Miriam and Aaron die. Moses and Aaron will not be allowed to enter the Promised Land because they [actually Moses] struck the rock instead of just speaking to it as God commanded. Again, I think it's more a matter of the heart. Because Aaron is punished, too, and he didn't even strike the rock. It's not the act but what the act betrays about the actor's heart. In this case, perhaps the two got a little holier than thou. One of the pitfalls of leadership is pride.
I wished I could have been present at Aaron's death. Other than walking with God and being no more, Aaron's death seems a good way to go. The manner of his death seems to underscore my conviction that even though God may punish people on this earth, it's not necessarily an indicator of our ultimate destination and judgement. There is such a sense of peace about Aaron's passing. Moses goes with his brother into the mountain. I imagine the whole community watching as they ascend. Aaron in his priestly garments. Those garments are ceremonially stripped from him and his son Eleazar is arrayed in them. I'm certain that Aaron was proud to see his son literally assume his father's mantel. To fill his shoes. Interesting that Aaron probably falls because of pride and is rewarded by seeing his son take his place and his fatherly pride sustained.
Did Aaron feel some sense of sadness and regret along with the joy of seeing his son take his place? Sad that he would not join his people in the Promised Land after so long a journey and so many obstacles overcome? Or did he understand, accept God's judgement and, then, that very day make the journey to the ultimate Promised Land in heaven? Aaron is laid to rest. Moses and Eleazar descend the mountain together. I wonder what they talked about? Did Moses tell Eleazar what Aaron was like growing up? How well did they actually know each other since Moses was raised in Pharoah's household? But I hold on to the fact that Aaron saw his son take his place. And so it's not sad at all. there is an overwhelming sense of peace to it.
Once again the people murmur about the food and water. You'd think they'd figure out what was in store by now. But then, aren't we just like them? We forget what all the Lord has done for us and how we should be so happy. Venomous snakes are sent by God and the people are bitten and many die until the bronze snake is lifted up. Is this Plague 5? A visitation of poisonous snakes?
Then we have Moses' journal of the nation's travels as commanded by God. so, God's into journaling. Well, we know he loves the word. So His interest in journaling only makes sense.
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