Numbers 20:14-29
Q.1. How was Edom related to Israel? Why was Israel’s request to Edom not unreasonable? – (Num.20:14-21)
Edom (‘Red’) was the nickname of Esau (see Gen.25:30; 36:1), who was Jacob’s older twin brother. Jacob was the father of the Israelites, and Esau the father of the Edomites. However, the Edomites hated God’s people. (Haman, who tried to annihilate the Jews during Queen Esther’s time, was an Edomite. The Herod’s, who tried to murder Christ and His servants, likewise were Idumeans/Edomites.). Israel appealed to their family connection. They asked to pass by on ‘the king’s highway’ (the normal trading route) and promised to pay for any water they drank (see Num.20:14-17). Edom responded with animosity toward Israel (see Num.20:18). A further request brought strong resistance, when – with a heavy force and with a strong hand (Num.20:20) they attacked Israel. However, just as happened with the harsh treatment meted out against Israel by the Egyptians, God was here exposing His people for war in preparation for the conquest of the nations living in the Promised Land (see Num.20:16).
Q.2. In what way was the death of Aaron unique? How did the death of Miriam and Aaron impact Moses and the people? – (Num.20:1, 23-29)
God told Moses and Aaron, that Aaron was about to die, and why (see Num.20:23-24). He especially gave instructions for the safe transfer of the High Priestly robe from Aaron to his son, Eleazar, in the sight of all the people (see Num.20:25-27). After Aaron died, Moses and Eleazar came down from Mount Hor together. God required that the priesthood take a prominent place among the tribes of Israel (see Num.20:27-28). The death of Aaron was followed by thirty days of mourning (see Num.20:29).