CONCEPT
Wilderness
Heb. midhbar, denoting not a barren desert but a district or region suitable for pasturing sheep and cattle (Ps. 65:12; Isa. 42:11; Jer. 23:10; Joel 1:19; 2:22); an uncultivated place. This word is used of the wilderness of Beersheba (Gen. 21:14), on the southern border of Palestine; the wilderness of the Red Sea (Ex. 13:18); of Shur (15:22), a portion of the Sinaitic peninsula; of Sin (17:1), Sinai (Lev. 7:38), Moab (Deut. 2:8), Judah (Judg. 1:16), Ziph, Maon, En-gedi (1 Sam. 23:14, 24; 24:1), Jeruel and Tekoa (2 Chr. 20:16, 20), Kadesh (Ps. 29:8).
“The wilderness of the sea” (Isa. 21:1). Principal Douglas, referring to this expression, says: “A mysterious name, which must be meant to describe Babylon (see especially ver. 9), perhaps because it became the place of discipline to God’s people, as the wilderness of the Red Sea had been (comp. Ezek. 20:35). Otherwise it is in contrast with the symbolic title in Isa. 22:1. Jerusalem is the “valley of vision,” rich in spiritual husbandry; whereas Babylon, the rival centre of influence, is spiritually barren and as restless as the sea (comp. 57:20).” A Short Analysis of the O.T. Jeshimon, a desert waste (Deut. 32:10; Ps. 68:7). ‘Arabah, the name given to the valley from the Dead Sea to the eastern branch of the Red Sea. In Deut. 1:1; 2:8, it is rendered “plain” (R.V., “Arabah”). Tziyyah, a “dry place” (Ps. 78:17; 105:41). Tohu, a “desolate” place, a place “waste” or “unoccupied” (Deut. 32:10; Job 12:24; comp. Gen. 1:2, “without form”). The wilderness region in the Sinaitic peninsula through which for forty years the Hebrews wandered is generally styled “the wilderness of the wanderings.” This entire region is in the form of a triangle, having its base toward the north and its apex toward the south. Its extent from north to south is about 250 miles, and at its widest point it is about 150 miles broad. Throughout this vast region of some 1,500 square miles there is not a single river. The northern part of this triangular peninsula is properly the “wilderness of the wanderings” (et-Tih). The western portion of it is called the “wilderness of Shur” (Ex. 15:22), and the eastern the “wilderness of Paran.”
The “wilderness of Judea” (Matt. 3:1) is a wild, barren region, lying between the Dead Sea and the Hebron Mountains. It is the “Jeshimon” mentioned in 1 Sam. 23:19.
▶Sermons
Audio
My Personal WildernessAndrew Strom · 48:22The sermon emphasizes the importance of wilderness experiences in shaping faith and preparing individuals for God's promises through trials and brokenness.
K-069 the Wilderness CallArt Katz · 1:22:28The wilderness call is a call to spiritual growth and maturity, where one is separated from the world and its influences, and is called to serve God with a spirit of truth.
- Wilderness TestingArt Katz · 44:05
Wilderness testing is a necessary experience for a deeper revelation of God, stripping us of our confidence, comfort, and consolation, and bringing us to a fresh understanding of God's sovereignty and our own destitution.
Straw Rags, WildernessBakht Singh · 1:17:05This sermon emphasizes the greatness of God's wisdom and how it is available to believers through Jesus Christ, highlighting the value and preciousness of human life in God's eyes.
A Day's Journey Into the WildernessCarter Conlon · 56:38Carter Conlon's sermon explores the journey into spiritual wilderness, emphasizing God's unwavering support and the importance of relying on His strength during times of despair.
- A Temporary, God-Appointed WildernessCarter Conlon · 40:26
Carter Conlon's sermon explores the significance of temporary God-appointed wilderness experiences in shaping our faith and character for divine purposes.
Finding Grace In The WildernessCarter Conlon · 33:10Carter Conlon teaches that God sovereignly draws His people into wilderness seasons to find His grace, restore unity, and reveal His truth amid trials and confusion.
- Prepare to Worship in the WildernessCarter Conlon · 55:15
The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's word and provision, and leaving behind human effort, as represented by the wilderness.
- The Heart of God in the WildernessCarter Conlon · 50:12
God's judgment comes upon a nation that backslides from Him, and He will expose their lewdness in the sight of all their lovers.
- The Watchtower in the WildernessCarter Conlon · 55:01
Carter Conlon's sermon highlights the necessity of unwavering faith and prayer in facing sudden challenges, as exemplified by King Jehoshaphat's experiences.
- You Will Soon Be Released From the WildernessCarter Conlon · 45:56
Carter Conlon emphasizes the importance of being released from the wilderness through faith in God's promises and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Don't Die in Your WildernessDavid Wilkerson · 58:47David Wilkerson's message encourages listeners to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness during times of suffering and to lean on the arms of Jesus to come out of their wilderness experience.
A Way Through the WildernessGeorge Warnock · 1:19:43God wants us to have faith and confidence, but not presumption, and to follow Him into His rest and into the mountain of eternity.
- Cranbrook 1993 Preparation in the Wilderness (10-3-93 Pm)George Warnock · 1:19:58
The sermon emphasizes the importance of God's humility and the church's role in participating in that humility through union with the Son and dependence on the Heavenly Father.
Why Die in the WildernessIan G. North · 1:02:25The sermon explores the reasons why Christians die in the wilderness, and how they can avoid this fate by being careful not to fall into temptation and idolatry, and by seeking to please God.
Sweet Water With Wilderness - Exodus 15+16Phil Beach Jr. · 39:16God allows trials and difficulties to teach us to trust in Him, not ourselves, and to learn to depend on Him for provision and guidance.
- Tested in the Wilderness IPhil Beach Jr. · 48:06
The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and balance in the Christian life, highlighting the need to combine the inner working of the Spirit with the renewing of the mind through the Word of God.
- Tested in the Wilderness Part IiPhil Beach Jr. · 59:50
The sermon emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's will over our own interests and desires, and the role of the Holy Spirit in our spiritual growth and self-knowledge.
Significance of WildernessReuben Walter · 39:27The wilderness experience is a necessary Christian experience that brings us to a place of dependence on God, prepares us for service, and purifies us for the purpose of God.