Miriam’s death in Kadesh marked the end of her faithful life and underscored Israel’s growing anticipation for entrance into the Promised Land.
Then we read in Numbers 20:1, that, “Then the sons of Israel, the whole congregation, came to the wilderness of Zin in the first month; and the people stayed at Kadesh. Now Miriam died there and was buried there” (v.1). The “wilderness of Zin” was a region in the southwestern area below the Promised Land, a harsh environment where Israel wandered during their post-Exodus journey. Kadesh, also called Kadesh-Barnea, lay west of the Arabah valley and was an oasis in the otherwise barren desert. It was near the border of Edom in the southwest Negev, roughly east of the Sinai peninsula, consistent with references in Genesis and Numbers describing it as a pivotal campsite for Israel.
This verse highlights the timing (“in the first month”), which indicates a point late in the forty-year wilderness era. Having seen miraculous provisions and judgments through their journey, Israel gathered at this place where Miriam, Moses’ and Aaron’s older sister, died. Miriam, born sometime before Moses’ birth around 1527 BC, played a crucial role in watching over Moses as a baby (Exodus 2:4) and later was recognized as a prophetess (Exodus 15:20). By the time of this event, it was likely near 1407 BC, shortly before Israel entered the Promised Land. Miriam’s passing marked the end of an era of leadership and influence in the lives of the Israelites.
Her burial in Kadesh also foreshadowed the momentous changes soon to come for God’s people. Kadesh was a significant landmark throughout the Exodus narrative, and here it becomes the resting place of one who helped shape Israel’s faith and identity. For a newly forming generation of Israelites, Miriam’s death served as a solemn reminder of the passing of the Exodus generation and the need to trust God’s guidance in the coming battles and conquests.
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Numbers 20:1 meaning
Then we read in Numbers 20:1, that, “Then the sons of Israel, the whole congregation, came to the wilderness of Zin in the first month; and the people stayed at Kadesh. Now Miriam died there and was buried there” (v.1). The “wilderness of Zin” was a region in the southwestern area below the Promised Land, a harsh environment where Israel wandered during their post-Exodus journey. Kadesh, also called Kadesh-Barnea, lay west of the Arabah valley and was an oasis in the otherwise barren desert. It was near the border of Edom in the southwest Negev, roughly east of the Sinai peninsula, consistent with references in Genesis and Numbers describing it as a pivotal campsite for Israel.
This verse highlights the timing (“in the first month”), which indicates a point late in the forty-year wilderness era. Having seen miraculous provisions and judgments through their journey, Israel gathered at this place where Miriam, Moses’ and Aaron’s older sister, died. Miriam, born sometime before Moses’ birth around 1527 BC, played a crucial role in watching over Moses as a baby (Exodus 2:4) and later was recognized as a prophetess (Exodus 15:20). By the time of this event, it was likely near 1407 BC, shortly before Israel entered the Promised Land. Miriam’s passing marked the end of an era of leadership and influence in the lives of the Israelites.
Her burial in Kadesh also foreshadowed the momentous changes soon to come for God’s people. Kadesh was a significant landmark throughout the Exodus narrative, and here it becomes the resting place of one who helped shape Israel’s faith and identity. For a newly forming generation of Israelites, Miriam’s death served as a solemn reminder of the passing of the Exodus generation and the need to trust God’s guidance in the coming battles and conquests.