Numbers 20 Footnotes

20:1 The third rebellion cycle begins with the death of Miriam, beloved older sister of Moses and Aaron, followed by the sin of Moses. In the structure of Numbers this verse establishes the historical setting of the narrative, which then moves from the lengthy sojourn in the Wilderness of Zin area through the Edomite region and into Transjordan, then to the plains of Moab across the Jordan from Jericho. There the Israelites will remain for several months as the Lord prepares them to cross the Jordan and begin the conquest of Canaan. The narrative from Nm 22 through Deuteronomy and up to Jos 4 is set in the plains of Moab.