Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Numbers 20:26. It’s a really significant and somewhat unsettling part of the story of the Israelites’ wilderness journey. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Story: The Problem: The Israelites were facing a serious crisis – they were wandering in the desert for many years, and their people were becoming restless and unhappy. Aaron's Role: Aaron was the high priest, responsible for leading the prayers and rituals of the people. He was considered very important. The Command: God instructed Moses to take Aaron out of service and place him in a position of leadership – to be gathered unto his people . Essentially, he needed to be seen as a figure of authority again. What Happened Next? Strip Off His Garments: God commanded Moses to take off Aaron's priestly garments (the robes and accessories that marked his status). Put Them On Eleazar: He then instructed Moses to put those same garments on his son, Eleazar. Eleazar is Gathered: The important part is that Eleazar was placed in a position of leadership – he was brought back into service unto his people . This means he was essentially summoned back to the role of high priest and leading prayers for the Israelites. The Significance & Interpretation: A Symbolic Death: The verse suggests that Aaron's death was a symbolic act of sacrifice. It wasn’t a literal death, but rather a marking of his importance as a leader returning to serve his people. God's Control: It highlights God’s control over events and the need for leadership to be returned to their proper place. A Turning Point: This event marked a pivotal moment in the Israelites' history – it was a return to a position of authority and responsibility, solidifying their connection with God. Important Note: The exact meaning and interpretation of this passage has been debated over time. It’s considered one of the most mysterious and evocative passages in the Bible. --- Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like to know: More about the context of this event in the story of the Israelites' wandering? The potential symbolism behind Aaron’s death?