Numbers 20
HAWEISNumbers 20:1-13
At this chapter begins the history of the fortieth year, (which was the
Numbers 20:14-21
As the nearest way to Canaan now lay through the territories of Edom, Moses sent ambassadors, to beg leave for a passage through their land. 1. The message they brought was friendly and reasonable: they urge their kindred, as a plea for favour. Near relations are doubly bound to every mutual act of kindness. They mention their sufferings from Egypt, and their mercies from God, both to excite a compassionate concern for their past vexations, and to engage them to afflict those to whom God had shewed such peculiar favour. It is as much our interest as duty, to be kind to those who have God for their friend. They condemned to humble intracts, though sufficiently able to force a passage unasked, if they chose it. But power must never be employed to injustice. Finally, They engaged to do no damage, but to pay even for the water they drank, and to make no flay in the country, but with all speed march by the high-road to the borders of Canaan. Note, They who are marching to heaven, go strait forward in the highway of holiness, and desire nothing in Edom, she would of sin, but a safe passage out of it. 2. They receive a peremptory refusal from the king of Edom: and, to enforce it, he draws out his people to the frontiers to oppose them; jealous of such a numerous army, lest they should seize the country, or inherit- Baker-Civid 1451. b. Dest. ii. d. 6. 4. each. 7. Chap. 1, 12. Hels. found in. ¶Tend. ii. 13. 6. 11. Tend. 1, 12. 13. 6. 11. 13. Dest. ii. 6, 12. See Dest. ii. 12. Tend. ii. 4. 5. Judg. iii. 12. ing Before Christ 1457.
ing the family feud of Efau, and willing to disappointment them of the inheritance they fought in Canaan. Note, (1.) No quarrels so laffing and inveterate as those of near relations. (2.) If we are the people of God, we may not wonder if we meet with the greatest unkindness from those, of whom we might reasonably expect the greatest affection.
- ¶ And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation journeyed from 7 Kasheh, and 7 came unto mount Hor. 23. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, by the coalt of the land of Edom, saying, 24. Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Merthah. 25. ¶ Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor: 26. And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there: 27. And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor, in the sight of all the congregation. 28. ¶ 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. 29. And when all the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, they mourned for Aaron: thirty days, even all the house of Israel.
Numbers 20:22-29
Death, when he strikes in a family, often repeats his blow. Aaron quickly follows his sister to the grave. They were now, after being supplied with necessary provisions, wheeled to the right, and compelling the land of Edom. At mount Hor God informs Moses and Aaron, that Aaron shall die there. The dearest friends at last must be separated. Though his son had been the death, yet dies he not under wrath, but gathered in the arms of divine mercy to his people. Death to the children of God, is but as the sickle of the mager, which cuts down the reed, only to secure the wheat in God’s barn. Aaron cheerfully submits to the divine command, and, with Moses and Eleazar his successor, goes in the sight of the congregation to the foot of the mountain, dressed in his pontifical robes. Note, (1.) The dying believer looks most beautiful, when nearest the borders of the grave. (2.) Faith disarms death of its terrors. They need not fear to die, whose souls are safe in the arms of God’s everlasting love. They ascend the mountain, and there Moses strips Aaron of the robes with which he had arrayed him. Note, (1.) When God calls for our parting, we must cheerfully resign our dearest friends. (2.) Thus soon will death strip us of our ornaments, and naked as we came from the womb, must we return to the grave. Eleazar is invested hereupon with the ensigns of his office, and Aaron beholds with joy his son his successor, and in him the priesthood perpetuated. Note, (1.) Nothing more pleasing to parents, than, ere they lie down in the grave, to for their children comfortably settled. (2.) When aged ministers are departing, they are then happy if they behold the glorious cause of God transmitted by them into the hands of faithful and zealous successors. There Aaron died; his son and brother closed his eyes, and buried him in the mount. It is a great comfort on a dying-bed to have around us affectionate friends; their tenderness helps to smooth the rugged hand of death. Moses and Eleazar then returned to the people; and they, though when Aaron was alive they had often reproached him, now feel and mount the loss. Death will do justice to those who never found it before. That the rebukes of a faithful minister once offended, when he is gone, his loss will be felt and lamented.