King James Version

What Does Numbers 20:1 Mean?

Numbers 20:1 in the King James Version says “Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 20:1 · KJV

Context

1

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.

2

And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.

3

And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!

Read Numbers 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse marks a major transition: Israel returns to Kadesh (scene of their earlier rebellion, Numbers 13-14) and Miriam dies and is buried there. The terse statement 'Miriam died there, and was buried there' suggests the passing of the Exodus generation. Miriam had been a prophetess who led Israel's women in praise after the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 15:20-21), making her death symbolically significant. The first generation's leaders—Miriam, then Aaron (Numbers 20:28), then later Moses (Deuteronomy 34:5)—would all die before Canaan's conquest, illustrating that the unfaithful generation couldn't enter the Promised Land. Kadesh becomes a place of death rather than triumphant entry, showing consequences of unbelief. Interestingly, the text doesn't record Israelite mourning for Miriam as it does for Aaron and Moses, perhaps suggesting her earlier rebellion (Numbers 12) diminished her status. The wilderness period's end approaches—the rebellious generation is dying off, preparing for the faithful generation to enter Canaan under Joshua's leadership. This transition demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises despite human unfaithfulness—He'll fulfill covenant promises through the next generation when one generation fails.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This event occurred in the fortieth year of wilderness wandering, near its end. The phrase 'the first month' without specifying which year suggests it was understood—the fortieth year after the Exodus. Kadesh (also called Kadesh-barnea) was where Israel had camped nearly thirty-eight years earlier when the spies returned with their report (Numbers 13-14). The congregation's return to Kadesh closed a tragic circle—they came to Kadesh ready to enter Canaan but left in judgment; now they return with that rebellious generation dead, ready to attempt entry again. Miriam's death marks the beginning of the end for the Exodus generation's leadership. She was likely in her nineties at this time. The lack of extended narrative about her death contrasts with the detailed accounts of Aaron's and Moses' deaths, perhaps reflecting her earlier punishment for challenging Moses (Numbers 12). Archaeological work hasn't definitively identified Kadesh's location, though most scholars place it at Ain Qudeirat in the northeastern Sinai, an oasis with sufficient water for extended encampment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Miriam's death at Kadesh teach about the consequences of unbelief and the necessity of a new generation to enter God's promises?
  2. How does the passing of the first generation's leaders illustrate that God's purposes continue beyond any single generation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ1 of 17

“Then came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְנֵֽי2 of 17

“the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִ֠שְׂרָאֵל3 of 17

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כָּל4 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָ֨עֵדָ֤ה5 of 17

“even the whole congregation”

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

מִדְבַּר6 of 17

“into the desert”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

צִן֙7 of 17

“of Zin”

H6790

tsin, a part of the desert

בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁ8 of 17

“month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹן9 of 17

“in the first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב10 of 17

“abode”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הָעָ֖ם11 of 17

“and the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

בְּקָדֵ֑שׁ12 of 17

“in Kadesh”

H6946

kadesh, a place in the desert

וַתָּ֤מָת13 of 17

“died”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

שָׁם֙14 of 17
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מִרְיָ֔ם15 of 17

“and Miriam”

H4813

mirjam, the name of two israelitesses

וַתִּקָּבֵ֖ר16 of 17

“there and was buried”

H6912

to inter

שָֽׁם׃17 of 17
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 20:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 20:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 13:21Numbers 33:36Exodus 15:20Numbers 26:59Numbers 27:14Psalms 29:8

Places in This Verse

Kadesh-barneaSettlement · Modern: Ain el Qudeirat · 30.65°N, 34.42°E24 verses across 5 books
Zin 1Region · Modern: Zin Desert · 30.97°N, 35.33°E8 verses across 4 books
View all places in Numbers 20 →

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