Numbers 20:1
French (La Bible expliquée)
Toute la communauté d'Israël arriva dans le désert de Tsin au cours du premier mois et s'installa à Cadès. C'est là que Miriam mourut et qu'elle fut enterrée. Selon l'interprétation araméenne, Miriam avait reçu le puits miraculeux qui abreuvait le peuple dans le désert (12.5-16). Sa mort est suivie d'une pénurie d'eau qui provoque une nouvelle rébellion. La mort de Miriam permet d'introduire un récit parallèle à celui de l'Exode. En effet, comme en Exode 17, un rocher permet au peuple d'avoir de l'eau dans le désert. Ici, seul le nom de Meriba (« Querelle ») est retenu, tandis que le récit de l'Exode évoque aussi le nom de Massa (« Épreuve »), car le peuple a mis Dieu à l'épreuve en disant: « Le Seigneur est-il parmi nous, oui ou non? » (Ex 17.7). Si ce rocher donne l'eau nécessaire, comment le peuple se procurait-il de l'eau lors de ses déplacements? Une tradition juive dit que le rocher accompagnait les Israélites dans le désert. Paul se fait l'écho de cette interprétation et précise que le rocher est une préfiguration du Christ: « ils buvaient en effet au rocher spirituel qui les accompagnait, et ce rocher était le Christ » (1 Cor 10.4).
What Does This Mean?
The Israelites moved into the desert of Zin and settled in Kadesh. During this time, Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, died and was buried there. This verse simply records a significant event in the journey of the Israelites.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're on a big family trip, and you have to stop at a campsite for a while. During this stop, something sad happens: a family member passes away and is buried there. That's what happened to the Israelites when they stopped at Kadesh, where Miriam, who was like a big sister to everyone, died.
Historical Background
This verse was written by Moses, likely around 1400 BC, as part of his record of the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. The audience was the Israelites, and the cultural setting was nomadic, with the people depending heavily on divine guidance and provisions.
Living It Out Today
Today, we can reflect on this verse when we face transitions or significant changes in our lives. Just as the Israelites moved from place to place, we too must navigate through different phases of life, sometimes facing loss along the way.
Topics
journeyfaithlossleadershipwomen in the Biblewilderness
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of Miriam's death?
Miriam's death marks an important transition in the leadership of the Israelites. As a key figure alongside her brothers, her passing signified the end of an era and a shift in the journey's dynamics.
Why is Kadesh important in the Bible?
Kadesh was a significant stopping point for the Israelites during their journey. It was here that important events like Miriam's death occurred, marking it as a crucial location in their history.
What lessons can we learn from this verse?
This verse teaches us about transitions and loss. Just as the Israelites faced a significant loss in Miriam, we can learn to cope with change and loss in our lives with faith and resilience.
How does this relate to the broader narrative of the Israelites?
This event is part of the broader narrative of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It shows the challenges and losses they faced along the way, emphasizing the importance of divine guidance.