Numbers 20:1-29

The departure from Kadesh ch. 20

Here begins the fourth and last leg of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

1. From Egypt to Sinai (Exodus 12-19)

2. From Sinai to Kadesh (Numbers 11-12)

3. From Kadesh back to Kadesh-38 years of wilderness wandering (Numbers 15-19)

4. From Kadesh to Transjordan (Numbers 20-21)

The first two of these journeys each began with triumph but ended in tragedy. The third and fourth each began with tragedy but ended in triumph.

"The focus of the narratives in chs. 13-19 has been the sin of the people and the trouble caused by it. In chs. 20-21 this focus is still present, to be sure (Numbers 20:2-13; Numbers 21:4-9), but it is beginning to shift to victories given by Yahweh as the people approach Canaan (Numbers 21:1-3; Numbers 21:21-35). It should be remembered that these victories were given to the old generation that was under a death sentence in the wilderness. A new day is coming for the Israelites." [Note: Ashley, p. 375.]