Numbers 33:38

And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of the LORD, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the first [day] of the fifth month.

And Aaron {H175} the priest {H3548} went up {H5927} into mount {H2022} Hor {H2023} at the commandment {H6310} of the LORD {H3068}, and died {H4191} there, in the fortieth {H705} year {H8141} after the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} were come out {H3318} of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, in the first {H259} day of the fifth {H2549} month {H2320}.

At ADONAI's order Aharon the cohen went up on Mount Hor, and he died there on the first day of the fifth month of the fortieth year after the people of Isra'el had left the land of Egypt.

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.

And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of Jehovah, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fifth month, on the first day of the month.

Commentary

Numbers 33:38 records a pivotal moment in the wilderness journey of the Israelites: the death of Aaron, the first High Priest of Israel and elder brother of Moses.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed itinerary of the Israelites' encampments and journeys from Egypt to the plains of Moab, meticulously recorded in Numbers chapter 33. It marks a significant turning point, occurring in the fortieth year after the Exodus, just before the nation was to enter the Promised Land. Aaron's death on Mount Hor was not accidental but occurred "at the commandment of the LORD," indicating a divine decree. This event is also described in more detail in Numbers 20:22-29, where his priestly garments were transferred to his son, Eleazar, signifying the continuation of the high priesthood.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: Aaron's death was explicitly "at the commandment of the LORD." This highlights God's absolute control over life and death, and His meticulous orchestration of Israel's journey and leadership transitions.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Though a revered leader, Aaron, like Moses, was prohibited from entering the Promised Land due to an act of disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:12, 20:24). His death on Mount Hor served as a solemn reminder that even those in positions of great spiritual authority are accountable to God's standards.
  • Transition of Leadership: Aaron's passing paved the way for his son, Eleazar, to assume the role of High Priest (Numbers 20:28). This ensured the continuity of the priestly line and the essential sacrificial system for the nation, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant even amidst personal failures.
  • End of an Era: Aaron was a central figure of the Exodus generation, alongside Moses and Miriam. His death, soon to be followed by Moses' death (Deuteronomy 32:50), marked the passing of the old guard and the preparation for a new generation to enter Canaan under Joshua's leadership.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "at the commandment of the LORD" (Hebrew: al pi Adonai) strongly emphasizes that Aaron's ascent and death were not a natural occurrence but a direct divine instruction and judgment. This underscores the theological weight of the event, reinforcing God's active involvement in the details of Israel's history and the lives of its leaders.

Practical Application

Numbers 33:38 offers several enduring lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God's sovereignty extends over all aspects of life, including our transitions and endings. It powerfully illustrates that disobedience carries consequences, regardless of one's position or past service; accountability is universal. Furthermore, it highlights God's ability to seamlessly transition leadership and ensure the continuation of His purposes, even through loss. The wilderness journey, with its trials and transitions, serves as a metaphor for the Christian walk, reminding us to remain faithful to God's commands until we reach our ultimate promised rest.

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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.

  • Deuteronomy 32:50

    And die in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people:

  • 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.

  • 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.
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