N U M B E R S
CHAP. XX.
At this chapter begins the history of the fortieth year (which was the last year) of the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness. And since the beginning of their second year, when they were sentenced to perform their quarantine in the desert, there to wear away the tedious revolution of forty years, there is little recorded concerning them till this last year, which brought them to the borders of Canaan, and the history of this year is almost as large as the history of the first year. This chapter gives an account of, I. The death of Miriam, Numbers 20:1. II. The fetching of water out of the rock, in which observe, 1. The distress Israel was in, for want of water, Numbers 20:2. 2. Their discontent and murmuring in that distress, Numbers 20:3-5. 3. God's pity and power engaged for their supply with water out of the rock, Numbers 20:6-9. 4. The infirmity of Moses and Aaron upon this occasion, Numbers 20:10; Numbers 20:11. 5. God's displeasure against them, Numbers 20:12; Numbers 20:13. III. The negotiation with the Edomites. Israel's request (Numbers 20:14-17), and the repulse the Edomites gave them, Numbers 20:18-21. IV. The death of Aaron the high priest upon Mount Hor, the instalment of Eleazar in his room, and the people's mourning for him, Numbers 20:22, &c.