Wilderness of Paran

The wilderness of Paran is located in the northeastern Sinai Peninsula and possibly extends into the western Negev desert. It lies south of Canaan and north of the traditional location of Mount Sinai. The oasis of Kadesh-barnea was located within or near its northern boundary.

The Israelites spent time in Paran because it was part of their journey from Sinai toward Canaan. However, their extended stay was due to their refusal to enter Canaan after the spies' report. God decreed that they would wander for 40 years until the unbelieving generation died out.

After Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away at Sarah's insistence, God saved them from dying of thirst by showing Hagar a well. Ishmael grew up in the wilderness of Paran, became an archer, and his mother found him an Egyptian wife. He became the father of twelve princes, fulfilling God's promise to make him a great nation.

After the prophet Samuel died, David moved to the wilderness of Paran to escape King Saul who was seeking to kill him. This remote wilderness provided refuge and distance from Saul's reach. It was during this time that David encountered Nabal and Abigail.