Take Aaron and Eleazar his son and bring them up to Mount Hor.
25. Take Aaron and Eleazar his son. Aaron’s successor was to be designated whilst he was himself still living; first of all, that the perpetuity of the priesthood might be secured; and, secondly, lest the people, with their usual temerity, should take upon themselves the election in a matter depending on the will of God, alone.
The chapter began with the funeral of Miriam, and it ends with the funeral of her brother Aaron. When death comes into a family, it often strikes double. Israel had not improved the former affliction they were under, by the death of the prophetess, and therefore, soon after, God took away their priest, to try if they would lay that to heart.
Commenting on Numbers 20:22-29
And strip Aaron of his garments,.... His priestly garments, as the Targum of Jonathan, and so Jarchi: and put them upon Eleazar his son; thereby declaring him to be high priest in his father's stead: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there; the phrase of gathering to his people is here explained of his dying.