Succession of Eleazar

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Book: Numbers
• Chapters: 20:22–29
• Summary: Aaron dies atop Mount Hor, and his priestly garments are transferred to his son Eleazar, who succeeds him as high priest.

Details

As Israel journeyed from Kadesh to Mount Hor on the edge of Edom, the LORD told Moses that Aaron would not enter the promised land because both he and Moses had rebelled against God’s word at the waters of Meribah. At God’s command, Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s son Eleazar went up Mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation. There Moses stripped Aaron of his holy garments and put them upon Eleazar, signifying the passing of the high-priestly office from father to son. Aaron died on the top of the mount, and Moses and Eleazar came down. When the people saw that Aaron was dead, the whole house of Israel mourned for him thirty days. The orderly transfer of the priesthood ensured that mediation between God and Israel continued unbroken even as the first high priest passed away.

Key People Involved

• Aaron — First high priest, who died on the mount
• Eleazar — Aaron’s son who received the office
• Moses — Conducted the transfer at God’s command

Key Places

• Mount Hor — Where Aaron died and the garments were transferred

Important Verses

• Numbers 20:28 — “Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there.”

Cross-References

• Related events: Death of Eleazar
• Foreshadowed in: The consecration of Aaron; Fulfilled in: Christ’s unchangeable, undying priesthood (Hebrews 7:23–24)

Notes

The visible passing of the garments shows that under the law the priesthood was inherited and mortal, in contrast to Christ, who needs no successor.