Numbers 27:13
And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered.
Original Language Analysis
וְרָאִ֣יתָה
And when thou hast seen
H7200
וְרָאִ֣יתָה
And when thou hast seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 11
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֹתָ֔הּ
H853
אֹתָ֔הּ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נֶֽאֱסַ֖ף
it thou also shalt be gathered
H622
נֶֽאֱסַ֖ף
it thou also shalt be gathered
Strong's:
H622
Word #:
3 of 11
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
עַמֶּ֖יךָ
unto thy people
H5971
עַמֶּ֖יךָ
unto thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נֶֽאֱסַ֖ף
it thou also shalt be gathered
H622
נֶֽאֱסַ֖ף
it thou also shalt be gathered
Strong's:
H622
Word #:
9 of 11
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 10:6And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead.Numbers 31:2Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.
Historical Context
Aaron's death was already recorded (20:22-29), providing precedent for understanding Moses' coming death. Both brothers, despite their leadership and faithfulness in most respects, faced the same exclusion from Canaan. Even great leaders must accept God's discipline when they fail.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding death as being 'gathered to your people' affect your view of mortality?
- What comfort comes from knowing that even disciplined believers remain part of God's people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
After viewing the land, Moses would be 'gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered.' This euphemism for death emphasizes continuity beyond the grave—joining ancestors in Sheol, the place of the dead. Death isn't annihilation but transition. Even judgment that prevents earthly fulfillment doesn't separate God's servants from their people or from future hope.