Numbers 20:28
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּפְשֵׁט֩
stripped
H6584
וַיַּפְשֵׁט֩
stripped
Strong's:
H6584
Word #:
1 of 21
to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיַּלְבֵּ֤שׁ
and put
H3847
וַיַּלְבֵּ֤שׁ
and put
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
אֹתָם֙
H854
אֹתָם֙
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנ֔וֹ
his son
H1121
בְּנ֔וֹ
his son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וַיָּ֧מָת
died
H4191
וַיָּ֧מָת
died
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
12 of 21
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
בְּרֹ֣אשׁ
there in the top
H7218
בְּרֹ֣אשׁ
there in the top
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
15 of 21
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הָהָֽר׃
from the mount
H2022
הָהָֽר׃
from the mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
16 of 21
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
וַיֵּ֧רֶד
came down
H3381
וַיֵּ֧רֶד
came down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
17 of 21
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
Historical Context
Aaron's death at 123 years old (33:39) ended 40 years of high priesthood from Sinai's golden calf incident until this moment. His burial place on Mount Hor remained known in ancient times (Deuteronomy 32:50).
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's timing of Aaron's death teach about His sovereignty over leadership transitions?
- How can you finish well in your calling, even when disqualified from certain future hopes?
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses 'stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount.' The succession was complete—Aaron died immediately after divesting, emphasizing that his role was finished and God's purposes continue through new leadership. Death on the mountaintop parallels Moses' later death on Nebo, both excluded from Canaan yet granted dignified, ordered transitions.