Numbers 20:14-28

Edom Refuses Passage; Aaron Dies

Numbers 20:14

It was an ungracious act on the part of the Edomites-descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother-to forbid the passage of the chosen people through their territory; and it was never forgotten. It is referred to again and again in the strongest terms by prophet and psalmist. See Deuteronomy 2:4; Deuteronomy 2:8; Deuteronomy 23:7; Amos 1:11; Obadiah 1:10; Obadiah 1:12; Psalms 137:7.

Aaron's death was arranged so as to give him a distant glimpse of the Land which had so long beckoned him onward. But he was not suffered to continue. His death is quoted in evidence of the imperfection of the Aaronic priesthood, in contrast to the indissoluble priesthood of our Lord, Hebrews 7:16.

This is a sad chapter! Moses' failure, Aaron's and Miriam's death, Edom's refusal! But God's purpose moved steadily on. He wrought for His own sake, because of the Covenant.