Num 20 | MHM | STEP | Numbers 20:1: Miriam’s Death at Kadesh In this verse, the whole community of Israel arrives in the Wilderness of Zin during the first month. They settle at a place called Kadesh. It is here that Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, dies and is buried. This marks an important moment in Israel’s journey, as Miriam had been a key leader and prophetess among the people. v. 1 : The Israelites traveled together into the Wilderness of Zin and stayed at Kadesh. Miriam’s death at this time reminds us that even great leaders face mortality. Her passing also signals a change in the leadership and experience of the people as they continue their journey (Numbers 20:1 ).

‏ Numbers 20

Numbers 20:1: Miriam’s Death at Kadesh

In this verse, the whole community of Israel arrives in the Wilderness of Zin during the first month. They settle at a place called Kadesh. It is here that Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, dies and is buried. This marks an important moment in Israel’s journey, as Miriam had been a key leader and prophetess among the people.

v. 1: The Israelites traveled together into the Wilderness of Zin and stayed at Kadesh. Miriam’s death at this time reminds us that even great leaders face mortality. Her passing also signals a change in the leadership and experience of the people as they continue their journey (Numbers 20:1 ^a).

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Numbers 20:14: Ambassadors Sent to Edom

In this passage, Israel needs to travel to Canaan, and the shortest route is through the land of Edom. Moses sends messengers to the king of Edom to ask for permission to pass peacefully through their territory. God wants Israel to respect the property of others, even though He is leading them. This event also shows the importance of treating others with kindness and making peace whenever possible.

v. 14-17: Moses instructs the ambassadors to remind Edom that Israel and Edom are relatives, both descended from Abraham and Isaac. This family connection is used to ask for kindness. The message explains Israel’s history: the Egyptians treated Israel badly, but God saved them and brought them out of Egypt (Numbers 20:16 ^b). Moses politely asks if Israel can pass through Edom’s land without causing any trouble. He promises that the people will stay on the main road, not take anything that belongs to Edom, and will pay for any water they use (Numbers 20:17, 19 ^c). This shows respect and a desire for peace, just as Jesus later sent messengers ahead to ask for permission in Samaria (Luke 9:52 ^d).

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v. 18: Edom refuses to let Israel pass and threatens to attack if they try. The king of Edom is afraid that Israel might cause problems. There is also old anger between Edom and Israel, going back to the time of Esau and Jacob (Numbers 20:18 ^e).

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v. 20: Even after Israel asks again, Edom says no and brings out his army to block them. This shows that sometimes people will refuse reasonable and peaceful requests. God’s people must accept this without fighting or seeking revenge (Numbers 20:20; Deuteronomy 23:7 ^f).

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Numbers 20:22: The Edomites Refuse a Passage to Israel; The Death of Aaron

This section of the chapter closes with another loss for Israel: after Miriam’s death at the beginning of the chapter, now Aaron also dies. These losses come close together and remind the people that leaders, too, are human and mortal. The Israelites had just traveled around Edom’s territory, and at Mount Hor, God tells Moses and Aaron that Aaron’s time has come. Aaron’s death is meaningful because it shows both God’s justice and mercy. It also marks the passing of the priesthood from Aaron to his son Eleazar, pointing to the need for a better, lasting priesthood in the future (Hebrews 7:23-25 ^g).

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v. 24: God tells Moses and Aaron that Aaron will soon die and not enter the land of Canaan. This is a result of his disobedience at the waters of Meribah. Even though Aaron was the high priest, his mistake meant he would not see the promised land. Still, God is gentle—Aaron will die peacefully and be “gathered to his people,” not punished harshly (Numbers 20:24 ^h).

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v. 27: Aaron prepares for his death by putting on his priestly garments one last time. He climbs Mount Hor with Moses and his son Eleazar, with the people watching. Aaron is not afraid to die. For believers, death is like going up—to God—rather than down .

v. 28: Moses removes Aaron’s priestly clothing and puts it on Eleazar. This shows that leadership and honor will not last forever for one person, but God’s work continues. This transfer of garments also made sure the people saw Eleazar as the new high priest, keeping peace and order in Israel (Isaiah 22:21 ⁱ).

Aaron dies on top of the mountain, peacefully and willingly, after his holy garments are removed. This reminds us that our time to serve God is limited, and we should use it well.

v. 29: Moses and Eleazar come down from the mountain after burying Aaron. The whole nation mourns for Aaron for thirty days. While Aaron was alive, the people often complained about him, but now they show respect and grief for their high priest. This teaches us to value godly leaders while they are still with us (Numbers 20:29; Deuteronomy 10:6 ^j).