Numbers 20:22-29

The Death of Aaron

22 The whole Israelite community set out from Kadesh and came to Mount Hor.

23 At Mount Hor, near the border of Edom, the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,

24 “Aaron will be gathered to his people. He will not enter the land I give the Israelites, because both of you rebelled against my command at the waters of Meribah.

25 Get Aaron and his son Eleazar and take them up Mount Hor.

26 Remove Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, for Aaron will be gathered to his people; he will die there.”

27 Moses did as the LORD commanded: They went up Mount Hor in the sight of the whole community.

28 Moses removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar. And Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain,

29 and when the whole community learned that Aaron had died, all the Israelites mourned for him thirty 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.

Cross References

• 1. Deuteronomy 1:46
• 2. Numbers 33:37; Numbers 34:7; Deuteronomy 32:50
• 3. S ver 16; Numbers 33:37
• 4. S Genesis 25:8
• 5. S ver 10
• 6. S Exodus 17:7
• 7. Numbers 33:38
• 8. Exodus 28:1-4; Exodus 40:13; S Leviticus 16:4
• 9. ver 24; Numbers 27:13; Numbers 31:2
• 10. Numbers 33:38
• 11. S Exodus 29:29
• 12. ver 26; Numbers 33:38; Deuteronomy 10:6; Deuteronomy 32:50
• 13. Deuteronomy 32:50
• 14. S Genesis 27:41; S Leviticus 10:6; S Deuteronomy 34:8