22 And the sons of Israel, the whole company, journey from Kadesh, and come in unto mount Hor, 23 and Jehovah speaketh unto Moses and unto Aaron in mount Hor, on the border of the land of Edom, saying, 24 'Aaron is gathered unto his people, for he doth not go in unto the land which I have given to the sons of Israel, because that ye provoked My mouth at the waters of Meribah. 25 'Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and cause them to go up mount Hor, 26 and strip Aaron of his garments, and thou hast clothed 'with' them Eleazar his son, and Aaron is gathered, and doth die there.' 27 And Moses doth as Jehovah hath commanded, and they go up unto mount Hor before the eyes of all the company, 28 and Moses strippeth Aaron of his garments, and clotheth with them Eleazar his son, and Aaron dieth there on the top of the mount; and Moses cometh down—Eleazar also—from the mount, 29 and all the company see that Aaron hath expired, and they bewail Aaron thirty days—all the house of Israel.
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?