The Death of Miryam
20: 1
She was the only woman whose death has been remembered from the Exodus generation.
Chapter 20 opens with a one-sentence account of the death and burial of Miryam at the infamous Kadesh. The people of Isra’el, the whole new wilderness generation, entered the Tzin Desert in the first month (Pesach, Hag Ha’Matzah, Resheet), and they stayed in Kadesh. Therefore, that oasis marked the beginning of the wilderness wandering (to see link click By – The Report of the Spies), and now marks the end of the wilderness wandering. From that point, the Israelites will be proceeding towards the Promised Land. There Miryam died, and there she was buried in the sand of the wilderness. She was gone, approximately 126 years old, and she was the only woman whose death has been remembered from the Exodus generation. She last appeared on the stage in Chapter Twelve along with Aaron in a revolt against the authority and leadership of Moses (see Bu – The Rebellion of Miryam and Aaron). Miryam, Moses, and Aaron were siblings (Exodus 6:20 and 15:20), and they were co-leaders in the wilderness journey from Egypt to their current location (Micah 6:4). Numbers Twelve recounted the jealous challenge of Aaron and Miryam to Moshe’s authority, and described the leprosy (see the commentary on Leviticus Cg – The Test of M’tsora) that Miryam alone suffered as punishment. The end of Numbers 12 noted that all the people waited the traditional seven days for Miryam before setting off again on the march. Her leadership was clearly honored by the people, and that honor was extended to her again according to the death and burial notice here in the Torah. The text does not imply that Miryam’s death outside the Promised Land was the result of her earlier rebellion; it simply reports that she died and was buried in Kadesh-barnea. The same will not be true for the upcoming deaths of Aaron and Moses, as we shall see, they die outside of the Land because of their sin.393
Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You for Your Awesome Love that willingly paid the great price to ransom and rescue me from spiritual death. Messiah is preparing a home in heaven for me (John 14:1-3). But whoever did receive Him, those trusting in His name, to these He gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12). Though my earthly body will die, my soul will be eternally with Messiah because of His bearing of my sins and rising from the dead.! And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this judgment, so also Messiah, was offered once to bear the sins of many. He will appear a second time, apart from sin, to those eagerly awaiting Him for salvation (Hebrews 9:27-28). May I live my life focusing on loving You back and thanking You for Your gift of an eternal home in heaven, my Wonderful and Loving Heavenly Father! In Messiah Yeshua’s holy Name and power of His resurrection. Amen
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