Numbers 33:38

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Numbers 33:38 records the solemn, divinely ordained death of Aaron, Israel's first High Priest, on Mount Hor. This pivotal event, occurring precisely in the fortieth year after the Exodus, marks a significant transition in the wilderness journey, signifying the passing of the generation that left Egypt and preparing the nation for entry into the Promised Land under new leadership. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, His unwavering adherence to His decrees, and the continuity of His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a meticulous itinerary of Israel's journey from Egypt to the plains of Moab, as detailed in [Numbers 33](/numbers/33 "Numbers 33 - Israel's Wilderness Itinerary"). Following a long list of encampments, verse 38 serves as a distinct chronological and theological marker, highlighting a critical leadership transition. It is not merely a historical note but a purposeful inclusion that underscores divine control over the nation's progress. The event itself is more fully narrated in [Numbers 20:22-29](/numbers/20-22 "Numbers 20:22-29 - Aaron's Death on Mount Hor"), where the transfer of Aaron's priestly garments to his son Eleazar is described, ensuring the continuity of the high priesthood. Its placement here, near the culmination of the wilderness wanderings, signals the imminent end of the old generation's era and the preparation for a new beginning.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the vast wilderness, specifically at Mount Hor, situated on the border of Edom, a strategic location near the end of Israel's forty-year sojourn. The "fortieth year" carries immense significance, representing the completion of the period of divine judgment and purification for the generation that rebelled at Kadesh-Barnea, as prophesied in [Numbers 14:33-35](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33-35 - Forty Years of Wandering"). Aaron, as the High Priest, held a unique and indispensable role in Israelite society, serving as the mediator between God and the people through the sacrificial system and Tabernacle service, as outlined in [Leviticus 8-10](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8-10 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"). His death, therefore, was not merely a personal loss but a profound national event, necessitating a divinely orchestrated succession to maintain the continuity of worship and covenant relationship.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 33:38 powerfully illustrates several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that Aaron's death was "at the commandment of the LORD," demonstrating God's meticulous control over life, death, and the precise timing of historical events. Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, as Aaron, despite his high office, was barred from entering the Promised Land due to his sin at Meribah, alongside Moses ([Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - The Sin at Meribah"); [Numbers 20:24](/numbers/20-24 "Numbers 20:24 - God's Judgment on Aaron")). This serves as a solemn reminder of accountability, even for revered leaders. Thirdly, the verse points to the **Transition of Leadership** and God's faithfulness to His covenant, as Eleazar seamlessly assumes the high priesthood ([Numbers 20:28](/numbers/20-28 "Numbers 20:28 - Eleazar's Succession")). Finally, Aaron's death signifies the **End of an Era**, marking the passing of the Exodus generation's key figures and paving the way for a new generation to enter Canaan under Joshua's leadership, fulfilling God's promise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mount Hor (הֹר הָהָר, _Hor ha-Har_):** This phrase literally means "the mountain, the mountain," or "mountain of the mountain," suggesting a prominent or distinctive peak. It was a significant geographical marker on the border of Edom, serving as the designated place for Aaron's death and burial. The choice of this specific mountain, rather than a more public or traditional burial site, emphasizes the divine decree and the unique circumstances surrounding Aaron's passing, separating him from the general populace in his death as he was in his life and office.
* **at the commandment of the LORD (עַל־פִּי יְהוָה, _al-pi YHWH_):** This crucial phrase unequivocally states that Aaron's death was not a natural occurrence or a random event, but a direct, deliberate, and sovereign act of God. The Hebrew "על־פי" (al-pi) literally means "at the mouth of" or "by the word of," indicating a direct divine utterance or decree. This highlights God's absolute authority over life and death, and His meticulous orchestration of Israel's journey and leadership transitions, even in moments of judgment and sorrow.
* **fortieth year (בִּשְׁנַת הָאַרְבָּעִים, _bi-shnat ha-arba'im_):** The precise dating to the fortieth year after the Exodus is highly significant. The number forty frequently symbolizes a period of testing, judgment, or completion in biblical narratives (e.g., the flood, Israel's wilderness wandering, Jesus' temptation). In this context, it marks the near culmination of the wilderness generation's judgment and the impending entry into the Promised Land. Aaron's death, along with others of his generation, signifies the end of the old era and the preparation for a new beginning with a new generation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor":** This clause identifies the central figure, Aaron, in his specific role as "the priest," underscoring his unique religious authority. His ascent to Mount Hor is presented as a deliberate action, not a casual journey, setting the stage for a momentous event. The location is specific, indicating a divinely appointed place for this transition.
* **"at the commandment of the LORD, and died there":** This is the theological core of the verse. The phrase "at the commandment of the LORD" removes any ambiguity about the cause of Aaron's death; it was a direct divine decree, a fulfillment of God's earlier judgment (Numbers 20:24). His death "there" on Mount Hor signifies the finality of this divine judgment and the conclusion of his earthly ministry, specifically in a place of isolation and transition.
* **"in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt":** This temporal marker places Aaron's death within the broader narrative of Israel's wilderness wanderings. The "fortieth year" signifies the nearing completion of the period of judgment and purification for the disobedient generation. It emphasizes that this event is part of God's larger chronological and redemptive plan for His people.
* **"in the first [day] of the fifth month":** This precise calendrical detail provides an exact historical timestamp for Aaron's death. Such specificity underscores the meticulous nature of the biblical record and the divine orchestration of events. It highlights that even significant transitions like the death of a national leader are part of God's pre-ordained schedule.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 33:38 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Chronological Marker**, providing precise temporal details ("in the fortieth year," "in the first [day] of the fifth month") that anchor the event firmly within Israel's historical timeline and emphasize the divine ordering of time and events. The phrase "at the commandment of the LORD" functions as a clear **Divine Decree**, highlighting God's direct and absolute **Sovereignty** over life and death, transforming a personal tragedy into a theological statement. The location, "Mount Hor," can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing a place of both judgment and transition, a boundary marker between the old and the new. Furthermore, Aaron's death serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the subsequent death of Moses and the complete transition of leadership to Joshua, marking the end of the Exodus generation's era and the dawn of a new one.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Aaron's death on Mount Hor, explicitly stated to be "at the commandment of the LORD," serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty and holiness. It demonstrates that even the most revered leaders are subject to divine judgment for disobedience, underscoring the universal principle that "the wages of sin is death" ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Yet, amidst this judgment, God's faithfulness to His covenant and His people's spiritual needs is evident in the immediate succession of Eleazar to the high priesthood, ensuring the continuity of the sacrificial system essential for atonement and communion. This event highlights the temporary and imperfect nature of the Old Covenant priesthood, which required a succession of mortal priests, pointing forward to a superior, eternal High Priest.

