Berean Study Bible Water from the RockIsrael entered the final year of its wilderness journey. Nisan, the opening month of the religious calendar and the month of Passover, recalled the Lord’s deliverance from Egypt as a new generation prepared to approach the land. Exo 40:2 On the first day of the first month, set up the tabernacle… the whole congregation of Israel The nation arrived together as the covenant people God had preserved through the wilderness. Exo 16:1 On the fifteenth day of the second month… entered the Wilderness of Zin This barren region south of Canaan brought Israel again to the area from which the earlier generation had refused to enter the land. Num 33:36 They set out from Ezion-geber and camped at Kadesh… and stayed in Kadesh. Kadesh had been the setting of Israel’s earlier unbelief and judgment. It now became a staging place for the events leading to Israel’s entrance into Canaan. Deu 1:46 For this reason you stayed in Kadesh for a long time… There Miriam died and was buried. Miriam, sister of Moses and Aaron, had witnessed the Exodus and shared in Israel’s early leadership. Her death marked the passing of the generation that left Egypt and preceded the deaths of Aaron and Moses. Num 12:15 So Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days,… Now there was no water for the congregation, Israel had returned to the wilderness of Zin near Kadesh, where the lack of water created an immediate crisis for the people and their livestock. Though God had sustained them throughout the wilderness journey, the need exposed the same distrust that had marked earlier generations. Exo 17:1-3 Then the whole congregation of Israel left the Desert… so they gathered against Moses and Aaron. Rather than seeking the Lord, the people turned on the leaders He had appointed. Their complaint continued Israel’s repeated pattern of resisting God’s provision and questioning His servants during the journey to the promised land. Num 16:3 They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them… The people quarreled with Moses Israel again turned its frustration against the leader God had appointed. Their complaint exposed a continuing refusal to trust the Lord’s provision and direction in the wilderness. Exo 17:2 So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water…”… and said, “If only we had perished with our brothers before the LORD! They referred to those who had died under God’s judgment and preferred death to the hardships before them. Forgetting God’s past deliverance, they viewed their present circumstances without faith in His promise or purpose. Num 14:2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron,… Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly Israel still identified itself as the people gathered by the LORD, yet the complaint against Moses and Aaron revealed distrust of the God who had redeemed and led them. Their words continued the pattern of grumbling that had marked the wilderness journey. Num 14:2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron,… into this wilderness The people were in the Desert of Zin, a barren region where water and pasture were scarce. God had brought them there according to His purpose, but Israel treated the hardship as evidence that their leaders had failed them. Exo 16:3 If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt!… for us and our livestock to die here? Fear for their families and herds drove the complaint. Livestock were essential to Israel’s food, clothing, wealth, and worship, but their concern overlooked God’s past provision and His promise to bring the nation into the land He had given them. Exo 17:3 But the people thirsted for water there, and they grumbled… Why have you led us up out of Egypt Israel again blamed Moses for leading them from Egypt, forgetting the slavery and oppression from which God had delivered them. Their hardship in the wilderness led them to idealize the land of their former bondage. Exo 17:3 But the people thirsted for water there, and they grumbled… to bring us to this wretched place? At Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin, the people faced a harsh, dry region and responded with resentment rather than trust. Their complaint revealed the same unbelief that had delayed their entry into Canaan. Num 14:3 Why is the LORD bringing us into this land… It is not a place of grain, figs, vines, or pomegranates— They contrasted the wilderness with the fruitful land God had promised them. These crops represented the settled abundance of Canaan, which the generation had forfeited through disobedience. Deu 8:8 a land of wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, and pomegranates;… and there is no water to drink!” The immediate crisis was a genuine lack of water, yet the people directed their fear and anger against God’s appointed leaders. God would provide water, though the event would also expose Moses’ failure to honor Him before the people. Exo 17:1-7 Then the whole congregation of Israel left the Desert… Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly As the people quarreled over the lack of water, Moses and