Numbers 20:26

KJV

And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered [unto his people], and shall die there.

KJV (with Strong's)

And strip {H6584} Aaron {H175} of his garments {H899}, and put {H3847} them upon Eleazar {H499} his son {H1121}: and Aaron {H175} shall be gathered {H622} unto his people, and shall die {H4191} there.

Complete Jewish Bible

remove the garments from Aharon and put them on El'azar his son. Aharon will be gathered to his people - he will die there."

Berean Standard Bible

Remove Aaron’s priestly garments and put them on his son Eleazar. Aaron will be gathered to his people and will die there.”

American Standard Version

and strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 20:26 records a solemn divine command for the transfer of the high priestly office from Aaron to his son Eleazar on Mount Hor, immediately preceding Aaron's death. This pivotal moment underscores the severe consequences of disobedience, even for revered leaders, while simultaneously affirming God's unwavering commitment to the continuity of the sacred priesthood and the orderly worship of Israel. The public divestiture of Aaron's garments and investiture of Eleazar visually symbolized this profound transition of authority and responsibility.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This command is situated within a critical turning point in the wilderness narrative, following the Israelites' murmuring for water at Meribah (Numbers 20:1-13). There, both Moses and Aaron, exasperated by the people's rebellion, struck the rock twice instead of speaking to it as God commanded, thereby failing to sanctify God in the eyes of the people. As a direct consequence of this act of disobedience, God declared that neither Moses nor Aaron would lead the people into the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12). The events of Numbers 20:22-29, including Aaron's death, serve as the immediate fulfillment of this divine judgment, marking the end of the generation that left Egypt and the transition of leadership to the next generation, preparing for the conquest of Canaan. The transfer of the high priesthood is thus integral to the ongoing covenant relationship and the functioning of Israel's worship system as they approach the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The high priesthood was the most significant religious office in ancient Israel, established by divine decree (Exodus 28-29) and held by Aaron and his descendants. The high priest served as the chief mediator between God and Israel, responsible for the Tabernacle's rituals, the Day of Atonement, and intercession for the nation. The priestly garments, meticulously designed and consecrated, were not mere clothing but symbols of the high priest's dignity, authority, and holiness, representing his unique access to God's presence (Exodus 28:2). The public stripping of Aaron's garments and their transfer to Eleazar was a highly symbolic, ceremonial act, understood by all as the formal, divinely sanctioned passing of the sacred office. Mount Hor, a prominent mountain on the border of Edom, served as a fittingly solemn and isolated location for this momentous event, emphasizing its divine solemnity and finality.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 20:26 encapsulates several profound themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **divine judgment and accountability**, demonstrating that even highly esteemed leaders like Aaron are not exempt from the consequences of disobedience to God's explicit commands (Numbers 20:12). This underscores God's absolute holiness and the seriousness of misrepresenting Him before His people. Secondly, the verse highlights the **continuity and succession of sacred office**. Despite Aaron's failure and impending death, God ensures the unbroken line of the high priesthood through Eleazar, guaranteeing the ongoing function of Israel's worship and mediation system. This reflects God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even amidst human frailty. Thirdly, the **symbolism of the priestly garments** is central, representing the authority, holiness, and divine appointment inherent in the high priestly role. Their transfer is a visible sign of the legitimate transfer of divine mandate. Finally, the phrase "gathered to his people" is a significant biblical **euphemism for death**, often implying a peaceful passing and a reunion with deceased ancestors, suggesting a belief in existence beyond earthly life and a sense of belonging even in death, as seen with patriarchs like Abraham (Genesis 25:8) and Jacob (Genesis 49:29).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strip (Hebrew, _pāšaṭ'_):** This verb means to "strip off," "take off," or "divest." In this context, it signifies the formal, public removal of Aaron's high priestly garments. It is a deliberate, ritualistic act, not merely undressing, emphasizing the divestiture of his office and authority. The public nature of this act underscores the divine judgment and the solemn transfer of sacred responsibility.
* **Garments (Hebrew, _begādîm'_):** These refer specifically to the sacred priestly vestments, including the ephod, breastpiece, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, which were meticulously prescribed by God in Exodus 28. These garments were not merely clothing but were imbued with symbolic meaning, representing the high priest's dignity, authority, and holiness, and were essential for performing his mediatorial duties. Their transfer was the tangible sign of the transfer of the high priestly office itself.
* **Gathered [unto his people] (Hebrew, _ne'ĕsaph el-‘ammāyw'_):** This phrase is a common biblical idiom for death, particularly a peaceful or natural death, used for many patriarchs and righteous individuals. It conveys more than just physical demise; it implies a reunion with one's deceased ancestors in the realm of the dead, suggesting a continuity of kinship and a sense of belonging beyond the grave. For Aaron, it signifies the end of his earthly ministry and his passing into the company of his forebears.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And strip Aaron of his garments":** This command, given by God to Moses, initiates the formal and public act of divesting Aaron of his high priestly office. The stripping of the garments is a powerful visual symbol of the cessation of his mediatorial role and the consequence of his disobedience at Meribah. It is a public declaration that his time as high priest has ended.
* **"and put them upon Eleazar his son":** This clause describes the immediate and direct transfer of the sacred office. By placing Aaron's consecrated garments upon Eleazar, Moses, acting under divine instruction, formally invests Eleazar with the authority, responsibility, and holiness of the high priesthood. This act ensures the continuity of the divinely ordained worship system and the unbroken line of mediation between God and Israel.
* **"and Aaron shall be gathered [unto his people], and shall die there":** This final part of the verse pronounces Aaron's impending death on Mount Hor. The phrase "gathered to his people" is a euphemism, indicating a peaceful passing and joining his ancestors in the afterlife. His death, in this specific location and at this time, is the direct fulfillment of God's judgment pronounced in Numbers 20:12, emphasizing the seriousness of his sin and the holiness of God, who holds even His most esteemed servants accountable.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, primarily through the "garments" which represent not just clothing but the very essence of the high priestly office, its authority, holiness, and mediatorial function. Their stripping and transfer are a powerful visual symbol of the transfer of divine mandate. **Euphemism** is evident in the phrase "gathered [unto his people]," a gentle and common biblical way of referring to death, which often implies a peaceful passing and reunion with deceased kin, rather than a harsh or abrupt end. This softens the stark reality of death while still conveying its finality. Furthermore, the event itself carries a degree of **Foreshadowing**, as Aaron's death and the transfer of his office anticipate Moses' own impending death and the transfer of leadership to Joshua, marking the end of the wilderness generation and preparing for the entry into the Promised Land. The public nature of the transfer also serves as a **Ritual Act**, emphasizing the divine order and solemnity of the succession.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 20:26 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding holiness and the absolute necessity of obedience, even from His chosen leaders. Aaron's death, a direct consequence of his disobedience at Meribah, serves as a stark reminder that sin has consequences, and no position, however exalted, grants immunity from divine judgment. Yet, amidst this judgment, God's faithfulness to His covenant and His people's need for mediation shines through in the immediate and orderly succession of the priesthood. The transfer of the garments signifies that God's purposes are not thwarted by human failure; rather, He sovereignly ensures the continuity of His redemptive plan. This event underscores the temporary and mortal nature of the Old Covenant priesthood, highlighting its need for constant succession, a reality that points forward to a greater, eternal High Priest.

