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I. THE TIME. In the fortieth year of the wanderings.

1. A very important year in the history of Israel. Year of death also of Miriam and of Moses. Dates that mark formation of new or severance of old friendships, always important.

2. In about the 123-4 year of Aaron's life. A long and eventful life. And yet, though his life was long —

(1) His death was hastened by sin. How often should we discover this to be the case if we knew all! Religion the best life-preserver.

(2) His death overtook him in the midst of work.

II. THE WARNING. Many pass away without any warning. Duty of being always ready. In this case, a solemn intimation that the time appointed had come. It was kindly framed. "Gathered unto his people." An old man's best friends — his people — are mostly in the better world. Aaron invited to join his people; the great ones amongst whom he ranked.

III. THE PLACE. A mountain. Reminds us that the good man in death is in death lifted up above the world ; and that, as Aaron at that time, he dies in view of the Church below and the Church above. Israel around, and the promised land before him.

IV. THE CIRCUMSTANCES. Toilsomely and calmly ascends the hill to be gathered to his fathers. The old man climbing the last of life's hills. The last stage a rugged one.

V. THE CHARACTERISTICS. A death —

1. Hastened by sin.

2. Closing all earthly offices and distinctions.

3. Heralded by solemn intimations.

4. Sweetened by presence of friends.Learn —

1. A good man in dying is gathered to his people.

2. Seek to live on the borders of heaven that we may die in view of the promised land.

3. Endeavour to do what we have to do while it is called to-day.

(J. C. Gray.)

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KJV: Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor:

WEB: Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up to Mount Hor;