Lexical Summary Hor: Hor Original Word: הֹר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Hor Another form of har; mountain; Hor, the name of a peak in Idumaea and of one in Syria -- Hor. see HEBREW har NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition two mountains in Pal. NASB Translation Hor (12). Brown-Driver-Briggs הֹר proper name, of a mountain 1. mountain on border of Edom, always הֹר הָהָר, named as stage in Israel's journey to CanaanNum Ezekiel 20:22; Ezekiel 21:4; Ezekiel 33:37; Deuteronomy 32:50; as place of Aaron's death Numbers 20:23,25,27; Numbers 33:38,39,41; Deuteronomy 32:50 (all P); = modern Jebel Nebi Hârûn approximately 50 miles south of Dead Sea, just south (southwest) of Petra, according to RobBR ii. 125, 152, compare 519 ff. BdPal 153; disputed by Ew Kn Di, & especially TrumbullKadesh Barnea 128 ff., who thinks of J. Madurah, northwest of Edom. 2. a northeast spur of Lebanon Numbers 34:7,8 (P); modern Jebel Akkar compare PorterDamascus, ed. 2, p. 333 NbrGeogr. du Talm. p. 9 FurrerZPV viii. 27; yet see Di. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Mount Hor designates two distinct summits associated with Israel’s wilderness journey and inheritance. 1. Southern Mount Hor rises on the border of Edom, generally identified with Jebel Harun near modern-day Petra. Its lofty twin peaks overlook the Arabah and the ancient King’s Highway, marking the southeastern frontier of the promised land during the exodus era. Biblical Occurrences Twelve verses mention הֹר (Hor), all clustered in Numbers and Deuteronomy: Numbers 20:22-29; 21:4; 33:37-41; 34:7-8; Deuteronomy 32:50. They fall into three narrative blocks: The Death of Aaron and Transfer of Priesthood “Take Aaron and his son Eleazar and bring them up Mount Hor” (Numbers 20:25). On the summit, the high priest removed his sacred garments, placing them upon Eleazar. “Aaron died there on the top of the mountain” (Numbers 20:28). The public elevation demonstrated that priestly authority does not rest in a man but in the divine appointment vested in an office. Aaron’s death in the fortieth year (Numbers 33:38) also underscored the completion of the wilderness sanctions pronounced at Kadesh, as the old generation finished its course. Mount Hor as a Place of Transition Israel “set out from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to bypass the land of Edom” (Numbers 21:4). From there God granted victory over the Canaanite king of Arad, sent the bronze serpent judgment and salvation, and guided His people toward the eastern banks of the Jordan. Thus Mount Hor marks the pivot from wandering to conquest. Priestly Memory and Later Ministry The mountain became a perpetual signpost of covenant faithfulness. By dying outside Canaan, Aaron bore the consequence of unbelief at Meribah (Numbers 20:24), yet his burial on a border height portrayed hopeful anticipation: the priesthood would cross even if he did not. Generations of priests tracing lineage through Eleazar could look to Mount Hor as the birthplace of their ministry, fostering humility and dependence on grace rather than pedigree. Boundary Marker in the Promised Land “Your northern border will run from the Great Sea directly to Mount Hor” (Numbers 34:7). In covenant cartography the northern Hor balances the southern Hor, enclosing Israel in the care of the Lord “from sea to mountain.” The inclusion of a mountain likely already renowned for height mirrors the southern choice of an elevated outcrop, giving the nation a divinely chosen skyline under which to dwell. Symbolic and Theological Significance • Mortality of leadership: Even the high priest succumbs to death; only the Lord remains forever. Practical Lessons for Today 1. Leadership transitions are healthiest when conducted publicly and obediently, as on Mount Hor. Summary Mount Hor stands both as a gravesite and a gateway—where one era ended and another began, where judgment met mercy, and where borders were drawn by a faithful Covenant-Keeper. Forms and Transliterations בְּהֹ֣ר בְּהֹ֥ר בהר הֹ֣ר הֹ֥ר הר מֵהֹ֣ר מֵהֹ֤ר מהר bə·hōr beHor bəhōr hor hōr mê·hōr meHor mêhōrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 20:22 HEB: כָּל־ הָעֵדָ֖ה הֹ֥ר הָהָֽר׃ NAS: came to Mount Hor. KJV: and came unto mount Hor. INT: the whole congregation Hor to Mount Numbers 20:23 Numbers 20:25 Numbers 20:27 Numbers 21:4 Numbers 33:37 Numbers 33:38 Numbers 33:39 Numbers 33:41 Numbers 34:7 Numbers 34:8 Deuteronomy 32:50 12 Occurrences |
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