And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation.

NUMBERS 20:27KJV
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Numbers 20:27 (KJV)

What does Numbers 20:27 mean?

Numbers 20:27 describes Moses carrying out the LORD’s instruction about Aaron’s approaching death. Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s son Eleazar go up Mount Hor while the gathered Israelites watch. The journey begins a public change in Israel’s priestly leadership.

The narrator tells the story rather than recording a speech. After the instruction in verse 26, the phrase “in the sight of all the congregation” places the people at the foot of a visible ascent. They can see the three men leave together, which makes the later return of Moses and Eleazar significant.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 20:27

  • “sight” — עַיִן (ʿayin): This word means “eye” and can refer to what someone sees. The phrase pictures the ascent happening before the eyes of the gathered people.
  • “congregation” — עֵדָה (ʿedah): This word refers to an assembled community. Here it names the gathered Israelites who witness the journey, not a small private group.

Why Numbers 20:27 matters

  • Aaron’s priestly role is about to pass to Eleazar. In verse 28, Moses removes Aaron’s priestly clothes and puts them on Eleazar, following the instruction given before the ascent.
  • The ascent helps explain the people’s response afterward. Once Moses and Eleazar come down, the congregation learns that Aaron has died and mourns him for thirty days (verses 28–29).

Where else these words appear

“Hor” Hebrew H2023 · used in 12 verses

  • Numbers 20:22 And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh, and came unto mount Hor.
  • Numbers 21:4 And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.
  • Numbers 33:41 And they departed from mount Hor, and pitched in Zalmonah.

“congregation” Hebrew H5712 · used in 140 verses

  • Exodus 12:3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
  • Numbers 15:24 Then it shall be, if ought be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering.
  • Numbers 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.