How does Numbers 20:28 connect with Deuteronomy 10:6 regarding Aaron's death? Scriptural snapshots • Numbers 20:28 – “Moses removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar. Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain.” • Deuteronomy 10:6 – “The Israelites set out from Beeroth Bene-jaakan for Moserah. Aaron died there and was buried, and Eleazar his son succeeded him as priest.” Geographical harmony • Mount Hor (Numbers 20) is the peak where Aaron physically passed away. • Moserah (Deuteronomy 10) is the broader district/camp in the Arabah where Israel was encamped when the death occurred. • Numbers 33:30–31 links the two names in Israel’s itinerary: “They set out from Hashmonah and camped at Moseroth. They set out from Moseroth and camped at Bene-jaakan.” • The route list shows Moseroth/Moserah and Bene-jaakan as stages around Mount Hor, indicating the same general locale viewed from different vantage points—mountain versus campsite. Chronological harmony • Numbers narrates the event itself (the day Aaron died). • Deuteronomy recalls it decades later as Moses summarizes the journey; he groups locations thematically rather than strictly sequentially, explaining why the order differs without contradiction. Purpose in Deuteronomy • Moses highlights key covenant moments; Aaron’s death and Eleazar’s succession form part of his reminder that priestly leadership, like the Law, must continue unbroken (cf. Deuteronomy 10:8–9). Lessons on leadership transition • God visibly transfers authority: Aaron’s garments placed on Eleazar (Numbers 20:28; cf. Exodus 28:2). • The community witnesses continuity—no vacuum in spiritual oversight (Hebrews 5:4). Life application • God sovereignly oversees every leadership change; His purposes advance unhindered. • Physical locations may shift, but covenant faithfulness remains the constant landmark for God’s people. Scripture speaks with one voice: Numbers pinpoints the mountain, Deuteronomy names the campsite. Together they give a full, literal account of Aaron’s death and the seamless succession of the high priesthood. |
    |