Deuteronomy 10 6

Deuteronomy 10:6 kjv

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.

Deuteronomy 10:6 nkjv

(Now the children of Israel journeyed from the wells of Bene Jaakan to Moserah, where Aaron died, and where he was buried; and Eleazar his son ministered as priest in his stead.

Deuteronomy 10:6 niv

(The Israelites traveled from the wells of Bene Jaakan to Moserah. There Aaron died and was buried, and Eleazar his son succeeded him as priest.

Deuteronomy 10:6 esv

(The people of Israel journeyed from Beeroth Bene-jaakan to Moserah. There Aaron died, and there he was buried. And his son Eleazar ministered as priest in his place.

Deuteronomy 10:6 nlt

(The people of Israel set out from the wells of the people of Jaakan and traveled to Moserah, where Aaron died and was buried. His son Eleazar ministered as high priest in his place.

Deuteronomy 10 verses

Deuteronomy 10 6 Meaning

Deuteronomy 10:6 describes a specific segment of the Israelites' wilderness journey, detailing a significant geographical transition and the critical event of Aaron's death and burial. It also records the seamless succession of the high priestly office to his son Eleazar. This passage highlights God's continuing faithfulness to Israel and the continuity of the divine institution of the priesthood, even amidst the passing of key leaders. It appears as Moses recounts the nation's history, emphasizing God's mercy despite their transgressions.

Deuteronomy 10 6 Context

Deuteronomy 10:6 is nestled within Moses' second great discourse to Israel in Moab, shortly before they enter the Promised Land. Chapters 9 and 10 primarily serve as Moses' recount of Israel's disobedience, particularly the golden calf incident, and God's merciful response, emphasizing God's covenant faithfulness. Immediately preceding this verse, Moses has just recalled descending from Mount Sinai with the second set of tablets, having spent forty days and nights interceding for the rebellious people. The mention of specific geographical points and Aaron's death in this context serves to emphasize the passage of time and the ongoing, disciplined journey of Israel, punctuated by significant events of life, death, and leadership transition, all under God's watchful eye. It is not intended as a strict chronological itinerary, but rather as a reminder of crucial events that marked their wilderness sojourn and the continuous provision for their spiritual needs through the enduring priesthood.

Deuteronomy 10 6 Word analysis

• And the children of Israel journeyed: The phrase highlights the continuous, often challenging, movement of the Israelite community, driven by divine command and wilderness realities. Their journeys were foundational to their identity and revealed God's guidance.
• from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan: Hebrew: בְּאֵרֹ֥ת בְּנֵי־יַעֲקָ֖ן (Bĕ'ērot bənē-Ya'ăqān). "Beeroth" means "wells," implying a water source, vital in the desert. "Bene-Jaakan" translates to "sons of Jaakan," referring to a family or tribal group. This location is also mentioned in Num 33:31, where it appears after Moserah in the itinerary. This highlights that Deuteronomy is not presenting a strict chronological itinerary but a thematic recounting.
• to Moserah: Hebrew: מֹסֵרָ֑ה (Mōserāh). This place name means "bonds" or "fetters" (from masar, "to bind") or perhaps relates to musar, "instruction" or "discipline." It is significant because Numbers 33:37 states Aaron died at Mount Hor, while Numbers 33:30-31 mentions Moserah and Bene-Jaakan as distinct camping sites in the vicinity. Scholars understand this discrepancy in various ways: Moserah might be a district or region where Mount Hor was located, a general area associated with the events, or that Deuteronomy condenses events for theological and rhetorical purposes, not strict geographical precision. The emphasis is on what happened there rather than an exact route.
• there Aaron died: Hebrew: מֵ֥ת אַהֲרֹ֖ן (mēt Aharōn). Aaron, the first High Priest, the elder brother of Moses, passed away. His death (Num 20:23-29; 33:38) was part of God's judgment for his and Moses' disobedience at Meribah. This underscores that even divinely appointed leaders are subject to human limitations and God's righteous judgment. It signifies the end of one era of leadership.
• and there he was buried; Hebrew: וַיִּקָּבֵ֥ר (vayyiqqāver). The burial ritual confirms the finality of his death and adherence to cultural norms of honoring the deceased.
• and Eleazar his son ministered in the priest's office in his stead. Hebrew: וַיְכַהֵ֛ן אֶלְעָזָ֥ר בְּנ֖וֹ תַּחְתָּֽיו (vaykachen Elʿāzār bənô taḥtāw). "Ministered in the priest's office" (from kahan) explicitly states Eleazar's assumption of the high priestly role. This highlights the continuity and hereditary nature of the Aaronic priesthood as ordained by God. This transition was vital for the ongoing spiritual life of Israel, ensuring uninterrupted mediation and ritual service. Eleazar's leadership maintained the established divine order and served as a tangible sign of God's continuing covenant relationship with His people.

Deuteronomy 10 6 Bonus section

• The chronological discrepancy between Deut 10:6 (Beeroth -> Moserah) and Num 33:30-31 (Mosereh -> Bene-Jaakan) and the location of Aaron's death (Mount Hor) illustrates the different narrative purposes in biblical accounts. Deuteronomy's account prioritizes theological truth and rhetorical impact over strict linear itinerary. Moses emphasizes key events and their spiritual lessons, not route precision.
• Aaron's death on Mount Hor was not just a natural passing; it was directly connected to God's judgment against him (and Moses) for their disobedience at the waters of Meribah (Num 20). This provides a solemn backdrop to the peaceful transition of the priesthood, emphasizing God's holiness and His standards even for His chosen leaders.
• The enduring nature of the Aaronic priesthood, as represented by Eleazar's succession, pointed forward to a need for a priesthood that would not be interrupted by death. This foreshadows the perfect and eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, who "holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever" (Heb 7:24). Eleazar ensured temporary continuity, but Christ offers eternal, ultimate mediation.

Deuteronomy 10 6 Commentary

Deuteronomy 10:6 is a compact verse pregnant with historical and theological significance within Moses' farewell address. It encapsulates the dynamic movement of a divinely guided people, marking not just a change in geographical location but also a pivotal moment in the continuity of the Israelite spiritual structure. The death of Aaron, a figure of immense importance, serving as the first High Priest, could have destabilized the burgeoning theocracy. However, the immediate mention of Eleazar stepping into the "priest's office in his stead" speaks volumes about divine sovereignty and institutional continuity.

This verse quietly confirms God's faithfulness in providing an unbroken chain of spiritual leadership, demonstrating that His plan is not contingent upon any single human life, even one as vital as Aaron's. The priestly office was an indispensable part of the old covenant, providing the means for atonement and reconciliation with God. The swift transition from Aaron to Eleazar reassured Israel of their ongoing access to God's presence through the designated mediatorial role. While a seemingly simple geographical and biographical note, it underscores profound themes of mortality, succession, and the unchanging nature of God's covenant with His people, all pointing ultimately to the singular and eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ.