THEOSISJerome of Stridon
The inquiry arises: how is it that the eighth encampment is now referred to as the thirty-third? It is important to note that the former is represented with the letter samekh, which signifies bush or animosity, while the latter is designated with the letter tzadeh, meaning command. The term Kadesh is often mistakenly understood to mean holy; in fact, it conveys the idea of being altered or changed.
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In the book of Genesis, when Judah perceived Tamar to be a harlot and sent her gifts (Genesis 38:21), the Hebrew text indicates that the messenger inquires about the cadesa, referring to the harlot whose attire was distinctive from that of other women. This notion appears in various instances. When the term holy is translated as such, it is meant to be understood in an opposite sense, much like how Parks is called so because it embodies mercilessness, war signifies a lack of beauty, and grove implies absence of light.
At this encampment, Mary meets her end and is laid to rest, a consequence of the contentious waters (Num. 20:13). Because of their anger towards the Lord, Moses and Aaron were prohibited from entering the Promised Land. They sought permission from Edom to pass through, but were denied. After such significant victories, one might wonder who could be intimidated by the people's complaints, the failure of their leaders, or the rejection of their passage through Edom. It appears to me that the spirit of prophecy was extinguished in Mary, that the demise of Moses and Aaron marked the conclusion of the law and the Jewish priesthood. It seems they could not enter the land of promise, nor could they guide the faithful out of the wilderness of this world.
Moreover, following the cessation of prophecy, there are still contentious waters, and the Israelites cannot traverse the fleshly and terrestrial Edom, nor are they granted passage despite numerous requests and attempts. Edom persists in opposition with a multitude and a strong hand. The significance of the name reflects themes of death, disgrace, and refusal to cross. Where there is command, there is sin; where sin resides, there is transgression; and where transgression exists, there is death. Concerning this encampment, the Psalmist proclaims: ‘the Lord shall shake the wilderness of Kadesh’ (Ps. 28:8).