Numbers 20:27

Authorized King James Version

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And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation.

Original Language Analysis

וַיַּ֣עַשׂ did H6213
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ did
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 1 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מֹשֶׁ֔ה And Moses H4872
מֹשֶׁ֔ה And Moses
Strong's: H4872
Word #: 2 of 12
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 3 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
צִוָּ֣ה commanded H6680
צִוָּ֣ה commanded
Strong's: H6680
Word #: 4 of 12
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
יְהוָ֑ה as the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה as the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 5 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַֽיַּעֲלוּ֙ and they went up H5927
וַֽיַּעֲלוּ֙ and they went up
Strong's: H5927
Word #: 6 of 12
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 7 of 12
near, with or among; often in general, to
הֹ֣ר Hor H2023
הֹ֣ר Hor
Strong's: H2023
Word #: 8 of 12
hor, the name of a peak in idumaea and of one in syria
הָהָ֔ר into mount H2022
הָהָ֔ר into mount
Strong's: H2022
Word #: 9 of 12
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
לְעֵינֵ֖י in the sight H5869
לְעֵינֵ֖י in the sight
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 10 of 12
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 11 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָֽעֵדָֽה׃ of all the congregation H5712
הָֽעֵדָֽה׃ of all the congregation
Strong's: H5712
Word #: 12 of 12
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

Analysis & Commentary

Moses obeyed exactly: Aaron, Eleazar, and Moses went up 'in the sight of all the congregation.' The public nature ensured Israel witnessed the legitimate transfer of priesthood, preventing future disputes. That Moses 'did as the LORD commanded' contrasts with his earlier disobedience at Meribah, showing even disciplined leaders can still obey after failure.

Historical Context

The visible procession up Mount Hor provided transparency in leadership transition. Israel saw Aaron go up alive and Eleazar return in priestly garments, leaving no doubt about God's ordination of the new high priest.

Questions for Reflection

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