Numbers 20 26

Numbers 20:26 kjv

And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.

Numbers 20:26 nkjv

and strip Aaron of his garments and put them on Eleazar his son; for Aaron shall be gathered to his people and die there."

Numbers 20:26 niv

Remove Aaron's garments and put them on his son Eleazar, for Aaron will be gathered to his people; he will die there."

Numbers 20:26 esv

And strip Aaron of his garments and put them on Eleazar his son. And Aaron shall be gathered to his people and shall die there."

Numbers 20:26 nlt

There you will remove Aaron's priestly garments and put them on Eleazar, his son. Aaron will die there and join his ancestors."

Numbers 20 verses

Numbers 20 26 Meaning

Numbers 20:26 details a direct divine command to Moses regarding the impending death of Aaron. It instructs Moses to ritualistically divest Aaron of his priestly garments and to clothe Eleazar, Aaron's son, with them. This act formally transfers the high priestly office and its associated authority from Aaron to Eleazar, signifying a sacred succession that takes place immediately before Aaron is gathered to his people, that is, before his death. The verse highlights divine order, continuity of the priesthood, and the consequence of disobedience.

Numbers 20 26 Context

Numbers chapter 20 describes the Israelite's return to Kadesh and key events of their wilderness journey nearing its end. This includes the second water incident at Meribah, where Moses and Aaron disobeyed God's instruction by striking the rock instead of speaking to it. For this act of showing a lack of faith in God's holiness, God declares that neither Moses nor Aaron will lead the people into the Promised Land (Num 20:12). Subsequently, God commands Moses to take Aaron and Eleazar up Mount Hor. The verses immediately preceding 20:26 (Num 20:23-25) state God's decree that Aaron "shall be gathered to his people" and "shall not enter the land." The instruction in verse 26 for the ritualistic transfer of garments directly facilitates this divine judgment and the necessary succession of the high priestly office, ensuring the continuity of the covenant rituals despite Aaron's personal failing.

Numbers 20 26 Word analysis

• Strip (פְשֹׁט, p'shoṭ): An imperative verb meaning "to strip off, take off." In this context, it signifies a ceremonial act of divesting the priestly garments. It is not merely removal for changing clothes, but a public, ritualistic act symbolizing the surrender of office and the impending end of Aaron's priestly tenure. This act prepares Aaron for his death by removing the outward signs of his holy function.
• Aaron (אַהֲרֹן, Aharon): The first high priest of Israel, chosen by God (Exod 28:1). His position was foundational to the Levitical priesthood. His divestment is significant as it marks the end of an era of direct priestly leadership since the Exodus, transferring it to the next generation due to his personal disobedience at Meribah.
• his garments (בְּגָדָיו, b'gaḏāyw): Refers specifically to the sacred priestly vestments of the High Priest (Exod 28). These garments were intricately designed and mandated by God, symbolizing the high priest's role in mediation, atonement, and representing the people before God. They included the ephod, breastplate, Urim and Thummim, turban, and other items. Their removal signifies the stripping away of his official capacity and unique status before death.
• put them on (וְהַלְבֵּשׁ, v'halbesh): An imperative verb, "to clothe, dress, array." This action signifies the formal installation and anointing of the new priest into his office. It is the ritual act of transfer of authority and divine approval, emphasizing the continuity of the sacred office even as individuals pass.
• Eleazar (אֶלְעָזָר, El'azar): Aaron's third son. After Nadab and Abihu's deaths (Lev 10), Eleazar and Ithamar remained to serve in the priesthood. His clothing with Aaron's garments establishes him as the immediate and legitimate successor chosen by God.
• his son (בְּנוֹ, b'no): Emphasizes the hereditary nature of the high priesthood as established by God (Exod 29:29). This detail confirms the continuity of the priestly line through legitimate succession, despite the judgment upon Aaron.
• Aaron shall be gathered (אַהֲרֹן יֵאָסֵף, Aharon ye'asef): A common euphemism in the Old Testament for death, specifically "gathered to his people" or "to his fathers." It often implies a peaceful passing, joining the departed ancestors. It's a divinely ordained ending, a part of the covenant lifecycle.
• and die there (וּמֵת שָׁם, u'met sham): Conveys the certainty and finality of death in that specific location (Mount Hor), as part of God's judgment for his disobedience at Meribah. It highlights that even sacred leaders are not exempt from the consequences of sin and mortality.

Numbers 20 26 Bonus section

• The elevation of Eleazar was essential for the spiritual functioning of Israel. The sacrificial system and tabernacle worship required a High Priest. God ensured immediate continuity to prevent any break in Israel's relationship with Him.
• Mount Hor's remote location may have contributed to the solemnity and isolation of Aaron's death, emphasizing the severity of the judgment for his disobedience.
• The ceremonial nature of the garment transfer contrasts sharply with the common idea of inheriting a position. It emphasizes that the priesthood was a divine appointment, not merely a birthright, though it was tied to a lineage.
• The temporary nature of the Levitical priesthood and its leaders, highlighted by Aaron's mortality and necessary succession, prefigures the eternal and unchangeable priesthood of Jesus Christ, who lives forever and has no need of succession (Heb 7:23-24).

Numbers 20 26 Commentary

Numbers 20:26 provides a profound depiction of divine sovereignty, accountability, and the continuity of God's covenant plan. God commands Moses to orchestrate Aaron's symbolic removal from office, followed immediately by his death, demonstrating that even those closest to Him, like the High Priest, are not exempt from the consequences of disobedience (referencing the sin at Meribah). The stripping of Aaron's priestly garments and their transference to Eleazar is a critical visual and ritual act. It represents more than just a change of clothes; it is the divine disrobing of authority from one man and the conferral of it upon another, ensuring an unbroken line of spiritual leadership. This was a necessary step for the sacred functioning of Israel's worship, which depended on an appointed High Priest. Aaron's death on Mount Hor signifies both judgment and a natural part of human mortality, while the swift succession of Eleazar underscores God's commitment to maintaining His redemptive purpose for Israel. This event serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of leadership and the unyielding nature of God's holy standards.