Topical Encyclopedia
Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history. His death marks a pivotal moment in the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. Aaron's life and death are recorded in the Pentateuch, primarily in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Background and RoleAaron was born into the tribe of Levi, the son of Amram and Jochebed, and the elder brother of Moses and Miriam. He was chosen by God to be Moses' spokesperson and played a crucial role in the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. As the first high priest, Aaron was instrumental in establishing the priestly order and the sacrificial system, which were central to Israelite worship and their covenant relationship with God.
The Circumstances of Aaron's DeathThe account of Aaron's death is found in
Numbers 20:22-29. The Israelites had reached Mount Hor, near the border of Edom, during their wilderness wanderings. It was here that God informed Moses and Aaron that Aaron would not enter the Promised Land due to the incident at the waters of Meribah, where they failed to uphold God's holiness before the people (
Numbers 20:12).
God instructed Moses to take Aaron and his son Eleazar up Mount Hor. There, Aaron was to be stripped of his priestly garments, which were then placed on Eleazar, signifying the transfer of the high priesthood. This act symbolized the continuity of the priestly line and the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel.
The Death and Burial of AaronNumbers 20:28-29 describes the moment of Aaron's death: "Moses stripped Aaron of his garments and put them on his son Eleazar. And Aaron died there on the mountaintop. When Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain, the whole congregation saw that Aaron had died, and the entire house of Israel mourned for him thirty days."
Aaron's death was a significant event for the Israelites. It marked the end of an era, as Aaron had been a central figure in their journey from slavery to the brink of the Promised Land. His death also served as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands, even for those in positions of spiritual leadership.
Mourning and LegacyThe mourning period for Aaron lasted thirty days, reflecting the deep respect and affection the Israelites had for him. As the first high priest, Aaron's legacy continued through his descendants, who served as priests in Israel. His life and death underscore the themes of leadership, obedience, and the importance of upholding God's holiness.
Aaron's account is a testament to God's faithfulness and the seriousness with which He regards His commands. His death, while a moment of sorrow, also paved the way for the next generation to continue the journey into the Promised Land, underlining the continuity of God's plan for His people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Numbers 20:28And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them on Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
There have Come to Me Ransomers from among the Saints, but None ...
... have come to me ransomers from among the saints, but none ... 6. The censer of Aaron
caused me to fear, for ... hindered Adam from life, and it hindered death from the ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xxxix there have come.htm
Psalm xxii. 16, &C. Majesty of his Birth and Death. Confusion of ...
... their feet raised on a bed; Moses and Aaron died on ... can ascertain the genealogy of
all the saints, and declare it ... and before those who put Him to death: and by ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 37 psalm xxii 16.htm
Aaron, his Office no Palliation of his Sin, 61.
... Aaron, his office no palliation of his sin, 61. ... Jovian, Emperor, his death referred
to, [239]124, n. ... Saints, their presence wholesome for the wicked, [402]192. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/aaron his office no palliation.htm
The Census of Israel
... remains long enough to take his leading place; but his brother Aaron is not ... for
"precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Stern though ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the census of israel.htm
David's Sin in the Matter of Uriah.
... "Aaron, the saint of the Lord," and Moses, whose general ... Who shall deliver me from
the body of this death?". The saints wish for heaven, not only that they may ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon x davids sin in.htm
Last Journey and Death, 1858 --Concluding Remarks.
... will; and then, whether it end in life or death, his great ... And we are all called
to be saints by walking in ... And Eleazer, Aaron's son, who was called of the Lord ...
/.../chapter xxi last journey and.htm
The Mouth of the Beast.
... As Aaron was a mouth to Moses, so did the Papacy ... exhibited the patience and faith
of the saints, who, amid ... Of the many thousands put to death, or subjected to ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the mouth of the beast.htm
The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... his majesty, when he burst the bonds of death, was to ... is, "He hath made us kings
and PRIESTS." Saints are not ... he that is called of God, as was Aaron." But we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm
On Our Lord's Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension
... Commandments of God; also the rod that Aaron"Moses' brother ... Before His death, and
at it, Our Lord suffered ... been some persons in the world"saints, of course ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 8 on our lords.htm
The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly
... 43); so are believers in the agony of death: and when ... Christ is in heaven, as Aaron
with his golden plate ... First, that the saints may be kept from sin (John 17 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the best things work for.htm
Resources
What is the second death? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about death? | GotQuestions.orgIs there an angel of death? | GotQuestions.orgDeath: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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