Numbers 20:1-6 | The Way of Scripture

Numbers 20:1-6

How does the lack of water bring another crisis at Kadesh?

Berean Standard Bible

1 In the first month, the whole congregation of Israel entered the Wilderness of Zin and stayed in Kadesh. There Miriam died and was buried. 2 Now there was no water for the congregation, so they gathered against Moses and Aaron. 3 The people quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had perished with our brothers before the LORD! 4 Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here? 5 Why have you led us up out of Egypt to bring us to this wretched place? It is not a place of grain, figs, vines, or pomegranates—and there is no water to drink!” 6 Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. They fell facedown, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them.

What is the context?

The chapter records Miriam’s death and burial at Kadesh. With no water, the congregation gathers against Moses and Aaron and again speaks as though leaving Egypt has brought them only to a place of death.

The list of missing crops reaches its urgent conclusion in the absence of drinking water. Moses and Aaron go to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and fall facedown, and the Lord’s glory appears. The crisis is brought before Him rather than solved by the accusations themselves.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley places this stage late in the wilderness years by comparing the itinerary. The USCCB notes point out that the chapter’s first-month date does not itself name the year. The immediate narrative is clear about Miriam’s death, Kadesh, and the water crisis without requiring a precise modern date.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

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