Numbers 20:22-29

Aaron Dies

22 The whole community of Israel started out from Kadesh. They arrived at Mount Hor.

23 It was near the border of Edom. There the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron. He said,

24 "Aaron will join the members of his family who have already died. He will not enter the land I am giving to the people of Israel. Both of you refused to obey my command. You did it at the waters of Meribah.

25 "So get Aaron and his son Eleazar. Take them up Mount Hor.

26 Take Aaron's official robes off him. Put them on his son Eleazar. Aaron will die on Mount Hor. He will join the members of his family who have already died."

27 Moses did just as the LORD had commanded. The three men went up Mount Hor while the whole community was watching.

28 Moses took Aaron's official robes off him. He put them on Aaron's son Eleazar. And Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain.

29 The whole community found out that Aaron had died. So the entire nation of Israel sobbed over him for 30 days.

Numbers 20:22-29 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 20

In this chapter is an account of the children of Israel coming to the wilderness of Zin, where Miriam died, and where wanting water they murmured, Nu 20:1-5, upon which Moses and Aaron applied to the Lord, who ordered Moses to speak to a rock, which should give forth water, and which being smitten by him, accordingly did, Nu 20:6-11, but Moses and Aaron, in their conduct of this affair, displeased the Lord, Nu 20:12,13, after this, Moses sent to the king of Edom to desire a passage through his country, which request was refused, Nu 20:14-21, upon Israel's coming to Mount Hor, Aaron, by order, went up to the mount, and, when stripped of his clothes, which were put on his son Eleazar, he died, lamented by all the people, Nu 20:22-29.