Lexical Summary Moserah or Moseroth: Moserah, Moseroth Original Word: מוֹסֵרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Mosera, Moseroth Or (plural) Mocrowth {mo-ser-othe'} feminine of mowcer; correction or corrections; Moserah or Moseroth, a place in the Desert -- Mosera, Moseroth. see HEBREW mowcer NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfem. of moser Definition a place in the wilderness where Aaron died NASB Translation Moserah (1), Moseroth (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֹסֵרוֺת proper name, of a location id., Numbers 33:30,31. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Moserah (also Moseroth) designates an encampment of Israel in the wilderness journey between Mount Sinai and the Plains of Moab. Situated between Hashmonah and Bene Jaakan (Numbers 33:30–31), the site lay in the northern reaches of the Arabah, south of Edom’s highlands. Its position along the ancient trade route that skirted the western edge of the Edomite range made it a logical stopping point for a nation on the move with flocks, herds, and the Tabernacle. Place in the Exodus Itinerary Numbers 33 lists Moseroth and the closely related name Moserah within Israel’s forty-two stations. The double notation—“They set out from Hashmonah and camped at Moseroth. They set out from Moseroth and camped at Bene Jaakan” (Numbers 33:30–31)—suggests either (1) a broader district with several stopping points or (2) a pause of sufficient duration to warrant recording both arrival and departure. The order preserves a faithful travel log recorded by Moses (Numbers 33:2). Association with Aaron’s Death Deuteronomy recalls, “There Aaron died and was buried, and Eleazar his son became priest in his place” (Deuteronomy 10:6). This appears to locate Aaron’s death at Moserah rather than Mount Hor (Numbers 20:23-28). The best synthesis is that Moserah refers to the region, while Mount Hor names the specific peak within that region. Just as a modern obituary can state a person died in a county while another document notes the precise hospital, so Scripture can affirm both statements without contradiction. Levitical Significance Moserah becomes the backdrop for the passing of the high-priestly office from Aaron to Eleazar. The transition underscores the enduring nature of priestly mediation. Though Moses interceded for the people after the golden calf incident (Deuteronomy 10:10), the priesthood was not abolished; instead, it was confirmed through the solemn burial of Aaron and the investiture of Eleazar. Thus Moserah silently witnesses both divine judgment (Aaron’s death) and divine mercy (continuity of atonement through a new high priest). Covenantal Themes 1. Faithfulness of God: The Lord guided Israel to every station, including Moserah, validating His promise never to forsake the covenant people (Deuteronomy 1:31-33). Ministry Application Pastors and teachers may draw from Moserah the lesson that every ministry must prepare for godly succession. Congregations should nurture emerging leaders long before transition becomes urgent, trusting that the Head of the Church provides continuity. Historical Reflections Jewish tradition often linked Moserah with the region of Wadi el-Musa near Petra. While exact archaeology remains inconclusive, the enduring memory of Aaron’s grave among local peoples testifies to the event’s historical footprint. Connections to the New Testament The death-and-succession motif at Moserah foreshadows the greater exchange enacted at the cross. Aaron’s passing handed the ephod to Eleazar; Jesus’ resurrection “holds His priesthood permanently” (Hebrews 7:24), rendering further succession unnecessary. Believers therefore rest in a High Priest who will never be replaced. Summary Moserah marks more than a campsite; it stands as a turning point where leadership changed hands yet covenant grace remained steady. Through its brief mentions, Scripture weaves a rich tapestry of geography, history, and theology that equips the faithful for confident pilgrimage under the unchanging guidance of God. Forms and Transliterations בְּמֹסֵרֽוֹת׃ במסרות׃ מִמֹּסֵר֑וֹת מוֹסֵרָ֑ה מוסרה ממסרות bə·mō·sê·rō·wṯ bemoseRot bəmōsêrōwṯ mim·mō·sê·rō·wṯ mimmōsêrōwṯ mimoseRot mō·w·sê·rāh moseRah mōwsêrāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 33:30 HEB: מֵֽחַשְׁמֹנָ֑ה וַֽיַּחֲנ֖וּ בְּמֹסֵרֽוֹת׃ NAS: from Hashmonah and camped at Moseroth. KJV: and encamped at Moseroth. INT: Hashmonah and camped Moseroth Numbers 33:31 Deuteronomy 10:6 3 Occurrences |
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