Welcome to “Ehrman Errs,” a blog series devoted to using our conversational AI to refute each alleged biblical contradiction that is posed in the article on Bart Ehrman’s website: 50 Contradictions in the Bible: The Biggest, Most Shocking Differences.
Today’s alleged contradiction:
#43 – Where Did Aaron, the Brother of Moses, Die?
This is another possible example of a contradiction in the Bible! In Numbers 20:28 and Numbers 33:38, Aaron is said to have died and remained on the top of Mount Hor, a location emphasized as the site of his death and burial. However, in Deuteronomy 10:6, Aaron is reported to have died and been buried at Moser (or Moseroth), a completely different location. After a couple of Old Testament examples of the contradictions in the Bible and clear differences, let’s get back to the New Testament. After all, when it comes to the contradictions in the Bible, most people think of the Gospels and the story of Jesus’ life!
How Does Ehrman Err?
Bart Ehrman’s claim of a contradiction between Numbers 20:27–28; 33:38 and Deuteronomy 10:6—is actually a misunderstanding of geography and ancient place terminology, not a genuine contradiction.
Let’s examine the passages first:
- Numbers 20:27–28 (ESV) — “And Moses did as the LORD commanded. And they went up Mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation. And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments and put them on Eleazar his son. And Aaron died there on the top of the mountain.”
- Numbers 33:38 (ESV) — “Aaron the priest went up Mount Hor at the command of the LORD and died there in the fortieth year after the people of Israel had come out of the land of Egypt.”
- Deuteronomy 10:6 (ESV) — “(The people of Israel journeyed from Beeroth Bene-jaakan to Moserah. There Aaron died, and there he was buried. And his son Eleazar ministered as priest in his place.)”
At first glance, it looks like we have two different death sites: Mount Hor and Moserah (or Moseroth).
But when studied carefully, the apparent discrepancy dissolves.
1. Moserah was the district that included Mount Hor
Archaeological and textual studies indicate that Moserah was not a single point but a region or district near the border of Edom that encompassed Mount Hor.
As the Precept Austin commentary on Deuteronomy 10 explains:
“Moserah was probably an area near the border of Edom. It is reasonable to assume that Mount Hor was located within the boundaries of this area. Similarly, Horeb was the name of a group of mountains in which Mount Sinai was located. Consequently, it is not a contradiction to claim that Aaron died and was buried both in Moserah and on the top of Mount Hor. Moserah was the district, and Mount Hor the specific location.”
— Precept Austin, Deuteronomy 10:6 Commentary
So Deuteronomy 10 and Numbers are describing the same general event, but from slightly different perspectives—one referencing the particular mountain (Mount Hor), and the other the encompassing district (Moserah). It’s like saying someone died in Los Angeles or in California—both are true, one more specific than the other.
2. Deuteronomy 10:6–7 is a parenthetical historical note
Biblical scholars (including Keil & Delitzsch and Norman Geisler) have pointed out that Deuteronomy 10:6–7 interrupts the main narrative as a parenthetical remembrance of the Israelites’ journey.
Moses briefly recalls places they passed—including Moserah—where Aaron’s death occurred. The focus isn’t chronological precision but theological reflection on God’s guidance and priestly transition (Aaron → Eleazar).
Geisler summarizes it well:
“Moserah was a location in which Israel camped during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land… There is no contradiction. Deuteronomy gives the region name, Numbers the specific mountain summit.”
— Norman Geisler, When Critics Ask
3. Why the difference matters theologically
The biblical writer’s purpose isn’t cartography but covenant faithfulness.
Aaron’s death marked the end of a generation’s pilgrimage and the peaceful transfer of the priesthood to Eleazar—showing God’s faithfulness in preserving His covenantal order.
“And his son Eleazar ministered as priest in his place.” (Deuteronomy 10:6, ESV)
Even as leaders die, God continues His redemptive plan. Psalm 90:1 says, “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations,” reminding us that God’s promises do not depend on one man or one location.
4. Scripture’s coherence in light of this
When you respect the ancient geography and literary conventions, the Bible’s internal consistency becomes clear.
This point aligns with the broader view of Scripture’s inspiration and reliability:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)
And rather than contradicting itself, the Bible shows remarkable coherence across centuries of transmission and cultural context.
Summary
| Text | Place Mentioned | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers 20; 33 | Mount Hor | Specific mountain where Aaron died |
| Deuteronomy 10 : 6 | Moserah (district) | Region containing Mount Hor |
Therefore, there is no contradiction. Deuteronomy 10 simply provides a regional reference, while Numbers gives a geographical specific. Both describe the same event.
In truth, this issue does not undermine the Bible’s reliability but rather invites deeper study of the text within its ancient context. When we do so—as the Apostle Paul urged—“we destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God” (2 Corinthians 10:5, ESV).