And at Mount Hor, near the border of the land of Edom, the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, At Mount HorMount Hor is a significant geographical location in the biblical narrative. It is traditionally identified with a mountain in the region of Edom, which is present-day southern Jordan. The Hebrew root for "Hor" (הֹר) suggests a mountain or hill, emphasizing its prominence in the landscape. This location marks a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, symbolizing both a physical and spiritual transition. The mountain serves as a backdrop for divine instruction and the impending change in leadership, as Aaron's death is imminent. It reminds us of the transient nature of human leadership and the enduring presence of God. near the border of the land of Edom
The mention of Edom is crucial, as it situates the narrative within a broader historical and geopolitical context. Edom, descended from Esau, Jacob's brother, represents a kinship yet also a longstanding tension with Israel. The Hebrew term for Edom (אֱדוֹם) is linked to the word for "red," possibly referring to the red sandstone terrain or Esau's red complexion. This border location underscores the Israelites' journey towards the Promised Land, highlighting the challenges and negotiations they faced with neighboring nations. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of living out God's promises amidst worldly realities. the LORD said
The phrase "the LORD said" is a common biblical expression denoting divine communication. The Hebrew name for the LORD here is YHWH (יהוה), the sacred and covenantal name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. This direct communication from God to Moses and Aaron signifies the importance of the message and the authority behind it. It reflects the intimate relationship between God and His chosen leaders, reminding us of the privilege and responsibility of hearing and obeying God's voice. to Moses and Aaron
Moses and Aaron are central figures in the Exodus narrative, representing leadership and priesthood. Moses, whose name in Hebrew (מֹשֶׁה) means "drawn out," was drawn out of the Nile and called to draw Israel out of Egypt. Aaron, whose name (אַהֲרֹן) may mean "exalted" or "mountain of strength," served as the first high priest. Their partnership illustrates the balance of prophetic and priestly roles in guiding God's people. This moment at Mount Hor marks a transition, as Aaron's impending death will lead to a shift in the priestly lineage. It serves as a poignant reminder of the continuity of God's plan through successive generations of leaders. Persons / Places / Events 1. Mount HorA significant location in the journey of the Israelites, situated near the border of Edom. It is the place where Aaron, the high priest, would die and be succeeded by his son Eleazar. 2. EdomA neighboring nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. The Israelites sought passage through Edom but were denied, leading to a detour in their journey. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who guides and instructs His people throughout their wilderness journey. 4. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. 5. AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, who served as a mediator between God and the people. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and TimingGod’s instructions to Moses and Aaron at Mount Hor remind us of His sovereign control over events and His perfect timing in fulfilling His plans. The Reality of ConsequencesAaron's impending death at Mount Hor is a direct consequence of earlier disobedience ( Numbers 20:12). This serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of obedience to God. Leadership TransitionThe transition of the priesthood from Aaron to Eleazar highlights the importance of preparing the next generation for leadership and ministry roles. Trusting God's GuidanceDespite the challenges and detours, the Israelites were to trust in God's guidance, as He led them through the wilderness. This is a call for believers to trust God even when the path is unclear. Intercession and MediationAaron's role as a high priest points to the necessity of intercession and mediation, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our eternal High Priest. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the location of Mount Hor near Edom reflect the challenges the Israelites faced in their journey, and what can we learn about facing obstacles in our own spiritual journey? 2. In what ways does Aaron's death at Mount Hor serve as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience, and how can we apply this lesson to our lives today? 3. How does the transition of the priesthood from Aaron to Eleazar illustrate the importance of preparing future leaders, and what steps can we take to mentor and equip others in our faith communities? 4. Considering the Israelites' detour around Edom, how can we learn to trust God's guidance in our lives, especially when our plans are disrupted? 5. How does Aaron's role as a high priest foreshadow the ultimate priesthood of Jesus Christ, and how can this understanding deepen our appreciation for Christ's intercession on our behalf? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 6:20Provides background on Moses and Aaron, emphasizing their roles as leaders and priests. Numbers 33:37-39Details the death of Aaron on Mount Hor, connecting the location to the fulfillment of God's word. Deuteronomy 2:4-5Discusses the Israelites' relationship with Edom, highlighting the tension and God's instructions regarding Edom. Hebrews 4:14-16Connects Aaron's priesthood to the ultimate high priesthood of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the continuity and fulfillment of the priestly role. People Aaron, Egyptians, Eleazar, Israelites, Miriam, MosesPlaces Edom, Egypt, Kadesh-barnea, King's Highway, Meribah, Mount Hor, ZinTopics Aaron, Border, Coast, Edge, Edom, Hor, Mount, Saying, Spake, Speaketh, SpokeDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 20:22-29 4254 mountains Numbers 20:23-24 9021 death, natural Numbers 20:23-29 7258 promised land, early history Library August 17. "Speak Ye unto the Rock" (Num. xx. 8).
"Speak ye unto the Rock" (Num. xx. 8). The Holy Ghost is very sensitive, as love always is. You can conquer a wild beast by blows and chains, but you cannot conquer a woman's heart that way, or win the love of a sensitive nature; that must be wooed by the delicate touches of trust and affection. So the Holy Ghost has to be taken by a faith as delicate and sensitive as the gentle heart with whom it is coming in touch. One thought of unbelief, one expression of impatient distrust or fear, will instantly …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth The Waters of Meribah
'Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there. 2. And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3. And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord! 4. And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby.
(Galilee.) ^A Matt. XI. 2-30; ^C Luke VII. 18-35. ^c 18 And the disciples of John told him of all these things. ^a 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent by his disciples ^c 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them unto the Lord [John had been cast into prison about December, a.d. 27, and it was now after the Passover, possibly in May or June, a.d. 28. Herod Antipas had cast John into prison because John had reproved him for taking his brother's wife. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Epistle xxviii. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli [136] . Gregory to Augustine, &c. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke ii. 14); because a grain of wheat, falling into the earth, has died, that it might not reign in heaven alone; even He by whose death we live, by whose weakness we are made strong, by whose suffering we are rescued from suffering, through whose love we seek in Britain for brethren whom we knew not, by whose gift we find those whom without knowing them we sought. …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Peræa to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus.
^D John XI. 1-46. ^d 1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [For Bethany and the sisters, see p. 478.] 2 And it was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair [John xii. 3 ], whose brother Lazarus was sick. [The anointing had not yet taken place, as John himself shows. For a similar anticipation see Matt. x. 4. There are five prominent Marys in the New Testament: those of Nazareth, Magdala and Bethany; the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Backsliding.
"I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away."--Hosea xiv. 4. There are two kinds of backsliders. Some have never been converted: they have gone through the form of joining a Christian community and claim to be backsliders; but they never have, if I may use the expression, "slid forward." They may talk of backsliding; but they have never really been born again. They need to be treated differently from real back-sliders--those who have been born of the incorruptible …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 20:23 NIVNumbers 20:23 NLTNumbers 20:23 ESVNumbers 20:23 NASBNumbers 20:23 KJV
Numbers 20:23 Commentaries
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