Numbers 20:1

Into the desert of Zin. That is, the desert territory lying on the borders of Edom (see vs. 14, 15).

In the first month. This would be in Abib, later called Nisan, when the grass was still green (see John 6:10). It would be dry by May or June. This was probably the 40th year of the wilderness wanderings (see Num. 27:14; 33:36-38; PP 410), here passed over with no comment.

In Kadesh. The people apparently remained in Kadesh several months upon this occasion, partly because of good pasture and partly because of the death of Miriam.

Miriam died there. No details regarding her death are given, either as to cause or date. She was probably 132 years of age (Ex. 2:4, 7). Aaron, who died a few months later, was 123 (Num. 33:38, 39), and Moses, 120 (Deut. 34:7).

And was buried there. There is no record of an appointed period of mourning, as later for Aaron (v. 29). This was about 4 months before Aaron’s death (ch. 33:38), and 11 months before Moses’ death. She was the eldest of the three.