Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Numbers - Chapter 33 - Verse 38

33:38
And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of the LORD, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the first day of the fifth month.

Meaning

According to this verse in the Bible, Aaron, the high priest of Israel, ascended Mount Hor upon the command of the Lord and passed away there. This event occurred in the fortieth year after the Israelites were liberated from Egypt, specifically on the first day of the fifth month. This passage serves as a poignant reminder of Aaron's obedience to the divine instructions given to him. It also highlights the mortality of even the most esteemed figures in the Bible. Aaron's death symbolizes the transition of leadership within the Israelite community, as his responsibilities were passed on to his son Eleazar. This verse is a significant moment in Israelite history, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the chosen people as they continued their journey towards the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, obedience, and the inevitable cycle of life and death that all individuals must face.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Numbers, we see Aaron, the high priest of Israel, obeying the command of the LORD to go up to Mount Hor to die. The theological interpretation of this event can be connected to the concept of obedience and the importance of following God's instructions, even when they may seem difficult or unclear. In this case, Aaron's willingness to submit to the will of God demonstrated his faith and trust in the divine plan. Additionally, the mention of the fortieth year after the Israelites left Egypt and the specific date of Aaron's death on the first day of the fifth month could be seen as symbolic of completion and new beginnings. A word study on "commandment" in this verse could delve into the Hebrew word used, its various meanings, and how it relates to the broader themes of authority and guidance in the Bible.

American Standard Version

And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of Jehovah, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fifth month, on the first day of the month.
Previous VerseNext Verse