* [Deuteronomy 32:50](/deuteronomy/32-50 "Deuteronomy 32:50 - Moses' Death on Mount Nebo")
* [Hebrews 9:7](/hebrews/9-7 "Hebrews 9:7 - The High Priest's Annual Atonement")
* [Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - The Sin at Meribah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 33:38 offers profound lessons for believers today. It calls us to reflect on the absolute sovereignty of God, who orchestrates every detail of our lives, including our beginnings, transitions, and endings. Aaron's death, though a consequence of his sin, was part of God's perfect timing and plan for His people. This reminds us that even when we face difficult transitions or losses, God remains in control, working all things for His purposes. Furthermore, the account serves as a sober reminder of the universal accountability to God's standards; no position, privilege, or past service exempts us from the consequences of disobedience. It challenges us to walk in humility and obedience, recognizing that our ultimate reward is not earthly success but faithful perseverance. Finally, the seamless transition of the priesthood from Aaron to Eleazar speaks to God's unwavering faithfulness to His mission and His ability to raise up new leaders and continue His work, even through the passing of key figures. We are called to trust in His providence and participate in His ongoing plan, knowing that His purposes will always prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Aaron's death on Mount Hor, "at the commandment of the LORD," shape our understanding of divine sovereignty in the face of human mortality and leadership transitions?**
* **What lessons can we draw from Aaron's exclusion from the Promised Land due to disobedience, even as a revered leader, regarding our own accountability before God?**
* **In what ways does the continuity of the priesthood, despite Aaron's passing, encourage us about God's faithfulness to His purposes and His ability to sustain His work through changing circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why did Aaron die on Mount Hor and not enter the Promised Land?**

Answer: Aaron, like his brother Moses, was prohibited from entering the Promised Land due to an act of disobedience at Meribah, specifically recorded in [Numbers 20:7-13](/numbers/20-7 "Numbers 20:7-13 - The Waters of Meribah"). When the Israelites complained about lack of water, God commanded Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water. Instead, Moses, in frustration and perhaps anger, struck the rock twice. Aaron was complicit in this act, as God's judgment was pronounced on both of them: "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them" ([Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - God's Judgment at Meribah")). Aaron's death on Mount Hor was the divine execution of this judgment, marking the end of his earthly pilgrimage before the nation entered Canaan.

**What is the significance of Aaron's death occurring in the "fortieth year"?**

Answer: The "fortieth year" is highly significant as it marks the near completion of Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering, a period divinely ordained as a consequence of the generation's rebellion and unbelief at Kadesh-Barnea ([Numbers 14:33-35](/numbers/14-33 "Numbers 14:33-35 - The Forty-Year Punishment")). Aaron's death, along with the impending death of Moses, symbolizes the passing of the entire generation that left Egypt and rebelled in the wilderness. It signifies the end of an era of judgment and purification, clearing the way for a new, sanctified generation to enter and inherit the Promised Land, fulfilling God's covenant promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Aaron's death on Mount Hor, marking the end of his priestly ministry, profoundly foreshadows the limitations and ultimate obsolescence of the Old Covenant priesthood, pointing to its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. As the High Priest under the Old Covenant, Aaron served as a mediator, offering sacrifices for the sins of the people. However, his own mortality and sinfulness, evidenced by his death as a consequence of disobedience, highlighted the inherent weakness of a priesthood dependent on fallible human beings. The book of Hebrews masterfully expounds on this, demonstrating that unlike Aaron and his successors, Christ is a High Priest "who does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people" ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")). His priesthood is "not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life" ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - An Indestructible Priesthood")). Aaron's death was a necessary transition to Eleazar, but Christ's death was a once-for-all sacrifice that perfected forever those who are being made holy ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus entered the true heavenly sanctuary, securing an eternal redemption for us ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Heavenly Sanctuary")). Thus, Aaron's passing on Mount Hor, a place of judgment and transition, ultimately points to the superior, eternal, and sinless High Priest who leads His people not merely into an earthly promised land, but into the eternal rest of God ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The True Rest")).

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.

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.