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Kadesh On The Orontes

Locations
Modern Location Tell Nebi Mend, near Hama, Syria
Coordinates 35.1333, 36.7500

Geographical Setting

Kadesh on the Orontes was a major Hittite administrative center and military stronghold located in the upper Orontes valley.

What is the meaning of Kadesh On The Orontes in the Bible?

Kadesh was a principal city of the Hittite Empire, located on the Orontes River approximately 80 miles north of Damascus, and is currently identified with the archaeological mound of Tell Nebi Mend.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the strategic importance of Kadesh clarifies the geopolitical context of the conflict between Ramesses II and the Hittites, providing historical background for the biblical accounts of Israel's borders and the extent of ancient empires.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Kadesh On The Orontes (located near modern Tell Nebi Mend, near Hama, Syria) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Kadesh On The Orontes in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Kadesh On The Orontes clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Kadesh On The Orontes." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/kadesh-on-the-orontes/
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