Aaron withdrew from the conflict rather than answer in anger or rely on human judgment. Their leadership required them to bring the nation’s crisis before the Lord. Num 16:42-43 But when the congregation gathered against them,… to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. They came to the place appointed for God’s presence and direction among Israel. At the entrance of the tabernacle, the leaders sought the Lord’s instruction for a situation they could not resolve themselves. Exo 33:9-10 As Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud… They fell facedown, Moses and Aaron humbled themselves before God in submission and urgent appeal. Their posture acknowledged the Lord’s authority over them and over the congregation. Num 14:5 Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown before the assembly… and the glory of the LORD appeared to them. God visibly revealed His presence, showing that He had heard and would direct His servants. Though Israel’s unbelief and complaints continued, the Lord remained present with His people and prepared to provide for their need. Num 14:10 But the whole congregation threatened to stone Joshua… And the LORD said to Moses, God addressed Moses directly as Israel’s appointed leader and mediator during the crisis at Kadesh. In the fortieth year of the wilderness journey, the people had again complained over the lack of water. The LORD’s command would provide for their need, but it would also test whether Moses and Aaron would carry out His instruction exactly. Exo 6:1 But the LORD said to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do… “Take the staff and assemble the congregation. The staff kept before the Lord represented God’s authority and reminded Israel of His past acts of provision. Moses and Aaron were to gather the people so that the Lord’s provision would be seen by the whole community. Exo 4:17 But take this staff in your hand so you can perform signs… You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock while they watch, Both leaders were to obey God’s command together. They were not told to strike the rock, but to speak to it publicly, showing that the water would come by God’s word and power. Exo 4:30-31 And Aaron relayed everything the LORD had said to Moses.… and it will pour out its water. God promised an abundant supply in the wilderness, where Israel had no natural source of water. Exo 17:6 Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb.… You will bring out water from the rock and provide drink for the congregation and their livestock.” The provision was sufficient for the entire camp and their animals, demonstrating the Lord’s care for every need of His people. Psa 105:41 He opened a rock, and water gushed out; it flowed… So Moses took the staff Moses took the staff kept before the LORD, likely Aaron’s rod, the sign of God’s confirmed priestly authority and His care for Israel. Exo 4:20 So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey… from the LORD’s presence, It had been kept at the Tabernacle, where the LORD dwelt among His people and directed their journey. Num 17:10 The LORD said to Moses, “Put Aaron’s staff back…”… just as he had been commanded. Moses obeyed God in taking the staff, though he would soon fail to carry out the command exactly as given. Exo 40:16 Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him. Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly in front of the rock, Moses and Aaron called the people together at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin, where Israel again faced a shortage of water. The public gathering underscored the seriousness of the people’s complaint and placed the coming act of provision before the entire congregation. Deu 31:12-13 Assemble the people—men, women, children… and Moses said to them, “Listen now, you rebels, Wearied by Israel’s repeated unbelief and complaints, Moses spoke in anger. The people had continually resisted the Lord’s care and authority throughout the wilderness journey, yet Moses’ harsh words revealed that he too was failing to honor God rightly in this moment. Ezk 2:5-7 And whether they listen or refuse to listen… must we bring you water out of this rock?” By speaking of “we,” Moses and Aaron appeared to claim a role that belonged to God alone. The Lord would provide water from the rock, but Moses did not treat Him as holy before the people. This failure brought God’s judgment: Moses and Aaron would not lead Israel into the Promised Land. Exo 17:6 Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb.… Then Moses raised his hand Moses acted publicly as Israel’s appointed leader and as the one through whom God had previously displayed His power. Exo 17:11 As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed;… and struck the rock twice with his staff, God had commanded Moses to speak to the rock, but Moses struck it twice instead. His anger toward the people and failure to honor God before the congregation brought serious consequences. Exo 17:6 Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb.