Numbers 20:28

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Numbers 20:28 records a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey: the divinely ordained death of Aaron, Israel's first High Priest, and the solemn, public transfer of his sacred office to his son, Eleazar. This event, occurring on Mount Hor, encapsulates profound themes of divine judgment for disobedience, the essential principle of leadership succession, and God's unwavering commitment to the continuity of His covenantal institutions, ensuring the ongoing spiritual life and worship of His people despite human frailty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a sequence of events following the Israelites' arrival at Kadesh. Immediately preceding it is the incident at Meribah, where Moses and Aaron, in a moment of frustration and a lack of faith, struck the rock to bring forth water instead of speaking to it as commanded by God ([Numbers 20:7-11](/numbers/20-7 "Numbers 20:7-11 - The Incident at Meribah")). 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](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - God's Judgment on Moses and Aaron")). God then explicitly commanded Moses to bring Aaron and Eleazar up Mount Hor for this solemn transition and Aaron's death ([Numbers 20:23-27](/numbers/20-23 "Numbers 20:23-27 - God's Command for Aaron's Death and Succession")). The stripping of Aaron's garments and their placement upon Eleazar was therefore not a spontaneous act but a divinely orchestrated, public, and symbolic transfer of high priestly authority, ensuring the unbroken continuity of the Levitical priesthood.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The event takes place as the wilderness generation is nearing its end, with the Israelites poised to enter Canaan. The high priesthood was the central mediating office between God and Israel, responsible for atonement, sacrifice, and maintaining the purity of worship. In the ancient Near East, the transfer of authority was often symbolized by the passing of specific regalia or garments, making the public stripping and investiture a universally understood sign of succession. Mount Hor, a significant geographical landmark, served as a solemn, elevated stage for this momentous transition, emphasizing its divine gravity and public nature before the entire congregation. The meticulous details surrounding the priestly garments, first outlined in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - The Priestly Garments"), underscore their sacred significance as symbols of office, anointing, and the weighty responsibilities of mediating for a holy God.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully underscores several major theological themes. First, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Holiness**, demonstrating that God holds even His most esteemed leaders, like Aaron, accountable for disobedience, emphasizing His absolute holiness and justice ([Numbers 20:24](/numbers/20-24 "Numbers 20:24 - Aaron's Exclusion from Canaan")). Second, it illustrates the principle of **Orderly Succession and Continuity**, showcasing God's meticulous plan for maintaining the vital institutions of His covenant people. The priesthood, essential for Israel's worship and relationship with God, is preserved through a new generation, affirming God's faithfulness to His promises despite individual failures. Third, the **Symbolism of the High Priestly Garments** is paramount; their transfer is not merely a practical act but a profound ritual signifying the passing of divine anointing, authority, and the heavy spiritual responsibilities associated with the office, which were intricately detailed in [Exodus 28:2-4](/exodus/28-2 "Exodus 28:2-4 - Purpose of the Priestly Garments").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stripped (Hebrew, _pāšaṭ_):** This verb signifies more than just removing clothing; it implies an act of divestiture, formally taking away an office, status, or even spoils of war. In this context, it emphasizes the solemnity and official nature of the transfer of the high priesthood. It is a public, ritual act marking the definitive end of Aaron's tenure and the formal removal of his sacred office.
* **Garments (Hebrew, _bigde qōdeš_):** While the general word for clothing is _beged_, the context of Aaron's office implies the "holy garments" specifically designed by divine command for the High Priest ([Exodus 28:2-4](/exodus/28-2 "Exodus 28:2-4 - The Holy Garments")). These were not mere clothes but sacred vestments, symbolizing the unique authority, anointing, and mediatorial role of the High Priest. Their transfer was a physical manifestation of the spiritual authority being passed.
* **Died (Hebrew, _mût_):** This word denotes the cessation of life, the ultimate consequence of sin, and the fulfillment of God's decree. Aaron's death on Mount Hor, as explicitly commanded by God ([Numbers 20:24](/numbers/20-24 "Numbers 20:24 - God's Word on Aaron's Death")), underscores the seriousness of his disobedience at Meribah and highlights the finality of divine judgment, even for a revered leader.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments":** This opening clause describes the solemn, ritual act performed by Moses, as commanded by God. It signifies the formal divestiture of Aaron from his office as High Priest. The public nature of this act, witnessed by Eleazar, underscored the official termination of Aaron's ministry.
* **"and put them upon Eleazar his son":** This immediately follows the stripping, indicating a direct and immediate transfer of authority. The act of clothing Eleazar with the sacred garments formally invested him with the high priestly office, signifying the continuity of the priesthood through succession. This was a visible sign of divine appointment and the passing of the anointing.
* **"and Aaron died there in the top of the mount":** This clause records the fulfillment of God's decree. Aaron's death on Mount Hor, immediately after the transfer of his office, emphasizes the finality of his earthly ministry and the consequences of his disobedience. It marks the end of an era for the wilderness generation's spiritual leadership.
* **"and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount":** This concluding clause signifies the return to the congregation. It confirms that the transition was complete and successful. Moses, the prophet and leader, and Eleazar, the newly appointed High Priest, descend together, symbolizing the established new order and the continuation of the journey under God's appointed leadership.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 20:28 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, particularly through the high priestly garments, which are not mere clothing but sacred vestments symbolizing divine authority, anointing, and the weighty responsibilities of the office. Their stripping and re-donning constitute a profound ritual act of **Succession**, visually representing the transfer of spiritual power and continuity of God's covenant. The narrative also carries a strong sense of **Irony** and **Poetic Justice**: Aaron, who helped lead Israel out of Egypt and served as High Priest for forty years, is denied entry into the Promised Land due to a moment of disobedience, mirroring the fate of the disobedient generation. The setting on Mount Hor provides a dramatic backdrop, lending an air of solemnity and gravity to this pivotal moment of **Transition**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 20:28 serves as a poignant reminder of God's absolute holiness and the serious consequences of disobedience, even for those in positions of immense spiritual authority. Aaron's death, though a judgment, simultaneously demonstrates God's faithfulness to His overarching plan for Israel. The orderly transfer of the high priesthood ensures the continuity of the covenant relationship and the means of atonement, highlighting that while individuals may fail or pass on, God's purposes endure and His institutions are maintained through divine provision. This event foreshadows the temporary nature of the Levitical priesthood and points to the need for a more perfect, enduring High Priest.

