Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 63:1 (Mar 2020)
Article: Kadesh Infidelity Of Deuteronomy 1 And Its Synoptic Implications
Author: Gary Edward Schnittjer

JETS 63:1 (March 2020) p. 95

Kadesh Infidelity Of Deuteronomy 1
And Its Synoptic Implications

Gary Edward Schnittjer

Gary Schnittjer is Professor of Old Testament at Cairn University, 200 Manor Ave., Langhorne, PA 19047. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Abstract: New challenges call for new versions of redemptive narratives. Divine action, and all that this means, seems to initiate an inexhaustible resource for scriptural instruction. The stunning failure of Israel at Kadesh repeatedly appears in synoptic narratives within Torah, prophetic and liturgical retrospectives, apostolic instruction, and manifold brief allusions in Scripture. Repackaging the infidelity at Kadesh in Deuteronomy 1 signals the enduring relevance of God’s judgment as motivation for crises of faith. Harmonistic and/or excavative approaches to synoptic narratives presuppose incoherence, disunity, and contradiction, whether real or apparent. By contrast, the present narrative-critical approach begins with the coherence and unity of Numbers 13–14 and Deuteronomy 1. These competing approaches need to be evaluated based upon evidence. The results of this study include implications that apply to other synoptic narrative contexts of Scripture.

Key words: Deuteronomy 1, Numbers 13–14, Kadesh, Moses, synoptic narratives, harmonistic approaches, excavative approaches, Aristotle, scriptural use of Scripture

I. Introduction

Narrative function determines narrative shape. Redemptive events have more to teach and invite manifold representations. Deuteronomy 1 houses enduring instruction to a new faith-challenged generation by zeroing in on personal responsibility and (in)fidelity under pressure at Kadesh. Deuteronomy 1 augments individual dimensions of the story of collective failure in Numbers 13–14. The new generation should not simply blame the older generation en masse but needs to learn that lust for revolution grows strong in the privacy of one’s own tent.

Scriptural synoptic narratives illustrate that new challenges call for new versions of old stories. Divine action, and all that this means, initiates a seemingly inexhaustible resource for scriptural instruction. The stunning failure of Israel at Kadesh repeatedly serves in synoptic narratives within Torah (Numbers 13–14; You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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