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Numbers 33:39 - Aharon's holy mountain passing

Numbers 33:39 - במדבר 33:39

Hebrew Text

וְאַהֲרֹן בֶּן־שָׁלֹשׁ וְעֶשְׂרִים וּמְאַת שָׁנָה בְּמֹתוֹ בְּהֹר הָהָר׃

English Translation

And Aharon was a hundred and twenty three years old when he died in mount Hor.

Transliteration

Ve'Aharon ben-shalosh ve'esrim u'me'at shanah be'moto be'Hor ha'Har.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאַהֲרֹ֔ן בֶּן־שָׁלֹ֧שׁ וְעֶשְׂרִ֛ים וּמְאַ֖ת שָׁנָ֑ה בְּמֹת֖וֹ בְּהֹ֥ר הָהָֽר׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְאַהֲרֹ֔ן בֶּן־שָׁלֹ֧שׁ וְעֶשְׂרִ֛ים וּמְאַ֖ת שָׁנָ֑ה בְּמֹת֖וֹ בְּהֹ֥ר הָהָֽר׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

Age and Significance of Aharon's Passing

The verse states that Aharon was 123 years old at the time of his death on Mount Hor. Rashi (Bamidbar 33:38) notes that this age is significant because it mirrors the lifespan of Moshe (Devarim 34:7), highlighting the parallel greatness of these two brothers who led Bnei Yisrael together. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Chukat 10) elaborates that Aharon's death at this age was a mark of divine favor, as he merited a "complete" lifespan without the diminution of his years.

The Location of Aharon's Death

Mount Hor is identified by Rashi (Bamidbar 20:23) as the place where Aharon's priestly garments were transferred to his son Elazar before his passing. The Talmud (Zevachim 20a) explains that this transfer was done publicly to prevent any disputes about Elazar's succession to the Kehunah (priesthood). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:19) adds that Mount Hor was chosen specifically because it was outside the boundaries of Eretz Yisrael, allowing Aharon to avoid witnessing the future sins of the people in the land.

The Three Stages of Aharon's Life

Rabbeinu Bachya (Bamidbar 33:39) divides Aharon's 123 years into three distinct periods:

  • First 40 years: His early life and preparation for leadership.
  • Middle 40 years: His service in Mitzrayim and during the Exodus.
  • Final 43 years: His role as Kohen Gadol in the Mishkan and wilderness.

This structure parallels the 120 years often associated with human potential (see Bereishit 6:3), with Aharon meriting an additional three years as a special reward for his righteousness.

Aharon's Legacy of Peace

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 6b) emphasizes that the entire house of Israel mourned Aharon's death for thirty days (Bamidbar 20:29), more than the mourning period prescribed in halacha, because of his unique role as a pursuer of peace (Rambam, Hilchot Aveilut 13:12). The Midrash (Avot D'Rabbi Natan 12:3) records that Aharon would reconcile quarreling friends and spouses, making his death a profound loss for the nation's unity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How old was Aharon when he died?
A: Aharon was 123 years old when he died, as stated in Numbers 33:39. This age is significant because it shows he lived a full life, similar to Moshe who also lived 120 years (Devarim 34:7). The Midrash (Sifrei) notes that Aharon's lifespan reflects his righteousness and leadership as the Kohen Gadol (High Priest).
Q: Where did Aharon die?
A: Aharon died on Mount Hor, as mentioned in Numbers 33:39. According to Rashi, this was a designated place where Aharon was gathered to his people in a dignified manner, similar to Moshe’s passing on Har Nevo. The Talmud (Yoma 38a) teaches that Aharon’s death was a moment of national mourning for the Jewish people.
Q: Why is Aharon's age at death mentioned in the Torah?
A: The Torah records Aharon's age at death (123 years) to highlight his righteousness and the completion of his mission. Rambam (Hilchos Aveil 1:6) explains that the Torah often mentions the lifespans of tzaddikim (righteous people) to teach us about their virtues and the impact of their deeds. Aharon’s role as Kohen Gadol and his efforts to bring peace among people (Pirkei Avot 1:12) made his life especially meaningful.
Q: What can we learn from Aharon's life and death?
A: Aharon’s life teaches us the importance of peacemaking (Pirkei Avot 1:12), leadership with humility, and serving Hashem with devotion. His death at 123 years—after fulfilling his role as Kohen Gadol—reminds us that a meaningful life is measured by spiritual accomplishments, not just years. The Midrash (Tanchuma Chukat 10) emphasizes that Aharon was mourned by all of Israel, showing how deeply he was loved for his kindness.