Many years Moses and Aaron had stood side by side in their cares and labors. Together they had breasted unnumbered dangers, and had shared together the signal blessing of God; but the time was at hand when they must be separated. They moved on very slowly, for every moment in each other's society was precious. The ascent was steep and toilsome; and as they often paused to rest, they communed together of the past and the future. Before them, as far as the eye could reach, was spread out the scene of their desert wanderings. In the plain below were encamped the vast hosts of Israel, for whom these chosen men had spent the best portion of their lives; for whose welfare they had felt so deep an interest, and made so great sacrifices. Somewhere beyond the mountains of Edom was the path leading to the Promised Land--that land whose blessings Moses and Aaron were not to enjoy. No rebellious feelings found a place in their hearts, no expression of murmuring escaped their lips; yet a solemn sadness rested upon their countenances as they remembered what had debarred them from the inheritance of their fathers.

Gennem mange år havde Moses og Aron stået skulder ved skulder og delt problemerne og byrderne. De havde kæmpet med utallige farer og fået del i Guds rige velsignelse. Nu var tiden kommet, da de skulle skilles. De gik ganske langsomt, for hvert øjeblik af deres samvær var dyrebart. Bjerget var stejlt, og opstigningen var vanskelig. De standsede ofte for at hvile sig, og under disse ophold talte de sammen om fortiden og fremtiden. Så langt øjet rakte, kunne de se ørkenen, som de var vandret igennem. Neden for bjerget var Israels hærskarers lejr. Her boede de mennesker, som de to udvalgte mænd havde viet den bedste del af deres liv, vist så stor interesse og bragt så store ofre for. På den anden side af Edoms bjerge gik vejen til det forjættede land - det land, hvis velsignelser Moses og Aron ikke ville komme til at nyde. De nærede ingen oprørske følelser i hjertet og gav ikke udtryk for utilfredshed, men der hvilede en højtidelig bedrøvelse over deres ansigt, når de tænkte på, hvorfor de ikke ville få adgang til deres fædres arv.