Numbers 20:28

And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount.

And Moses {H4872} stripped {H6584} Aaron {H175} of his garments {H899}, and put {H3847} them upon Eleazar {H499} his son {H1121}; and Aaron {H175} died {H4191} there in the top {H7218} of the mount {H2022}: and Moses {H4872} and Eleazar {H499} came down {H3381} from the mount {H2022}.

Moshe removed the garments from Aharon, and put them on El'azar his son, and Aharon died there on the top of the mountain. Then Moshe and El'azar came down the mountain.

After Moses had 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.

And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there on the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount.

Commentary

Numbers 20:28 records a profoundly significant event in Israel's wilderness journey: the death of Aaron, the first High Priest, and the solemn transfer of his sacred office to his son, Eleazar. This verse encapsulates themes of divine judgment, leadership succession, and the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel.

Context

This event takes place on Mount Hor, shortly after the incident at Meribah where Moses and Aaron, in a moment of frustration, struck the rock instead of speaking to it as commanded by God. This act of disobedience resulted in God's decree that neither Moses nor Aaron would lead the Israelites into the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12). God had specifically instructed Moses to bring Aaron and Eleazar up Mount Hor for this solemn transition and Aaron's death (Numbers 20:26). The stripping of Aaron's garments and their placement upon Eleazar was a public and symbolic act of transferring the high priestly authority and responsibility, ensuring the continuity of the Levitical priesthood.

Key Themes

  • Succession of the Priesthood: The most immediate theme is the orderly and divinely ordained transfer of the high priestly office. The act of stripping Aaron's garments and clothing Eleazar signifies the continuity of the Levitical priesthood, which was essential for the spiritual life of Israel's worship and atonement.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Aaron's death before entering Canaan serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of disobedience, even for those in positions of great authority. His exclusion from the Promised Land underscores God's holiness and justice, demonstrating that even leaders are held accountable.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Plan: Despite human failings, God's overarching plan for His people continues. The priesthood, a vital institution for Israel's relationship with God, is maintained through a new generation, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.
  • Symbolism of the High Priestly Garments: The garments were not mere clothing but sacred vestments, intricately designed by divine command (Exodus 28:4). Their transfer symbolized the passing of the divine anointing, authority, and the heavy spiritual responsibilities associated with the office.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "stripped" (pashat) implies more than just removing clothes; it signifies an act of divestiture, formally taking away an office or status. This emphasizes the solemnity and official nature of the transfer of the high priesthood from father to son, marking a definitive end to Aaron's tenure and the beginning of Eleazar's.

Practical Application

Numbers 20:28 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Accountability in Leadership: Even revered leaders like Aaron are accountable to God for their actions. This reminds us of the high standard for those in spiritual authority and the importance of obedience.
  • God's Unchanging Purpose: While individuals may fail or pass on, God's purposes for His people and His institutions (like the priesthood, which foreshadowed Christ's eternal priesthood) endure through generations. We can trust in His steadfast plan.
  • Orderly Transition: The clear and public transfer of authority provides a model for orderly succession within spiritual and secular leadership, minimizing chaos and ensuring continuity in God's work.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 10:6

    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.

  • 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].

  • Deuteronomy 34:9

    ¶ And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Numbers 27:16

    Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,

  • Numbers 27:23

    And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

  • Deuteronomy 34:5

    ¶ So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.
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