… so that a great amount of water gushed out, God still provided abundant water for Israel in the wilderness, showing His faithfulness despite Moses’ disobedience and the people’s complaints. Psa 78:16 He brought streams from the stone and made water flow… and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink. The water supplied the entire community and their animals, meeting an immediate need in a barren place. Psa 78:15 He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink… But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, God addressed both leaders because both had failed at the waters of Meribah. Moses was Israel’s appointed leader and Aaron its high priest; their conduct carried public weight before the nation. Exo 6:13 Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, giving them a charge… “Because you did not trust Me At Meribah, God commanded Moses to speak to the rock, but Moses struck it twice in anger. Water came forth, yet Moses and Aaron did not obey God’s instruction or depend on Him in the manner He required. Deu 1:32 But in spite of all this, you did not trust the LORD… to show My holiness Their actions failed to set God apart as holy before Israel. By speaking and acting rashly, they obscured God’s authority and grace in providing water for the people. Lev 10:3 Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant… in the sight of the Israelites, The failure occurred before the entire assembly. Israel saw its leaders act contrary to God’s command, making their disobedience especially serious. Deu 31:7 Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him… you will not bring this assembly into the land Moses and Aaron would not lead Israel across the Jordan into Canaan. Though they had guided the nation from Egypt through the wilderness, their disobedience brought this lasting consequence. Deu 32:52 Although you shall see from a distance the land… that I have given them.” The land remained God’s gift to Israel and the fulfillment of His covenant promise. Moses and Aaron’s judgment did not alter God’s purpose to bring His people into their inheritance. Exo 6:8 And I will bring you into the land that I swore to give… These were the waters of Meribah, These were the waters of Meribah, meaning “quarreling” or “strife,” where Israel quarreled with the Lord near Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin. The name commemorated their contention with God despite His continued provision and care. Exo 17:7 He named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites… where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, At Meribah, the Israelites demanded water and accused Moses and Aaron of leading them into danger. Their complaint revealed distrust of the LORD, who had sustained them throughout the wilderness. Exo 17:2 So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water…”… and He showed His holiness among them. God supplied water from the rock, displaying both His power and His faithfulness. Yet Moses and Aaron failed to honor Him as holy before the people, and their disobedience brought serious consequences. Deu 32:51 For at the waters of Meribah-kadesh in the Wilderness…
Edom Refuses PassageKadesh was a principal Israelite encampment near Edom’s border, where Miriam died and Moses later struck the rock. Moses approached Edom through official messengers, seeking peaceful passage rather than conflict. Though Edom was a separate nation, its people descended from Esau, Jacob’s brother. Jdg 11:17 Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom,… “This is what your brother Israel says: Moses appealed to the relationship between the two nations. Calling Israel Edom’s brother reminded the king that both peoples shared the patriarch Isaac as their ancestor. Deu 23:7-8 Do not despise an Edomite, for he is your brother.… You know all the hardship that has befallen us, Israel’s history of suffering in Egypt and its long wilderness journey was known beyond its borders. Moses began with their affliction before explaining their request, presenting Israel as a people seeking safe travel rather than war. Exo 18:8 Then Moses recounted to his father-in-law… how our fathers went down to Egypt, Jacob’s family entered Egypt during the famine through Joseph’s provision. What began as a household seeking food became the setting in which Israel multiplied into a people. Deu 10:22 Your fathers went down to Egypt, seventy in all,… where we lived many years. Israel remained in Egypt for generations, growing from Jacob’s seventy descendants into a great nation. Exo 12:40-41 Now the duration of the Israelites’ stay in Egypt… The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers, After Joseph’s death, Pharaoh enslaved Israel through forced labor and sought to restrain their growth by ordering the death of Hebrew sons. Their oppression prepared the way for God’s deliverance under Moses. Deu 26:6 But the Egyptians mistreated us and afflicted us… and when we cried out to the LORD, Israel remembered how their ancestors appealed to God under Egyptian oppression. Their deliverance began with God’s response to their suffering and His covenant faithfulness. Exo 2:23-25 After a long time, the king of Egypt died.