Meeting God on the Mountain

Chapter Five

Mountain Man Aaron

And Aaron died there on top of the mountain.

—Numbers 20:28b

Deaths related to mountain mishaps are reported almost monthly in Montana newspapers. Skiers get caught in avalanches and die. Rock climbers slip from their footholds and die. Hikers misjudge their surroundings and die. These deaths on rugged mountains are generally unplanned and tragic.

Aaron’s death on Mount Hor was different. God clearly told Moses and Aaron that Aaron would die on the top of a mountain. As this one hundred twenty three year old man trekked up the mountain, Aaron’s hike was observed by the Israelite community who were camped at the base of Mount Hor near the border of Edom. When we observe hikers today, we often see them assisted by walking sticks or climbing poles. When we observe hikers today, we see them wearing synthetic hiking clothes and transporting heavy backpacks. We do not know if the children of Israel were able to see Aaron carry his staff as a walking stick. We could assume that Aaron was wearing at least of portion of the priestly garments which had been made by his people. These robes of gold, blue, purple and scarlet are described for us in Exodus 28. The tunic of fine linen, the carefully crafted ephod, the symbolic breastpiece, the pomegranates and gold bells, the embroidered sash and dignified turban were astonishing mountain gear. Aaron, while wearing his sacred garments, had interceded for these people as their priest in route from Egypt to this stopover. Now priest-clad Aaron, stately Moses, and Aaron’s son, Eleazar, ascended Mount Hor in full awareness that Aaron would die there.

God had told Aaron that he would not enter the land of Canaan because he had rebelled against God at the waters of Meribah. However, this story of Aaron ascending to his death does not have a tragic tone. God’s tenderness is affirmed in phrases like, “Aaron will be gathered to his people” (Numbers 20:24a) and “Remove Aaron’s garments and put them on his son, Eleazar” (Numbers 29:26a). Aaron knew the promise that he was part of a kingdom of priests. He knew from that promise that Eleazar would carry on the priesthood. So as I picture Moses, Aaron and Eleazar obeying their God of the mountains, I hear the gold bells on the hem of Aaron’s garments. I sense the peace of God’s presence and the grandeur of God’s holiness. After years of wandering in the wilderness, Aaron is promised eternal rest. On the top of the mountain, Moses removes Aaron’s garments and places them on Eleazar. Aaron exchanges his colorful, but possibly dusty, mountain robe for a bright, glorious, and heavenly white robe. When I read, “and Aaron died there on top of the mountain,” I don’t have the sense of a tragic death. I sense a death that was planned and orchestrated by our God of justice, compassion and perfect Sovereignty.

I have never seen Mount Hor. I have never camped at the base of that elevation. However, I have seen and climbed to mountain peaks in Montana. I have felt the presence of God in marvelous ways on those mountain tops. I have thought that Aaron was blessed to make his final climb accompanied by his brother, Moses and his son, Eleazar. I have thought that Aaron was blessed to be able to die on the top of a mountain and be cradled there in the arms of God. Even more, I rejoice in the blessing that because Jesus became my Great High Priest, I will someday wear Robes of Righteousness just like Aaron.

Reflections: Read Numbers 20: 1-13 and 22-29.

1. Why did God tell Moses and Aaron that they would not be able to enter the Land of Canaan?

2. How do you feel about this decision by God?

3. What impresses you about Aaron’s hike up Mount Hor?

4. What was the response of the Israelites to Aaron’s death?

5. What is your response to the death of someone you love?

6. What does it mean to you that Jesus is a High Priest Who is greater than Aaron? (see Hebrews 4:14-16)

Works Consulted:

Chapter 5: Mountain Man Aaron

Philip, James, Mastering the Old Testament Vol. 4, Numbers (Dallas: Word Inc., 1987), 228-229.