So Moses did as the LORD had commandedMoses' obedience to God's command is a recurring theme throughout the Pentateuch. This phrase highlights Moses' role as a faithful servant and leader, emphasizing his submission to divine authority. It reflects the importance of obedience in the covenant relationship between God and His people. This act of obedience is reminiscent of other instances where Moses followed God's instructions, such as the construction of the Tabernacle (
Exodus 40:16). It also prefigures the ultimate obedience of Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the will of the Father (
John 6:38).
and they climbed Mount Hor
Mount Hor is a significant geographical location in the biblical narrative. It is traditionally identified with Jebel Harun in modern-day Jordan, near Petra. This mountain is notable as the place where Aaron, the brother of Moses, died and was buried (Numbers 20:28-29). The ascent of Mount Hor symbolizes a transition and a moment of solemnity, as it marks the end of Aaron's priestly service. The climb can also be seen as a type of Christ's ascension, where He completed His earthly ministry and entered into His heavenly priesthood (Hebrews 4:14).
in the sight of the whole congregation
The public nature of this event underscores its importance and the transparency of leadership in Israel. The congregation witnessing the ascent signifies communal participation in the significant moments of their journey. It serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility and unity of the people of God. This public act also foreshadows the crucifixion of Christ, which was witnessed by many, highlighting the communal aspect of redemption (Luke 23:48). The visibility of the event reinforces the idea that God's dealings with His people are not hidden but are meant to be a testimony to His faithfulness and justice.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this passage, Moses is obedient to God's command.
2.
AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. This chapter marks the end of Aaron's life as he is about to be gathered to his people.
3.
Mount HorA significant location where Aaron's death takes place. It is a mountain in the region of Edom, marking a pivotal moment in Israel's journey.
4.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who commands Moses and orchestrates the events described.
5.
The Congregation of IsraelThe collective body of the Israelites who witness the events on Mount Hor, representing the community of God's people.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's CommandMoses' actions demonstrate the importance of obedience to God's instructions, even in difficult circumstances. Believers are called to trust and follow God's guidance.
The Transition of LeadershipThe event on Mount Hor signifies a transition in leadership, reminding us of the importance of preparing the next generation to carry on God's work.
Witness to the CommunityThe presence of the congregation highlights the role of community in witnessing and affirming God's actions. Our faith should be lived out publicly as a testimony to others.
The Reality of MortalityAaron's death serves as a reminder of human mortality and the need to live a life of faithfulness, knowing our time on earth is limited.
God's Sovereignty in Life and DeathThe passage underscores God's sovereignty over life and death, encouraging believers to trust in His perfect plan and timing.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 20:27?
2.How does Numbers 20:27 demonstrate obedience to God's instructions through Moses?
3.What can we learn about leadership transitions from Numbers 20:27?
4.How does Numbers 20:27 connect to God's faithfulness in Deuteronomy 34:9?
5.How can we apply the obedience shown in Numbers 20:27 to our lives?
6.What role does trust in God play in the events of Numbers 20:27?
7.Why did Moses obey God's command in Numbers 20:27 despite previous disobedience?
8.How does Numbers 20:27 reflect the theme of leadership transition in the Bible?
9.What is the significance of Aaron's death in Numbers 20:27 for Israel's history?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 20?
11.Why does Deuteronomy 10:6–7 place Aaron’s death at Moserah when Numbers 20:27–28 records it occurred on Mount Hor?
12.Numbers 27:12-14: Why is Moses barred from entering the Promised Land for striking the rock, which seems like a minor offense?
13.Numbers 21:8-9 - Why would God command Moses to create a bronze serpent, seemingly at odds with prohibitions against idol-making in Exodus 20?
14.Numbers 20:8-11 - Why does this passage seem inconsistent with Exodus 17:6 regarding the instructions God gives Moses for drawing water from a rock?What Does Numbers 20:27 Mean
So Moses did- Moses’ response is immediate and exact, echoing the pattern seen throughout the wilderness journey (Exodus 40:16;Numbers 27:22–23).
- His obedience reminds us that faith without action is incomplete (James 2:17).
- By acting without delay, Moses models how trust in God’s word produces concrete steps, not mere intentions.
as the LORD had commanded- The command is God-initiated, underscoring divine authority (Numbers 20:24;Deuteronomy 34:4–5).
- Moses does not negotiate, alter, or postpone the instruction. This mirrors earlier moments when precise obedience was critical, such as building the tabernacle “according to the pattern” (Exodus 25:9, 40).
- Obedience here includes accepting God’s verdict that Aaron’s ministry is ending—an act that required submission to divine justice (Numbers 20:24–26).
and they climbed Mount Hor- The “they” refers to Moses, Aaron, and Eleazar (Numbers 20:25).
- The ascent fulfills God’s specific directive to transfer the high-priestly garments from Aaron to Eleazar (Numbers 20:26).
- Climbing a mountain highlights separation for a holy purpose, reminiscent of Moses ascending Sinai (Exodus 19:3) and foreshadowing other mountaintop transitions, such as Elijah on Horeb (1 Kings 19:8).
in the sight of the whole congregation- The public nature of this act confirms God’s choice of leadership and prevents dispute about Aaron’s succession (Numbers 17:10;2 Corinthians 8:21).
- It teaches accountability: leadership changes and divine decisions are not hidden but transparent.
- The congregation’s witness also magnifies the solemnity of Aaron’s forthcoming death and the continuity of priestly ministry through Eleazar (Deuteronomy 31:7–8).
summaryNumbers 20:27 portrays Moses’ prompt, precise obedience to God’s command, the solemn transfer of priestly authority, and the intentional transparency of leadership change before all Israel. The verse affirms that God’s directions are to be carried out exactly, publicly, and trustingly, demonstrating both reverence for His word and care for His people.
(27)
And they went up into Mount Hor . . . --Some would render
to the summit of the mountain,and regard these words as equivalent to those which occur in the following verse, "the top of the mount;" but the same words occur in the fourth verse of the following chapter, where they cannot be thus understood.
In the sight of all the congregation.--The place where the people encamped is calledMoserothinNumbers 33:30, andMoserainDeuteronomy 10:6.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So Mosesמֹשֶׁ֔ה(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiverdidוַיַּ֣עַשׂ(way·ya·‘aś)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makeasכַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר(ka·’ă·šer)Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatthe LORDיְהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelhad commanded,צִוָּ֣ה(ṣiw·wāh)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680:To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, orderand they climbedוַֽיַּעֲלוּ֙(way·ya·‘ă·lū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelyMountהָהָ֔ר(hā·hār)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2022:Mountain, hill, hill countryHorהֹ֣ר(hōr)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2023:Hor -- two mountains in Palestinein the sightלְעֵינֵ֖י(lə·‘ê·nê)Preposition-l | Noun - cdc
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountainof the wholeכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everycongregation.הָעֵדָֽה׃(hā·‘ê·ḏāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5712:A stated assemblage
Links
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OT Law: Numbers 20:27 Moses did as Yahweh commanded: and they (Nu Num.) 
