Numbers 20

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 20 of 36

1 And the sons of Israel, even the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin in the first month; and the people remained in Kadesh. And Miriam died there, and was buried there.

2 And there was no water for the congregation, and they were gathered against Moses, and against Aaron.

3 And the people contended with Moses, and spoke, saying, Oh that we had died when our brothers died before Jehovah!

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Chapter Summary

Miriam dies at Kadesh. The people complain about lack of water. Moses and Aaron are commanded to speak to the rock, but Moses strikes it instead, and water flows out. For their disobedience, Moses and Aaron are told they will not enter the Promised Land. Aaron dies on Mount Hor.

Key Hebrew Words

קְהַ֣ל assembly H6951 · TWOT 1991a
בְּגָדָ֔י treachery H899 · TWOT 198a
שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים thirty H7970 · TWOT 2403d
מִצְרַ֔יְמָ Egypt H4714 · TWOT 1235
עִ֖יר excitement H5892 · TWOT 1587a

People & Context

Death of Miriam

The congregation arrived in the wilderness of Zin in the first month and stayed in Kadesh . Miriam died there and was buried .

Waters of Meribah (Moses Strikes Rock)

The people lacked water and violently complained against Moses, so God instructed him to speak to the rock 56 . Moses instead angrily struck the rock …

Edom Refuses Passage

Moses sent messengers to the king of Edom, asking for peaceful passage along the king's highway through their land 58 . Edom aggressively refused, bri…

Timeline

Death of Miriam

The congregation arrived in the wilderness of Zin in the first month and stayed in Kadesh . Miriam died there and was buried .

Numbers 20:1
Waters of Meribah (Moses Strikes Rock)

The people lacked water and violently complained against Moses, so God instructed him to speak to the rock 56 . Moses instead angrily struck the rock twice with his rod; water flowed, but God barred him and Aaron from the promised land for failing to sanctify Him .

Numbers 20:2-13
Edom Refuses Passage

Moses sent messengers to the king of Edom, asking for peaceful passage along the king's highway through their land 58 . Edom aggressively refused, bringing out a strong army, which forced Israel to turn away .

Numbers 20:14-21

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