Numbers 20:1-29 - The Death Of Aaron:-mercy And Judgment.

I. JUDGMENT . Aaron's death was—

1 . A chastisement ( Numbers 20:24 ; Romans 5:12 ; Romans 8:10 ).

2 . A deprivation ( Numbers 20:26 ). His garments were taken off because his priesthood was taken away. So with the most sacred and honourable office of the Christian ( Hebrews 7:23 ; 2 Peter 1:13-15 ).

3 . A severance. The aged Moses loses the last companion of his early days.

4 . A grief to many ( Numbers 20:29 ).

II. MERCY ; indicated in Aaron's death by such facts as these. It was,

1 . A calm departure, not a sudden judgment. He was not "cut off from," but "gathered unto his people."

2 . A release from the toils of life in the wilderness and the contradiction of sinners.

3 . A gentle dismission from the responsibilities of office.

4 . A transference of his duties and honours to a beloved son. He saw the robes and the office of the priesthood intrusted to Eleazar.

5 . A promotion to the higher service of a sinless world; from the mount of communion to the heavenly Mount Zion.—P.