20:1 the first month. This would be at the end of the 40 years of wandering decreed in 14:32–34. The period of wandering in the wilderness was nearing its end. Everyone under 40 or even 50 was in effect from a new generation, about to begin the next part of God’s plan—entrance into Canaan and conquest of the Promised Land.

Miriam died. Moses’ sister was a godly woman. When Moses was a baby she had helped preserve him from destruction (Ex. 2:4–10). After the deliverance at the Red Sea she had led the victory celebration (Ex. 15:20, 21). Yet 12:5–15 shows her serious sin and the resulting punishment.