Bible Dictionary
Wandering
The Israelites’ wandering refers especially to their forty years in the wilderness after their unbelieving refusal to enter Canaan. Their journeys and camping places are recorded in Numbers 33 as they were led toward the Promised Land.
Definition
Wandering refers especially to Israel’s journeys through the wilderness after the nation’s rebellious fear of entering the Promised Land. Israel wandered for forty years before crossing the Jordan, and the stations of the journey are recorded in Numbers 33.
Biblical Usage
Israel’s wandering is presented as the consequence of rebellion and unbelief. The sacred narrative nevertheless describes God as leading the people forth by the right way.
Historical Background
Many of the camping stations cannot now be identified. The record of the journeys extends from the departure from Egypt through the wilderness stations before Israel entered the land.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Of the Israelites in the wilderness in consequence of their rebellious fears to enter the Promised Land (Num. 14:26-35). They wandered for forty years before they were permitted to cross the Jordan (Josh. 4:19; 5:6). The record of these wanderings is given in Num. 33:1-49. Many of the stations at which they camped cannot now be identified. Questions of an intricate nature have been discussed regarding the “Wanderings,” but it is enough for us to take the sacred narrative as it stands, and rest assured that “He led them forth by the right way” (Ps. 107:1-7, 33-35). (See WILDERNESS.)