Journey Around Edom
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“Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto Mount
Hor: and strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his
son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.”
Together these two aged men and the younger one toiled up the
mountain height. The heads of Moses and Aaron were white with
the snows of sixscore winters. Their long and eventful lives had been
marked with the deepest trials and the greatest honors that had ever
fallen to the lot of man. They were men of great natural ability, and all
their powers had been developed, exalted, and dignified by communion
with the Infinite One. Their life had been spent in unselfish labor
for God and their fellow men; their countenances gave evidence of
great intellectual power, firmness and nobility of purpose, and strong
affections.
Many years Moses and Aaron had stood side by side in their cares
and labors. Together they had breasted unnumbered dangers, and had
shared together the signal blessing of God; but the time was at hand
when they must be separated. They moved on very slowly, for every
moment in each other’s society was precious. The ascent was steep and
toilsome; and as they often paused to rest, they communed together
of the past and the future. Before them, as far as the eye could reach,
was spread out the scene of their desert wanderings. In the plain below
were encamped the vast hosts of Israel, for whom these chosen men
had spent the best portion of their lives; for whose welfare they had
felt so deep an interest, and made so great sacrifices. Somewhere
beyond the mountains of Edom was the path leading to the Promised
Land—that land whose blessings Moses and Aaron were not to enjoy.
No rebellious feelings found a place in their hearts, no expression of
murmuring escaped their lips; yet a solemn sadness rested upon their
countenances as they remembered what had debarred them from the
inheritance of their fathers.
Aaron’s work for Israel was done. Forty years before, at the age
of eighty-three, God had called him to unite with Moses in his great
and important mission. He had co-operated with his brother in leading
the children of Israel from Egypt. He had held up the great leader’s
hands when the Hebrew hosts gave battle to Amalek. He had been
permitted to ascend Mount Sinai, to approach into the presence of
God, and to behold the divine glory. The Lord had conferred upon
the family of Aaron the office of the priesthood, and had honored him
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