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The Beginning of the End
on Mount Hor and that they had buried him there. The congregation
broke into mourning and weeping. “All the house of Israel mourned
for Aaron thirty days.”
The Scriptures give only the simple record, “There Aaron died,
and there he was buried” (
Deuteronomy 10:6
KJV). In striking
contrast, in modern times the funeral services of a person of high
position are often turned into opportunities for extravagant display.
When Aaron died, there were only two of his nearest friends to
attend his burial. That lonely grave was forever hidden from the
sight of Israel. God is not honored with great display and extravagant
expense when returning bodies to the dust.
The death of Aaron strongly reminded Moses that his own end
was near. He deeply felt the loss of the one who for so many years
had shared his joys and sorrows. Moses must now work alone, but
he knew God was his friend, and he leaned more heavily on Him.
Soon after leaving Mount Hor the Israelites suffered defeat in a
battle with Arad, one of the Canaanite kings. But as they asked God
for help, divine aid was granted and their enemies were completely
destroyed. But instead of inspiring gratitude, this victory made the
people proud and self-confident.
They continued their journey toward the south through a hot
valley, with no shade or plants. They were tired and thirsty. Again
they failed to endure the test of faith and patience. By dwelling on the
dark side they separated themselves farther from God. They forgot
the fact that if they had not complained when the water stopped
flowing at Kadesh, they would have been spared the journey around
Edom. They flattered themselves that if God and Moses had not
interfered, they might now have been in possession of the Promised
Land. After making their situation much harder than God intended,
they kept thinking bitter thoughts about how God had dealt with
them, finally becoming discontented with everything. Egypt looked
better than freedom and the land to which God was leading them!
What Happens in Unbelief
“And the people spoke against God and against Moses: ‘Why
have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For