What was En Mishpat?
En Mishpat, mentioned in Genesis 14:7, is a geographical location identified as Kadesh in later biblical history. The name En Mishpat (Hebrew: עֵין מִשְׁפָּט) literally means “spring of judgment” or “fountain of justice”. The term “En” refers to a spring or fountain, while “Mishpat” signifies judgment or justice—terms rich with theological symbolism. This ancient oasis site is situated in the wilderness region of the Negev, south of Canaan, and was a landmark in both patriarchal narratives and Israel‘s wilderness journey.
Biblical References and Cross-References
En Mishpat appears in the Bible in the following key passage:
- Genesis 14:7 – During the campaign of the four eastern kings under Chedorlaomer, the invading coalition “came to En Mishpat (that is, Kadesh)” and conquered the territory of the Amalekites and Amorites.
- Numbers 13:26; 20:1, 14-16 – Kadesh becomes a significant place in Israel’s wilderness wanderings, especially as the site of Moses’ request for passage through Edom.
- Deuteronomy 1:46 – Reaffirms Kadesh as a major stopping point for the Israelites.
- Judges 11:16-17 – Jephthah references Kadesh when recounting Israel’s history.
These references collectively identify En Mishpat with Kadesh-Barnea, a central location in the story of God’s people during the Exodus.
What Happened at En Mishpat?
In Genesis 14, En Mishpat is listed as one of the cities or regions struck by Chedorlaomer’s military campaign against rebellious kings in Canaan. The invaders’ sweep through the Negev included this location, indicating its strategic and perhaps spiritual importance even at that early time. Although not the primary focus of Genesis 14, the mention of En Mishpat introduces its later significance in Israel‘s history.
Later, Kadesh (En Mishpat) becomes the setting for pivotal events:
- Miriam‘s death and burial (Numbers 20:1)
- Moses striking the rock, leading to his disqualification from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 20:2-13)
- The place from which Israel sends spies to Canaan (Numbers 13:26)
The site’s evolution from a battlefield in patriarchal times to a spiritual testing ground in the Exodus narrative marks it as a place of both judgment and provision.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
For today’s Christians, En Mishpat serves as a symbol of God’s sovereign justice and His ongoing work in sanctifying His people. The “spring of judgment” suggests that God brings truth and righteousness to bear in the places we least expect—like a desert wilderness. En Mishpat reminds believers that even in desolation, God‘s justice flows like a fountain, and His purposes are not thwarted.
Just as the Israelites struggled with obedience at Kadesh, Christians today must learn to trust God‘s timing and respond faithfully to His Word. En Mishpat warns against unbelief but also reassures us of God‘s presence even in places of trial.
How En Mishpat Points to Jesus and the Gospel
En Mishpat—”spring of judgment”—foreshadows Jesus Christ, who is both the fountain of living water (John 4:10, 14) and the righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:8). Just as judgment and decision marked the events at Kadesh, so too the cross of Christ is the ultimate place where God’s judgment and mercy meet. Jesus provides the living water in the spiritual desert of our lives, satisfying what the wilderness cannot.
Furthermore, Jesus is the One who succeeded where Israel failed. Where the people at Kadesh grumbled and lacked faith, Jesus perfectly submitted to the Father’s will—even unto death. En Mishpat thus becomes a shadow of the judgment we all deserve, and the grace we all need.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. God’s Sovereign Justice
The very name “En Mishpat” emphasizes God‘s justice. His judgment is never arbitrary—He judges righteously, even in the desert places of life.
2. Wilderness Testing
En Mishpat (Kadesh) plays into the greater biblical theme of wilderness testing. Like Israel, believers are tested in life’s dry places to refine their faith.
3. Living Water
Springs in the desert point to God’s provision amid judgment. Jesus fulfills this theme as the One who gives the water of life freely.
4. Judgment and Grace
The pattern of judgment (Genesis 14, Numbers 20) followed by God‘s mercy and leadership prepares the way for understanding the tension between law and grace fulfilled in Christ.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of life do you feel like you’re walking through a wilderness like En Mishpat?
- Are you trusting God to bring justice in His timing, or are you tempted to take matters into your own hands?
- How does the example of Israel at Kadesh challenge your obedience and patience?
- Have you experienced Jesus as the spring of living water in your dry seasons?
- How can you hold onto God’s promises, even when the environment around you feels barren?
En Mishpat may seem like a minor reference in Genesis, but it serves as a profound reminder that God meets His people in places of testing, brings justice where there is injustice, and ultimately points to Jesus—the source of living water and the righteous Judge.