* [Leviticus 10:1-7](/leviticus/10-1-7 "Leviticus 10:1-7 - Nadab and Abihu's Disobedience and Death")
* [Deuteronomy 34:5](/deuteronomy/34-5 "Deuteronomy 34:5 - The Death of Moses")
* [Hebrews 7:23-24](/hebrews/7-23-24 "Hebrews 7:23-24 - The Superiority of Christ's Eternal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 20:26 offers profound lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that accountability to God is universal, extending to all, especially those in positions of spiritual leadership. The consequences of disobedience, even seemingly minor ones in the grand scheme, can be severe and affect one's ability to fully participate in God's ultimate promises. This should instill a healthy fear of God and a commitment to meticulous obedience, recognizing the weight of representing Him. Furthermore, the orderly transfer of the high priesthood from Aaron to Eleazar highlights the importance of wise and divinely guided succession planning in spiritual communities. It emphasizes the need to raise up and equip the next generation of leaders, ensuring the continuity of ministry and the faithful stewardship of God's truth. While human leaders are fallible and mortal, God's purposes are eternal and unwavering. We are called to trust in His sovereign plan, even when human instruments fail, and to find comfort in the knowledge that His work will always continue, ultimately culminating in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Aaron's punishment at Meribah and subsequent death challenge our assumptions about grace and judgment, especially for those in leadership?**
* **What does the meticulous transfer of the priestly garments teach us about the sacredness of spiritual office and the importance of orderly succession in the church today?**
* **In what ways does the concept of being "gathered to one's people" offer comfort or insight regarding death for the believer?**
* **How does this passage encourage us to consider our own obedience and accountability to God in our daily lives?**

