MPV Commentary

1. The Israelites arrived in the desert of Zin in the first month of their fortieth year (compare Numbers 20:22-23 and 33:38). This period marked a significant interval in their journey, as they had been traveling through the wilderness for nearly four decades.

The people encamped at Kadesh, a location that was likely Ain-el-Weibeh, with its three springs surrounded by palms (see Numbers 13:26). It was their second arrival at this site after an absence of thirty-eight years. The old generation had largely passed away, and the new one was preparing to enter the Promised Land from the east, rather than the south.

Miriam died there four months before Aaron's death (Numbers 33:38).

2-13. A severe water shortage plagued the congregation at Kadesh. Although a fountain called En-Mishpat existed nearby (Genesis 14:7), it was either partially dried up by the heat or exhausted from serving such a large multitude.

Moses and Aaron fled to the sanctuary, seeking God's guidance and aid in the face of the people's increasing discontent (Numbers 17:10). They took with them the wonder-working rod that had been used to perform many miracles (Exodus 4:20).

8. Moses instructed the people to take the rod, which was a symbol of God's power and authority.

10. In his haste and passion, Moses spoke to the rock in anger, saying, "Must we fetch water out of this rock for you?" This response betrayed a doubt about God's willingness to provide for His rebellious people (Psalm 106:33).

11. The congregation drank from the water, which was also a source of refreshment for their animals. From a spiritual perspective, this water was a sacrament to the people, imbued with divine significance and sanctity.

12. The Lord rebuked Moses and Aaron for not trusting in Him, saying, "Because you did not believe me, you will not lead this assembly into the land I give them" (Numbers 20:8-13).

13. This event became known as the Water of Meribah, a name that distinguished it from another incident at Meribah (Deuteronomy 32:51 and Exodus 17:7).

14-16. Moses sent messengers to the king of Edom, requesting permission for the Israelites to pass through his territory on their way to the Promised Land. The Edomites were descendants of Esau and recognized as brethren by the Israelites.

17. The Israelites proposed traveling along the king's highway, a major trade route that connected commercial caravans and armies (Roberts).

19. Moses offered to pay for the water if they could drink from it, reflecting the common practice in Eastern cultures where wells were taxed due to their scarcity.

21. However, the Edomites refused to grant passage, forcing the Israelites to take an alternative route (Numbers 21:4 and Deuteronomy 2:4).

22. The children of Israel arrived at Mount Hor, a prominent peak in the Seir range known as Gebel Haroun (Numbers 20:28).

24-28. Aaron was instructed to ascend the mountain and die, dressed in his high priestly robes. This event marked the end of his earthly service, and he was given a final view of the camp and the Promised Land.

26. Moses stripped Aaron of his garments as a symbol of resignation, then transferred them to Eleazar, who would succeed him as high priest (Isaiah 22:20-25).

28. Aaron died on the mountain top, and a tomb was later erected at or near the site of his burial.

29. When the congregation learned of Aaron's death, they mourned for thirty days, the customary period of public and solemn mourning (Deuteronomy 34:8).