Numbers 20:28 And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them on Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount… This chapter begins with the death of Miriam and ends with Aaron's decease. No chapter of any length in the history even of a godly family without death in it. In every believer's death there is a blending of judgment and mercy. In this case we see - I. JUDGMENT. Aaron's death was - 1. A chastisement (verse 24; Romans 5:12; Romans 8:10). 2. A deprivation (verse 26). His garments were taken off because his priesthood was taken away. So with the most sacred and honourable office of the Christian (Hebrews 7:23; 2 Peter 1:13-15). 3. A severance. The aged Moses loses the last companion of his early days. 4. A grief to many (verse 29). II. MERCY; indicated in Aaron's death by such facts as these. It was, 1. A calm departure, not a sudden judgment. He was not "cut off from," but "gathered unto his people." 2. A release from the toils of life in the wilderness and the contradiction of sinners. 3. A gentle dismission from the responsibilities of office. 4. A transference of his duties and honours to a beloved son. He saw the robes and the office of the priesthood intrusted to Eleazar. 5. A promotion to the higher service of a sinless world; from the mount of communion to the heavenly Mount Zion. - P. Parallel Verses 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. |
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