… He heard our voice, God did not ignore their bondage or distress. He acted on behalf of His people and showed Himself faithful to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Exo 3:7 The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction… sent an angel, God provided supernatural protection and guidance during the departure from Egypt and throughout the wilderness journey. The angel served as God’s agent in leading and guarding Israel. Exo 23:20 Behold, I am sending an angel before you to protect you… and brought us out of Egypt. The Exodus was Israel’s defining act of deliverance, ending generations of slavery and establishing them as the people God had redeemed for Himself. Exo 13:14 In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’… Now look, we are in Kadesh, Kadesh-barnea was a major encampment near the southern approach to Canaan. It was associated with Israel’s earlier failure to enter the land after the report of the spies and became the setting for renewed movement toward the Promised Land. Deu 1:19 And just as the LORD our God had commanded us,… a city on the edge of your territory. Israel was positioned near Edom’s border and requested permission to pass through its land. Their appeal recalled the shared ancestry of Israel and Edom through Jacob and Esau, yet Edom refused them passage. Jos 15:1-4 Now the allotment for the clans of the tribe of Judah… Please let us pass through your land. Israel asked Edom for safe transit as the nation moved toward the land God had promised. Edom lay south and east of the Dead Sea and was inhabited by the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother. Their shared ancestry made Israel’s request a reasonable appeal to kinship as well as diplomacy. Jdg 11:19 And Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites… We will not go through any field or vineyard, Israel promised not to damage crops or enter cultivated land. Fields and vineyards represented the livelihood and food supply of Edomite communities, and Israel sought to give no cause for conflict. Deu 23:24 When you enter your neighbor’s vineyard, you may eat your fill… or drink water from any well. In this dry region, wells were valuable and often controlled by local settlements or families. Israel pledged not to draw upon Edom’s limited resources during the journey. Deu 2:6 You are to pay them in silver for the food… We will stay on the King’s Highway; The King’s Highway was a major north-south route through Transjordan, used by travelers, merchants, and armies. Remaining on it would allow Israel to pass through efficiently without spreading into Edomite territory. Num 21:22 Let us pass through your land. We will not turn aside… we will not turn to the right or to the left Israel assured Edom that the people would not wander from the established road, enter villages, or seek supplies from the surrounding land. Deu 5:32 So be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you;… until we have passed through your territory.” Israel sought only temporary passage, not settlement or control. The request was peaceful and carefully limited, but Edom later refused to allow them through. Num 21:23 But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory.… But Edom answered, Edom descended from Esau, Jacob’s brother, yet the two peoples had long lived in hostility. Israel’s approach brought that ancient division into view as Edom refused to receive its kinsmen. Psa 137:7 Remember, O LORD, the sons of Edom on the day… “You may not travel through our land, Israel sought passage along the main route through Edomite territory, promising not to damage fields, vineyards, or wells. Edom’s refusal forced Israel to take a longer route around its land. Jdg 11:17-18 Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom,… or we will come out and confront you with the sword.” Edom backed its refusal with the threat of armed resistance. Though Israel had no intention of attacking, Edom treated their passage as an invasion, preserving the conflict that would continue between the two nations. Amo 1:11-12 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions… “We will stay on the main road,” Israel promises to use the King’s Highway, the established north-south route through Edom, without turning into fields, vineyards, or settlements. They seek passage rather than control of Edomite land. Deu 2:27 Let us pass through your land; we will stay… the Israelites replied, Though Israel descended from Jacob and Edom from Esau, and conflict had long marked their relationship, Israel approaches Edom with a request for peaceful travel. Jdg 11:17 Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom,… “and if we or our herds drink your water, Recognizing that water was limited and valuable in Edom’s dry land, Israel offers payment for anything taken by people or livestock. Deu 2:28 You can sell us food to eat and water to drink… we will pay for it. They are willing to bear the cost of their journey and respect Edom’s right to its own resources. Deu 2:29 Just as the descendants of Esau who live in Seir… There