stop and read so many paragraphs and sentences again and again just trying to get it deep in my soul and I just kept saying “oh. my. GOSH!” I’m not done reading it either. I’m going to read it again. I am praying for income to be a member of your visit because I clearly will never regret doing that!!! God bless you. The God-given wisdom from your heart is so precious to me. 💘💘💘
Bible Question #2: My family has been in the wilderness for 3 1/2 years. This past February 2026, I had the urge to finish all projects and obligations by April 1st. The drive brought tension with the periodic slow downs that occurred. Then, during the second week of February about midweek, I received a download from the Ruach that can only be described as "calm" extreme calm. I stopped worrying about deadlines believing that all things would be resolved by April 1st. Thus far, it has. I spoke to my son and began laughing while explaining the drive. His reply was, "That's because something dramatic is going to happen in April." Huh? I did some research about the first Jewish calendar month of Nissan. Pesach is the 1st-9th, Resurrection Sunday is the 5th. Nissan 24 is the 11th. Per my research, this is the day of the parting of the Red Sea. It is the day with G-d delivered the command to Moshe for Shabbat Rest for all time. As each moedim arrives, I hope for healing of my husband and others. "Hope springs eternal in the human breast." I do not know what will happen in April as G-d has not yet spoken to me. I will just have to wait and see what his midbar davar will be.
I also kept thinking of the 1st half of Song of Songs 8:5 “who is this coming up out of the wilderness leaning on her Beloved” 🩷
Yes!
Incredible article.
Although I still want to ask: while the Israelites' initial journey in the wilderness was indeed a period of formation, wasn't the additional 40 years a genuine punishment when the people rebelled against Moses and Aaron and refused to enter the Promised Land? So in a prolonged period of dryness, is there any distinction between the wilderness-as-formation and wilderness-as-punishment?
Thanks as always!
Yes the forty years were judgment (consequence for their unbelief). But in Scripture, judgment and formation don’t sit in separate categories like that. They overlap more than we’re used to thinking.
But the wilderness is also where Israel is being shaped, humbled, tested, learning how to depend on God.
So it’s not either/or. The same wilderness can hold both. It can be judgment for unbelief and still be the place where formation is happening. The difference ends up being more about what God is doing in the people while they’re there.
This is so incredible. I had to stop and read so many paragraphs and sentences again and again just trying to get it deep in my soul and I just kept saying “oh. my. GOSH!” I’m not done reading it either. I’m going to read it again. I am praying for income to be a member of your visit because I clearly will never regret doing that!!! God bless you. The God-given wisdom from your heart is so precious to me. 💘💘💘
Oh you are such a blessing. It makes my heart so happy that it resonated with you!!
Well I feel like a person who was starving and finally found food!!! My cup and plate are overflowing!!!
Aww I am so humbled by that!
Bible Question #2: My family has been in the wilderness for 3 1/2 years. This past February 2026, I had the urge to finish all projects and obligations by April 1st. The drive brought tension with the periodic slow downs that occurred. Then, during the second week of February about midweek, I received a download from the Ruach that can only be described as "calm" extreme calm. I stopped worrying about deadlines believing that all things would be resolved by April 1st. Thus far, it has. I spoke to my son and began laughing while explaining the drive. His reply was, "That's because something dramatic is going to happen in April." Huh? I did some research about the first Jewish calendar month of Nissan. Pesach is the 1st-9th, Resurrection Sunday is the 5th. Nissan 24 is the 11th. Per my research, this is the day of the parting of the Red Sea. It is the day with G-d delivered the command to Moshe for Shabbat Rest for all time. As each moedim arrives, I hope for healing of my husband and others. "Hope springs eternal in the human breast." I do not know what will happen in April as G-d has not yet spoken to me. I will just have to wait and see what his midbar davar will be.