THEOSISJerome of Stridon
The thirty-fourth encampment has various interpretations: some render it as light, which would be accurate if the term “Or” were spelled with an aleph; others suggest skin, which would hold true if it had an ain; some propose well, only if the particle “get” were present. However, as it is pronounced with the prefix “ge,” a more fitting translation would be mount, indicating that Aaron the priest ascended to the mount of the mount, or the summit of the mount. Thus, it is evident that the high priest did not merely pass away on the mountain, but rather on the mountain of the mount, a place befitting his honor.
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He died in the year when the new people were destined to enter the promised land, at the edge of the Idumean territory; though on the mount, he handed down the priesthood to his son Eleazar, so that the law might elevate its fulfillers to the utmost perfection, yet this very elevation remains within the confines of earthly existence. The people lamented for him for thirty days. While Aaron is mourned, Jesus does not face such mourning. The law speaks of the descent into hell, while the gospel proclaims the ascension to heaven. The Canaanites learned of Israel's arrival, and in the very spot where the spies had once provoked the Lord, they engaged in combat, capturing Israelite warriors. They fought again in that same location; as a result of their oath, the victors triumphed, while the defeated suffered losses, and that place was named ‘Orma,’ meaning anathema. It is clear and essential for us to recognize that human fate in this life is ever-changing: one person dies in the valley, another in the fields, and yet another on the mountain, not merely on any mountain, but on the mountain of the mountain, representing a high peak. When we, lacking divine assistance, are besieged by the enemy and taken as captives, let us not lose hope for our salvation, but instead prepare ourselves anew for battle. Perhaps in the very location of our defeat, we will find victory, triumphing in the place where we were once held captive.