### FAQ
**Why was Aaron punished so severely for striking the rock instead of speaking to it?**

Answer: Aaron's punishment, alongside Moses', was severe because their disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:12) was not merely a lapse in judgment but a failure to sanctify God in the eyes of the Israelites. God had commanded them to *speak* to the rock, which would have demonstrated His power to provide water simply through His word, mirroring the initial provision in Exodus 17:6 where Moses *struck* the rock. By striking it twice in anger and exasperation, Moses and Aaron acted impulsively, taking the glory for themselves or at least failing to magnify God's holiness and power before the people. Their actions misrepresented God's character and undermined His authority, especially as leaders who were called to exemplify perfect obedience. This public failure by the nation's spiritual leaders, at a critical moment, warranted a significant consequence to uphold God's absolute holiness and the seriousness of obedience.

**What is the significance of the priestly garments being transferred from Aaron to Eleazar?**

Answer: The transfer of the priestly garments was a highly symbolic and legally binding act, signifying the formal and public transfer of the high priestly office. The garments themselves were not mere clothing but were divinely designed and consecrated (Exodus 28:2) to represent the dignity, authority, and holiness of the high priest. They were essential for performing the sacred rituals and mediating between God and Israel. By stripping Aaron of these garments and immediately vesting Eleazar with them, God publicly confirmed Eleazar as the new high priest, endowed with the same divine mandate and authority as his father. This ensured the unbroken continuity of the priesthood, which was vital for the ongoing worship and covenant relationship between God and His people. It was a visible sign of divine succession and the enduring nature of God's covenant purposes.

**What does the phrase "gathered to his people" mean in a biblical context?**

Answer: The phrase "gathered to his people" (or "gathered to his fathers") is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly a peaceful or natural passing. It implies more than just physical death; it suggests a reunion with one's deceased ancestors in the realm of the dead. This concept is seen throughout the Old Testament, for example, with Abraham (Genesis 25:8), Isaac (Genesis 35:29), and Jacob (Genesis 49:29). It points to a continuity of kinship and a sense of belonging even beyond earthly life, indicating an ancient Israelite belief in an existence beyond the grave where one rejoins their family and community. For Aaron, it signifies the end of his earthly pilgrimage and his passing into the company of his forebears in the unseen world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 20:26, with its depiction of Aaron's death and the necessary transfer of his high priestly office, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, perfect High Priest: Jesus Christ. Aaron's priesthood, though divinely ordained, was inherently temporary and flawed, requiring constant succession due to the mortality and sinfulness of its human incumbents. Each high priest, including Aaron, eventually died and had to be "gathered to his people," necessitating a new mediator. This continuous cycle of death and succession highlighted the inadequacy of the Old Covenant system to provide a permanent solution for sin. However, the New Testament reveals that Jesus, our great High Priest, does not die and therefore needs no successor (Hebrews 7:23-24). His priesthood is eternal and unchangeable, established not by human lineage or temporary garments, but by the power of an indestructible life (Hebrews 7:16). Unlike Aaron, who died because of his own sin and the people's, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, taking away the sin of the world (John 1:29). His "gathering" was not to earthly ancestors in death, but a triumphant ascension to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9-11), where He ever lives to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25). Thus, Aaron's temporary investiture and subsequent death on Mount Hor point to the glorious, eternal, and sinless High Priesthood of Christ, who perfectly fulfills all that the Aaronic priesthood could only imperfectly symbolize.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 20:24

Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah.

Exodus 29:29

And the holy garments of Aaron shall be his sons' after him, to be anointed therein, and to be consecrated in them.

Exodus 29:30

[And] that son that is priest in his stead shall put them on seven days, when he cometh into the tabernacle of the congregation to minister in the holy [place].

Hebrews 7:23

And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:

Hebrews 7:24

But this [man], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.

Hebrews 7:11

¶ If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need [was there] that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

Isaiah 22:21

And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.