will be no problem; Israel assures Edom that no harm, military action, or disruption will come from their passage. Gen 26:29 you will not harm us, just as we have not harmed you… only let us pass through on foot.” They ask only to continue through the land on their way toward Canaan, without settling or claiming any part of Edom. Jdg 11:19 And Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites… But Edom insisted, “You may not pass through.” Edom, descended from Esau, refused passage to Israel despite their shared ancestry through Esau and Jacob. The family relationship did not overcome the old division between the two brothers’ descendants. Edom feared the great number of Israelites and would not risk allowing them to travel through its territory. Jdg 11:17 Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom,… And they came out to confront the Israelites with a large army Edom treated Israel’s request as a serious threat to its security and gathered its forces to defend the border. Their response showed that Israel would not enter the land by negotiation or force against Edom. Deu 2:32-33 So Sihon and his whole army came out for battle… and a strong hand. Edom’s display of strength expressed both military power and firm determination. Though Israel had been delivered from Egypt by God’s power, they were not commanded to fight their relatives on this occasion and turned away from Edom’s border. Exo 6:1 But the LORD said to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do… So Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through their territory, Edom was descended from Esau, Jacob’s brother, and occupied the rugged highlands south of the Dead Sea. Despite Israel’s request for peaceful passage along the main road, Edom responded with a military threat and denied access. The refusal forced Israel to abandon the direct route northward and continue its journey by a longer path. Deu 2:4-6 You will pass through the territory of your brothers… and Israel turned away from them. Israel did not fight Edom, in keeping with God’s command not to contend with the descendants of Esau, whose land God had given them. The nation withdrew and traveled around Edom, accepting the delay rather than taking territory that had not been assigned to them. Deu 2:8 So we passed by our brothers, the descendants of Esau,…
The Death of AaronIsrael left the place marked by rebellion, judgment, and the failure of Moses and Aaron at the waters of Meribah. Kadesh had also been associated with the earlier refusal to enter Canaan, when the people feared the land and its inhabitants. Deu 2:14 The time we spent traveling from Kadesh-barnea… the whole congregation of Israel The nation traveled together under God’s direction as His covenant people. Their shared journey reflected the consequences of both their obedience and rebellion throughout the wilderness years. Exo 12:6 You must keep it until the fourteenth day of the month… came to Mount Hor. Near the border of Edom, Mount Hor became the place where Aaron died and where the high priesthood passed to his son Eleazar. As Israel approached Canaan, the death of Aaron marked the passing of an earlier generation and a significant transition in Israel’s leadership. Deu 32:50 And there on the mountain that you climb, you will die… And at Mount Hor, Mount Hor was the place appointed for Aaron’s death during Israel’s wilderness journey. Traditionally identified with Jebel Harun near Petra, it stood near the southern approaches to Canaan and marked a decisive transition in Israel’s leadership. Deu 32:50 And there on the mountain that you climb, you will die… near the border of the land of Edom, Israel had reached the territory of Edom, descendants of Esau, whose refusal to grant passage had forced the nation to travel around its borders. Though the promised land was near, the generation that left Egypt was passing away under God’s judgment. Deu 2:4-8 You will pass through the territory of your brothers… the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, God directed both brothers as He prepared Aaron’s final act of service and the transfer of the high priesthood to Eleazar. Exo 6:13 Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, giving them a charge… “Aaron will be gathered to his people; Aaron’s death is near, and he will join those who died before him. His passing marks the end of a generation that led Israel from Egypt but would not enter Canaan. Num 27:13 After you have seen it, you too will be gathered… he will not enter the land that I have given the Israelites, Though Aaron served as Israel’s high priest, he would share Moses’ judgment and remain outside the Promised Land. God’s promise to Israel would stand, but its fulfillment would pass to the next generation. Deu 32:52 Although you shall see from a distance the land… because both of you rebelled against My command at the waters of Meribah. At Meribah (“quarreling”), Moses and Aaron failed to honor God as holy before the people by acting contrary to His command. Their disobedience brought lasting consequences, even upon Israel’s leading servants. Num 27:14 for