(The Lord speaking is red text)
And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead.
"The people of Isra'el traveled from the wells of B'nei-Ya'akan to Moserah, where Aharon died and was buried; and El'azar his son took his place, serving in the office of cohen.
The Israelites traveled from Beeroth Bene-jaakan to Moserah, where Aaron died and was buried, and Eleazar his son succeeded him as priest.
(And the children of Israel journeyed from Beeroth Bene-jaakan to Moserah. There Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest’s office in his stead.
And the children{H1121} of Israel{H3478} took their journey{H5265} from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan{H885} to Mosera{H4149}: there Aaron{H175} died{H4191}, and there he was buried{H6912}; and Eleazar{H499} his son{H1121} ministered in the priest's office{H3547} in his stead.
Deuteronomy 10:6 is part of the Pentateuch, traditionally attributed to Moses, and is set within the historical context of the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. This verse specifically references a leg of the Israelites' journey as they move from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera, which is significant for two reasons:
1. **Aaron's Death and Burial**: Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, dies at Mosera. His death marks the end of a significant leadership era for the Israelites. The mention of his burial site holds importance in the biblical narrative, as it is one of the few instances where the location of a patriarch's tomb is specifically noted.
2. **Transition of Priesthood**: The verse also highlights the transition of priestly authority from Aaron to his son Eleazar. This continuity of religious leadership is crucial for the Israelite community, as it ensures the maintenance of religious practices and the continuation of the priestly line, which is central to Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God.
Themes present in this verse include:
- **Divine Continuity**: Despite the loss of Aaron, the priesthood continues through his son, reflecting God's provision for the ongoing needs of His people.
- **Historical Memory**: The recording of the journey's stages, including significant events like Aaron's death, serves as a historical record for future generations, reinforcing the Israelites' identity and their relationship with God.
- **Leadership and Succession**: The smooth handover of priestly duties from father to son underscores the importance of established leadership and order within the community.
- **Sacred Geography**: The mention of place names like Beeroth and Mosera contributes to the sacred geography of the Israelites, linking their faith to specific locations in their national memory.
This verse is part of a larger narrative within Deuteronomy that reiterates the law and the covenant between God and Israel as they stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness throughout their journey and the importance of maintaining their religious identity and practices as they move into a new phase of their history.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)