* [Hebrews 7:23-24](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23-24 - Christ's Permanent Priesthood")
* [Deuteronomy 34:5](/deuteronomy/34-5 "Deuteronomy 34:5 - Moses' Death")
* [Exodus 28:2-4](/exodus/28-2 "Exodus 28:2-4 - Purpose and Design of Priestly Garments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene on Mount Hor offers profound lessons for believers today concerning leadership, accountability, and God's steadfast purposes. Aaron's death serves as a stark reminder that even revered spiritual leaders are not exempt from God's judgment for disobedience. It underscores the high standard to which those in authority are held and the critical importance of faithful obedience to God's explicit commands. Yet, amidst this judgment, we see God's gracious provision for continuity: the priesthood, essential for Israel's spiritual life, is immediately transferred to Eleazar. This orderly succession teaches us the value of preparing the next generation of leaders and ensuring seamless transitions in ministry, minimizing chaos and preserving the integrity of God's work. We are reminded that while human instruments may change or fail, God's overarching plan for His people remains steadfast and will be accomplished.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Aaron's death on Mount Hor challenge our understanding of leadership and accountability in the church today?**
* **What does the orderly transfer of the high priestly garments teach us about God's provision for continuity in His work?**
* **In what ways does this passage remind us of the seriousness of disobedience, even for those who serve God faithfully for many years?**

### FAQ

**Why did Aaron die at this specific moment and place?**

Answer: Aaron's death on Mount Hor was a direct consequence of his disobedience at Meribah, where he and Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded ([Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - God's Judgment on Moses and Aaron")). God explicitly decreed that neither would enter the Promised Land. Mount Hor was the specific location God chose for this solemn event ([Numbers 20:23-26](/numbers/20-23 "Numbers 20:23-26 - God's Command for Aaron's Death")). His death at this moment also facilitated the immediate and public transfer of the high priestly office to Eleazar, ensuring the continuity of the priesthood before the Israelites continued their journey.

**What is the significance of the garments being transferred?**

Answer: The garments of the High Priest were not ordinary clothing; they were sacred vestments, intricately designed by divine command ([Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - The Priestly Garments")). They symbolized the unique authority, anointing, and mediatorial role of the High Priest. The act of Moses stripping Aaron of these garments and immediately clothing Eleazar with them was a powerful, visible, and ritualistic act of formal succession. It publicly signified the divestiture of Aaron's office and the investiture of Eleazar, ensuring the unbroken continuity of the Levitical priesthood and its vital functions in Israel's worship and atonement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 20:28, while a somber account of judgment and transition, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. Aaron's death, a consequence of sin and a necessary end to his mortal ministry, underscores the inherent limitations of the Old Covenant priesthood. Aaron, like all Levitical priests, was mortal and imperfect, requiring successors because "death prevented them from continuing in office" ([Hebrews 7:23](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23 - The Mortality of Levitical Priests")). In stark contrast, Christ holds His priesthood permanently because He lives forever ([Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Christ's Permanent Priesthood")). The stripping of Aaron's garments and their transfer to Eleazar symbolizes the temporary nature of that earthly office, pointing to the need for a perfect, eternal High Priest who requires no succession. Jesus, through His once-for-all sacrifice and resurrection, entered the heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, securing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). He is the High Priest who "has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily" ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")), fulfilling and surpassing the Aaronic priesthood, offering a perfect and permanent mediation between God and humanity.

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

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.