At the LORD's command, Aaron the priest climbed Mount Hor and died there on the first day of the fifth month, in the fortieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt. At the LORD’s commandThis phrase underscores the sovereignty and authority of God in the life and death of His servants. The Hebrew word for "command" is "peh," which can also mean "mouth" or "utterance," indicating that Aaron's death was not a random event but a divinely appointed moment. This reflects the biblical theme that God is the author of life and death, and His plans are perfect and purposeful. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and submission to God's will. Aaron the priest
Aaron, the brother of Moses, holds a significant role as the first high priest of Israel. His priesthood is a foreshadowing of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who mediates between God and humanity. Aaron's life, with its triumphs and failures, illustrates the grace of God in using imperfect people for His divine purposes. The title "priest" emphasizes his role in leading the people in worship and sacrifice, pointing to the necessity of holiness and intercession. climbed Mount Hor
Mount Hor is a significant geographical location, marking the boundary of Edom. The act of climbing the mountain symbolizes a journey towards God, often associated with spiritual ascent and meeting with the divine. In biblical narratives, mountains are places of revelation and encounter with God, as seen with Moses on Mount Sinai. Aaron's ascent is both literal and metaphorical, representing his final journey to meet the Lord face to face. and died there
The phrase "and died there" is a stark reminder of the mortality of even the most revered leaders. Aaron's death on Mount Hor signifies the end of an era and the transition of priestly duties to his son, Eleazar. It highlights the biblical truth that while human leaders pass away, God's covenant and promises endure. This moment also serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin, as Aaron was not permitted to enter the Promised Land due to his disobedience at Meribah. on the first day of the fifth month
The specific timing of Aaron's death is significant in the Hebrew calendar, marking a moment of remembrance and transition for the Israelites. The first day of the fifth month, Av, is traditionally a time of reflection and mourning in Jewish history. This precise dating underscores the historical reliability of the biblical narrative and invites readers to consider the importance of marking significant spiritual milestones in their own lives. in the fortieth year
The fortieth year represents the completion of a generation and the fulfillment of God's promise to bring the Israelites to the brink of the Promised Land. Biblically, the number forty often symbolizes a period of testing, trial, and preparation, as seen in the forty days of rain during the flood and Jesus' forty days in the wilderness. This context emphasizes God's faithfulness in leading His people through the wilderness and preparing them for the next chapter in their journey. after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt
This phrase serves as a reminder of God's deliverance and the beginning of Israel's identity as a nation chosen by God. The exodus from Egypt is a foundational event in Israel's history, symbolizing liberation from bondage and the start of a covenant relationship with God. It calls believers to remember their own deliverance from sin and the ongoing journey of faith, trusting in God's guidance and provision. Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. His role was crucial in leading the Israelites in worship and maintaining the priestly duties. 2. Mount HorA significant location where Aaron died. It symbolizes a place of transition and fulfillment of God's word regarding Aaron's death. 3. The Israelites' JourneyThis event occurs in the fortieth year of their wilderness journey, marking a significant moment in their transition from the wilderness to the Promised Land. 4. The LORD’s CommandThis highlights the divine authority and timing in the events of Israel's journey, including the death of Aaron. 5. The Fortieth YearThis marks the completion of a generation's journey, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises and the consequences of disobedience. Teaching Points Obedience to God's TimingAaron's death at God's command reminds us of the importance of submitting to God's timing in our lives. The Role of LeadershipAaron's life and death highlight the responsibilities and accountability of spiritual leaders. The Consequences of DisobedienceThe fortieth year marks the end of a generation that faced consequences for their disobedience, urging us to live faithfully. Transition and FulfillmentMount Hor represents a place of transition, encouraging us to trust God during times of change. Legacy of FaithAaron's legacy as a high priest challenges us to consider the spiritual legacy we are leaving behind. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Aaron's obedience to God's command in his death challenge us in our daily walk with God? 2. In what ways can we see the importance of spiritual leadership in Aaron's life and death, and how can we apply this to our roles in the church today? 3. Reflect on the significance of the fortieth year in the Israelites' journey. How does this encourage us to trust in God's promises despite delays? 4. How can the transition represented by Mount Hor inspire us to embrace changes in our own spiritual journey? 5. Considering Aaron's legacy, what steps can we take to ensure we are leaving a positive spiritual legacy for future generations? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 28Details Aaron's appointment as high priest, connecting his life and ministry to his death on Mount Hor. Deuteronomy 10:6Provides additional context on Aaron's death and the journey of the Israelites. Hebrews 7Discusses the priesthood, drawing parallels between Aaron's priesthood and the eternal priesthood of Christ. Psalm 90Reflects on the brevity of life and the importance of living in obedience to God, relevant to Aaron's life and death. People Aaron, Abel, Arad, Egyptians, Gad, Geber, Israelites, Moses, Perez, Tahath, Terah, ZephonPlaces 0, Abarim, Abel-shittim, Abronah, Almon-diblathaim, Alush, Arad, Baal-zephon, Bene-jaakan, Beth-jeshimoth, Canaan, Dibon-gad, Dophkah, Edom, Egypt, Elim, Etham, Ezion-geber, Hahiroth, Haradah, Hashmonah, Hazeroth, Hor-haggidgad, Iye-abarim, Iyim, Jericho, Jordan River, Jotbathah, Kadesh-barnea, Kehelathah, Kibroth-hattaavah, Libnah, Makheloth, Marah, Migdol, Mithkah, Moab, Moseroth, Mount Hor, Mount Shepher, Nebo, Negev, Oboth, Pi-hahiroth, Punon, Rameses, Red Sea, Rephidim, Rimmon-perez, Rissah, Rithmah, Sinai, Succoth, Tahath, Terah, Zalmonah, ZinTopics Aaron, Ascended, Command, Commandment, Death, Departed, Died, Dieth, Egypt, Fifth, Fortieth, Hor, Israelites, Month, Mount, Mountain, Order, Priest, SonsDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 33:38 4951 month
8404 commands, in OT Numbers 33:3-48 7222 exodus, events of Numbers 33:37-39 4254 mountains Numbers 33:38-39 5072 Aaron, spokesman Library Some Miscellaneous Matters Belonging to the Country About Jericho.
Let us begin from the last encampings of Israel beyond Jordan. Numbers 33:49: "They encamped near Jordan from Beth-jeshimoth unto Abel-shittim."--"From Beth-jeshimoth to Abel-shittim were twelve miles." It is a most received opinion among the Jews, that the tents of the Israelites in the wilderness contained a square of twelve miles. So the Targum of Jonathan, upon Number 2:2; "The encamping of Israel was twelve miles in length, and twelve miles in breadth." And the Gemarists say, "It is forbidden …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaArbel. Shezor. Tarnegola the Upper.
"Arbel a city of Galilee."--There is mention of it in Hosea 10:14. But there are authors which do very differently interpret that place, viz. the Chaldee paraphrast, R. Solomon, Kimchi: consult them. It was between Zippor and Tiberias. Hence Nittai the Arbelite, who was president with Josua Ben Perahiah. The valley of Arbel is mentioned by the Talmudists. So also "The Arbelite Bushel." "Near Zephath in Upper Galilee was a town named Shezor, whence was R. Simeon Shezori: there he was buried. There …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Christ the Water of Life.
"Jesus answered and said unto her, Every one that drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up unto eternal life" (John iv. 13, 14). "Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink" (John vii. 37). "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank …
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 33:38 NIVNumbers 33:38 NLTNumbers 33:38 ESVNumbers 33:38 NASBNumbers 33:38 KJV
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