share torah logo

Numbers 33:38 - Priest's final ascent commanded.

Numbers 33:38 - במדבר 33:38

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַל אַהֲרֹן הַכֹּהֵן אֶל־הֹר הָהָר עַל־פִּי יְהוָה וַיָּמָת שָׁם בִּשְׁנַת הָאַרְבָּעִים לְצֵאת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם בַּחֹדֶשׁ הַחֲמִישִׁי בְּאֶחָד לַחֹדֶשׁ׃

English Translation

And Aharon the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of the Lord, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Yisra᾽el were come out of the land of Miżrayim, in the first day of the fifth month.

Transliteration

Va'ya'al Aharon ha'kohen el-Hor ha'har al-pi Adonai va'yamat sham bishnat ha'arba'im letzet bnei-Yisrael me'eretz Mitzrayim ba'chodesh ha'chamishi b'echad la'chodesh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֩עַל֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן הַכֹּהֵ֜ן אֶל־הֹ֥ר הָהָ֛ר עַל־פִּ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה וַיָּ֣מׇת שָׁ֑ם בִּשְׁנַ֣ת הָֽאַרְבָּעִ֗ים לְצֵ֤את בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם בַּחֹ֥דֶשׁ הַחֲמִישִׁ֖י בְּאֶחָ֥ד לַחֹֽדֶשׁ׃
וַיַּ֩עַל֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן הַכֹּהֵ֜ן אֶל־הֹ֥ר הָהָ֛ר עַל־פִּ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה וַיָּ֣מׇת שָׁ֑ם בִּשְׁנַ֣ת הָֽאַרְבָּעִ֗ים לְצֵ֤את בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם בַּחֹ֥דֶשׁ הַחֲמִישִׁ֖י בְּאֶחָ֥ד לַחֹֽדֶשׁ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Death of Aharon on Har HaHor

The verse (Bamidbar 33:38) describes the ascent of Aharon HaKohen to Har HaHor, where he dies by divine command. Rashi explains that this event occurred "al pi Hashem" (by the word of Hashem) to emphasize that Aharon did not die as a punishment, but rather as part of the natural order decreed by G-d, similar to Moshe's later death on Har Nevo.

The Significance of the Timing

The Torah specifies that Aharon's death occurred:

  • In the 40th year: Ramban notes this marks the completion of the generation that left Egypt, as Aharon was among the last of that generation to pass away.
  • On the 1st of Av: The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 3a) connects this date to the subsequent mourning period leading to Tisha B'Av, teaching that the disappearance of Aharon's merit (as a peacemaker) left Israel vulnerable to destruction.

Aharon's Unique Departure

Midrash Tanchuma (Chukat 18) describes how:

  • Moshe, Aharon, and Elazar ascended Har HaHor together
  • Aharon was shown his deathbed and the heavenly entourage awaiting him
  • His garments were removed and placed on Elazar as part of the peaceful transition of the priesthood

The Midrash emphasizes that Aharon's death was marked by honor and tranquility, reflecting his lifelong pursuit of peace (Pirkei Avot 1:12).

Theological Implications

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:51) discusses how the deaths of Moshe and Aharon on mountains represent their spiritual ascent, with their physical deaths marking the completion of their earthly missions. The Sforno adds that Aharon's death at this precise moment was necessary to allow the new generation to enter Eretz Yisrael under fresh leadership.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Moed Katan 28a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the timing of Aaron's death and its significance in the calendar.
📖 Zevachim 101b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the priesthood and the transfer of priestly garments from Aaron to his son Eleazar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Aharon die on Mount Hor?
A: Aharon died on Mount Hor as commanded by Hashem (Numbers 33:38). According to Rashi, this was due to the incident of Mei Merivah (the Waters of Strife in Numbers 20), where Moshe and Aharon did not fully sanctify Hashem's name when bringing forth water from the rock. Though Aharon was a great tzaddik (righteous person), this was a decree from Hashem for his passing.
Q: Why is the date of Aharon's death mentioned in the Torah?
A: The Torah specifies the date (1st of Av, the fifth month) to teach us the importance of remembering the passing of righteous individuals. The Talmud (Moed Katan 28a) explains that the death of tzaddikim atones for the generation, just as the day of Yom Kippur does. Additionally, the date connects to the mourning period leading up to Tisha B'Av, reinforcing lessons about spiritual consequences.
Q: How old was Aharon when he died?
A: The Torah does not explicitly state Aharon's age at death in this verse, but elsewhere (Numbers 33:39) it says he was 123 years old when he passed away. This teaches us about his long life of service as Kohen Gadol (High Priest) and leader of Bnei Yisrael.
Q: What can we learn from Aharon's death?
A: Aharon's death teaches several lessons: 1) Even great leaders are accountable for their actions (Rashi on Numbers 20:12). 2) The importance of following Hashem's commandments precisely. 3) The Midrash (Tanchuma Chukat 10) highlights Aharon's role as a peacemaker—his death brought mourning to all of Israel, showing the value of pursuing peace.
Q: Why did Aharon die in the 40th year after leaving Egypt?
A: Aharon died in the 40th year to mark the completion of the generation that left Egypt, as that generation was decreed to pass away in the wilderness due to the sin of the spies (Numbers 14). His death, like Moshe's later, symbolized the transition to the new generation that would enter Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). Rambam explains this as part of Hashem's plan to prepare Bnei Yisrael for their next stage.