22 Now when they set out from Kadesh , the sons of Israel , the whole congregation , came to Mount Hor . 23 Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron at Mount Hor by the border of the land of Edom , saying , 24 "Aaron will be gathered to his people ; for he shall not enter the land which I have given to the sons of Israel , because e you rebelled against My command at the waters of Meribah . 25 "Take Aaron and his son Eleazar and bring them up to Mount Hor ; 26 and strip Aaron of his garments and put them on his son Eleazar . So Aaron will be gathered to his people, and will die there ." 27 So Moses did just as the Lord had commanded , and they went up to Mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation . 28 After Moses had stripped Aaron of his garments and put them on his son Eleazar , Aaron died there on the mountain top . Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain . 29 When all the congregation saw that Aaron had died , all the house of Israel wept for Aaron thirty days .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 20:22-29
Commentary on Numbers 20:22-29
(Read Numbers 20:22-29)
God bids Aaron prepare to die. There is something of displeasure in these orders. Aaron must not enter Canaan, because he had failed in his duty at the waters of strife. There is much of mercy in them. Aaron, though he dies for his transgression, dies with ease, and in honour. He is gathered to his people, as one who dies in the arms of Divine grace. There is much significancy in these orders. Aaron must not enter Canaan, to show that the Levitical priesthood could make nothing perfect; that must be done by bringing in a better hope. Aaron submits, and dies in the method and manner appointed; and, for aught that appears, with as much cheerfulness as if he had been going to bed. It was a great satisfaction to Aaron to see his son, who was dear to him, preferred; and his office preserved and secured: especially, to see in this a figure of Christ's everlasting priesthood. A good man would desire, if it were the will of God, not to outlive his usefulness. Why should we covet to continue any longer in this world, than while we may do some service in it for God and our generation?