“Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh, and Miriam died there, and was buried there.”
Context: The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Old Testament and it records the journey of the Israelites from Mount Sinai to the border of the Promised Land. Numbers 20 is a significant chapter that captures events near the end of their wilderness wanderings.
The Setting: The children of Israel had been wandering in the wilderness for forty years as a consequence of their disobedience and lack of faith when they initially refused to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14). The events in Numbers 20 take place during the fortieth year of their journey.
The Desert of Zin: The children of Israel had arrived at the Desert of Zin, which was located in the southern part of Canaan, near the border of Edom. This desert area served as their temporary dwelling place.
The Death of Miriam: Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, passed away during their stay at Kadesh. Miriam played a significant role in the history of Israel. She is mentioned earlier in the book of Exodus as she watched over her infant brother Moses when he was placed in a basket in the Nile River. Miriam was also known as a prophetess and led the Israelites in a song of praise after their deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 15:20-21).
Significance and Lessons: While Numbers 20:1 primarily states the death and burial of Miriam, this event holds broader significance within the narrative. It serves as a turning point in the journey of the Israelites as they prepare to face new challenges. Miriam’s death marks the conclusion of an era and emphasizes the passing of the older generation who had witnessed God’s miraculous works and the deliverance from Egypt.
Additionally, the death of Miriam serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the gravity of sin. Just a few verses later in Numbers 20, Moses and Aaron face their own testing and are prohibited from entering the Promised Land due to their failure to follow God’s instructions precisely when providing water for the people (Numbers 20:7-12).
Overall, Numbers 20:1 provides a brief account of Miriam’s death but also hints at the greater themes of transition, faithfulness, and the consequences of disobedience that are developed further in the subsequent verses.
