“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.”
Context:The book of Numbers records the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. In this particular passage, the Israelites are nearing the end of their wilderness wanderings, and they are camped at Mount Hor.
The Death of Aaron:Aaron was the older brother of Moses and was chosen by God to be the first high priest of Israel. However, because of a disobedient act committed by both Moses and Aaron, they were informed by God that they would not enter the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12-13). In verse 28, it describes how Moses removed Aaron’s priestly garments and placed them on his son Eleazar, indicating a transfer of the priestly office from Aaron to his son.
Symbolic Meaning:The stripping of Aaron’s garments and the passing of the priestly office to Eleazar carries symbolic significance. It represents the end of an era and the transition to a new generation of leaders. This event is a reminder that no individual is indispensable in God’s plan, and His work continues even after the passing of key figures.
Lessons for us:
- The Consequences of Disobedience:Moses and Aaron’s disobedience in striking the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded (Numbers 20:8-12) had serious consequences. God takes our obedience seriously, and there may be repercussions for our actions. We should strive to obey God’s commands faithfully.
- The Passing of Leadership:The passing of the priestly office from Aaron to Eleazar reminds us of the importance of succession planning and preparing the next generation of leaders. It is essential to invest in and mentor future leaders who will continue the work of God faithfully.
- God’s Faithfulness:Despite Moses and Aaron’s disobedience and their inability to enter the Promised Land, God remained faithful to His covenant with Israel. He continued to guide them and provide for them throughout their journey. This serves as a reminder that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on human perfection, but on His own character and promises.
- Overall, Numbers 20:28 teaches us about the consequences of disobedience, the importance of succession planning, and God’s faithfulness. It serves as a reminder that even when we make mistakes, God remains faithful and continues to fulfill His purposes.
