“And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh, and came unto mount Hor.”
This verse marks an important event in the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness. To fully understand its significance, let’s explore the context and background.
The book of Numbers is the fourth book in the Old Testament, and it provides an account of the Israelites’ wanderings in the wilderness after their liberation from slavery in Egypt. During this time, the Israelites faced various challenges and tests of their faith.
In Numbers 20, the Israelites are in the wilderness of Zin, and they find themselves without water. They assemble against Moses and Aaron, expressing their discontent and complaining. Moses and Aaron seek guidance from the Lord, who instructs them to take the rod, assemble the congregation, and speak to the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.
However, Moses becomes frustrated with the people’s complaints and, instead of speaking to the rock as instructed, he strikes it twice with his rod. As a result, water still comes out, and the people are provided for, but the Lord rebukes Moses and Aaron for their lack of faith and disobedience.
Numbers 20:22 records the subsequent events after this incident. The children of Israel, the entire congregation, leave the area of Kadesh and continue their journey, arriving at mount Hor. Mount Hor is significant because it is where Aaron, the brother of Moses and the high priest of Israel, is called by God to his final rest.
In the following verses, Numbers 20:23-29, the Lord instructs Moses to bring Aaron and his son Eleazar up to mount Hor. There, before the eyes of the people, Moses removes Aaron’s priestly garments and transfers them to Eleazar, thus establishing him as the next high priest. Aaron dies on the mountain, and the people mourn his passing for thirty days.
This event at mount Hor marks a transition in the leadership of the Israelites, with the passing of Aaron, the faithful high priest who had been with them since their liberation from Egypt. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and lack of faith, as Moses and Aaron were not permitted to enter the Promised Land due to their actions at the waters of Meribah (Numbers 20:12).
The overall lesson from Numbers 20:22 and its surrounding context is the importance of faithfulness, obedience to God’s instructions, and the consequences of disobedience. It teaches us to trust in God’s guidance, even in challenging times, and to be mindful of our actions and the potential impact they may have.
As with any Bible study, it’s important to consult commentaries, study guides, and other reliable resources for a comprehensive understanding of the passage, as well as seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit in personal reflection and prayer.
