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 was the nickname of Esau (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 pay for any water they drank (Num.20:14-17). Edom responded with animosity toward Israel (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 preparing His people for conquest in the Promised Land (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 (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 (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 (Num.20:27-28). The death of Aaron was followed by thirty days of mourning (Num.20:29).