Deuteronomy 10:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 10:6
6 And 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.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 10 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, judgment, discipleship. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 10:6
6 And 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.
Analysis
And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Mosera: there Aaron died, and there he was buried. Aaron's death reminds us that even the high priest was mortal, unable to continue forever in his mediatorial role. This points forward to the necessity of an eternal, unchanging High Priest.
The historical note about Israel's journey situates Aaron's death geographically and chronologically. These specific location markers ground biblical history in actual space and time - these are not myths but events that occurred at identifiable places.
That Aaron died and was buried emphasizes his humanity. Despite his exalted office as high priest, he could not escape death's penalty on sin. The Aaronic priesthood required continuous succession because each priest eventually died.
Hebrews 7:23-24 contrasts this with Christ's priesthood: because Christ lives forever, His priesthood is permanent and unchanging. He needs no successor and offers complete, eternal salvation to those who come to God through Him.
Historical Context
Aaron died on Mount Hor at age 123, shortly before Israel's fortieth year in the wilderness (Numbers 33:38-39). His son Eleazar succeeded him as high priest, beginning the dynastic succession that continued until the Babylonian exile.
Mosera (also called Mount Hor) was in the region of Edom, east of Canaan. Aaron's death there prevented him from entering the Promised Land due to his sin at Meribah.
Reflection
- What does Aaron's mortality reveal about the inadequacy of the old covenant priesthood?
- How does the need for priestly succession highlight the superiority of Christ's eternal priesthood?
- Why does Scripture give specific geographical details about biblical events?
- What does Aaron's exclusion from Canaan teach about consequences of sin even for spiritual leaders?
- How does Christ's eternal priesthood provide greater assurance than the changing Aaronic priesthood?
Cross-References
- References Israel: Numbers 33:38