Numbers 33:38 Meaning and Explanation
“And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of the LORD, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the first day of the fifth month.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Aaron ascended Mount Hor at the Lord's command and died there, after forty years since the Exodus.
The Context of Numbers 33:38
Aaron's death at Mount Hor completed the forty-year wilderness journey.
What Does Numbers 33:38 Mean?
Aaron's death at Mount Hor marked the exact completion of forty years since the Exodus from Egypt. The date—the first day of the fifth month—was precisely ordained by God. Aaron's death symbolized the end of the wilderness period and the transition to a new era. His body rested in the land of Edom, not within Canaan itself.
The phrase 'at the commandment of the LORD' emphasizes that Aaron's death was divinely timed and purposeful. Aaron had served faithfully as high priest throughout the wilderness, but his time had ended. The forty-year mark from the Exodus to Aaron's death shows the systematic nature of God's plan: the wilderness period had been precisely determined, and Aaron's death marked its completion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 33:38
What does Numbers 33:38 mean?
Aaron ascended Mount Hor at the Lord's command and died there, after forty years since the Exodus.
What is the context of Numbers 33:38?
Aaron's death at Mount Hor completed the forty-year wilderness journey.