They left Kadesh and gathered at Mount Hor, marking a pivotal stage in their wilderness journey.
“Now when they set out from Kadesh, the sons of Israel, the whole congregation, came to Mount Hor.” (v.22)
In this verse, Moses describes the moment when the Israelites, led by God’s guidance, departed from Kadesh—a place located near the southern border of the Promised Land—to continue their journey through the wilderness. Kadesh was significant in Israel’s history because it served as an encampment and turning point during the nation’s wanderings; the people had spent considerable time there, grappling with moments of both obedience and rebellion (Numbers 13-14). Moving on from Kadesh underscored God’s ongoing faithfulness, as He continued to lead His people even when they struggled with doubt and needed correction.
The text points out that “the sons of Israel, the whole congregation” journeyed together, emphasizing a community united in its wanderings and sustained by God’s provision. The next destination mentioned is Mount Hor, which lies “by the border of the land of Edom” (Numbers 20:23). Historically, Mount Hor is of great importance: it is the place where Aaron, Moses’ brother, would pass away, signifying the end of one season of priestly leadership and the solemn reminder that the promise of entering Canaan would not be realized by that first rebellious generation (Numbers 20:24-29). This journey likely took place in the late 15th century BC, during the latter stages of Israel’s forty-year sojourn in the wilderness, as they moved closer to the land of promise.
Mount Hor itself rose prominently east of the Arabah region, allowing the Israelites to see the borders of Edom and beyond. Its location highlights that God was guiding them through a deliberate route, forging a nation prepared to rely on Him fully. The coming chapters will describe in more detail Aaron’s final moments on this mountain and the transfer of priestly responsibility to his son Eleazar (Numbers 20:24-29), showing how, even as leaders changed, God’s faithfulness remained steadfast.
This verse demonstrates the transition from a long encampment at Kadesh to Mount Hor, revealing how the Lord’s direction moved His entire people onward in fulfillment of His plan.
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Numbers 20:22 meaning
“Now when they set out from Kadesh, the sons of Israel, the whole congregation, came to Mount Hor.” (v.22)
In this verse, Moses describes the moment when the Israelites, led by God’s guidance, departed from Kadesh—a place located near the southern border of the Promised Land—to continue their journey through the wilderness. Kadesh was significant in Israel’s history because it served as an encampment and turning point during the nation’s wanderings; the people had spent considerable time there, grappling with moments of both obedience and rebellion (Numbers 13-14). Moving on from Kadesh underscored God’s ongoing faithfulness, as He continued to lead His people even when they struggled with doubt and needed correction.
The text points out that “the sons of Israel, the whole congregation” journeyed together, emphasizing a community united in its wanderings and sustained by God’s provision. The next destination mentioned is Mount Hor, which lies “by the border of the land of Edom” (Numbers 20:23). Historically, Mount Hor is of great importance: it is the place where Aaron, Moses’ brother, would pass away, signifying the end of one season of priestly leadership and the solemn reminder that the promise of entering Canaan would not be realized by that first rebellious generation (Numbers 20:24-29). This journey likely took place in the late 15th century BC, during the latter stages of Israel’s forty-year sojourn in the wilderness, as they moved closer to the land of promise.
Mount Hor itself rose prominently east of the Arabah region, allowing the Israelites to see the borders of Edom and beyond. Its location highlights that God was guiding them through a deliberate route, forging a nation prepared to rely on Him fully. The coming chapters will describe in more detail Aaron’s final moments on this mountain and the transfer of priestly responsibility to his son Eleazar (Numbers 20:24-29), showing how, even as leaders changed, God’s faithfulness remained steadfast.
This verse demonstrates the transition from a long encampment at Kadesh to Mount Hor, revealing how the Lord’s direction moved His entire people onward in fulfillment of His plan.