when the congregation contended in the Wilderness of Zin… Take Aaron and his son Eleazar Aaron’s priestly office was to pass publicly to Eleazar, preserving the God-appointed line of high priests. As Aaron’s death approached, Eleazar would assume responsibility for Israel’s sacrificial worship and priestly service. Lev 8:2 Take Aaron and his sons, their garments… and bring them up Mount Hor. Mount Hor stood near the border of Edom and became the place of Aaron’s final act of obedience. There Aaron would die, and Eleazar would be installed in his place, showing that the priesthood continued even as its first high priest passed away. Num 33:37-39 They set out from Kadesh and camped at Mount Hor… Remove Aaron’s priestly garments Aaron’s priestly service ends as God directs the removal of the garments that marked his high-priestly authority. Their removal visibly transfers the office and confirms that the priesthood continues according to God’s appointment. Lev 16:23-24 Then Aaron is to enter the Tent of Meeting,… and put them on his son Eleazar. Eleazar succeeds his father as high priest before the assembled people. The transfer establishes continuity in Aaron’s line and prepares Eleazar to serve Israel in worship and leadership. Exo 29:29-30 The holy garments that belong to Aaron will belong… Aaron will be gathered to his people Aaron’s death brings his earthly ministry to its appointed end. Though he will not enter the Promised Land because of his disobedience at Meribah, he dies as one belonging to the covenant people of God. Num 27:13 After you have seen it, you too will be gathered… and will die there.” Aaron dies on Mount Hor, near the close of Israel’s wilderness journey. His death marks a change in leadership as Eleazar assumes the priesthood and Israel moves toward the land God promised. Num 33:38 At the LORD’s command, Aaron the priest climbed Mount Hor… So Moses did as the LORD had commanded, Moses carried out God’s instruction without resistance, even though it involved the approaching death of his brother and longtime companion. His obedience upheld the Lord’s authority before Israel at a decisive moment in the wilderness journey. Exo 40:16 Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him. and they climbed Mount Hor Moses, Aaron, and Eleazar ascended the mountain near the border of Edom. There Aaron’s priestly garments would be transferred to Eleazar, marking the continuation of the high priesthood as Aaron’s service came to its end. Num 33:38-39 At the LORD’s command, Aaron the priest climbed Mount Hor… in the sight of the whole congregation. Israel watched as their leaders went up the mountain, recognizing the solemn public transition. Aaron’s death and Eleazar’s appointment confirmed that the priesthood belonged to the Lord and would continue according to His command. Num 27:18-23 And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun,… After Moses had removed Aaron’s garments Moses carried out God’s command by removing the garments that marked Aaron’s office as high priest. The act publicly ended Aaron’s service and established an orderly transfer of priestly leadership before his death. Exo 29:29-30 The holy garments that belong to Aaron will belong… and put them on his son Eleazar, Eleazar received the sacred garments in the presence of Moses, confirming him as Israel’s new high priest. The priesthood continued without interruption as God provided a successor for Aaron. Deu 10:6-7 The Israelites traveled from Beeroth Bene-jaakan… Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Aaron’s death on Mount Hor fulfilled the Lord’s word that he would not enter the Promised Land because of his disobedience at the waters of Meribah. His death ended the ministry of Israel’s first high priest after many years of service. Num 33:38-39 At the LORD’s command, Aaron the priest climbed Mount Hor… Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain. Moses returned as Israel’s leader, and Eleazar descended as the newly appointed high priest. The people would now continue their journey with the leadership God had provided. Exo 34:29 And when Moses came down from Mount Sinai… When the whole congregation saw that Aaron had died, Aaron’s death ended the ministry of Israel’s first high priest, who had served alongside Moses from the days of the exodus. On Mount Hor, his priestly garments were transferred to his son Eleazar, preserving the high-priestly office for the nation. Num 33:38-39 At the LORD’s command, Aaron the priest climbed Mount Hor… the entire house of Israel mourned for him Though Aaron had known failure as well as faithfulness, Israel recognized his central place in their life before God. The nation shared in the loss of the man who had represented them in priestly service for many years. 1Sa 28:3 Now by this time Samuel had died, and all Israel… thirty days. The extended mourning period honored Aaron’s standing as a national leader and allowed Israel to mark the transition from his ministry to Eleazar’s priesthood. Deu 34:8 The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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