מדרש אויף במדבר 20:24

A second midrash about Aaron is called 'The Death of Aaron' from the Yalkut Shimoni's study hall, Volume 1. It is an ancient aggadic midrash about the death of Aaron the High Priest, which was printed alongside the 'Book of Chronicles of Moses' (Kushta 5377, Venice 504, and others). The author attempts to clarify Aaron and Moses' sin at the Waters of Meribah and how Moses didn't want to reveal to Aaron that he would die on Mount Hor, only hinting at it, even though it's explicit in the scripture that God said to Moses and Aaron, "Aaron will be gathered to his people" (Numbers 20:24). The author also states that the Clouds of Glory surrounded Israel due to Aaron's merit (as the sages said), and during that entire time, they didn't see the light of the sun or the moon. When Aaron died, and clouds departed, they saw the two luminaries, wanted to worship them, and were warned against it. The 'Death of Aaron' midrash is similar to the 'Death of Moses' midrash and was probably composed later, following the latter's characteristics."

(Numb. 20:23-24:) “Then the Lord said unto Moses and unto Aaron on Mount Hor […], ‘Aaron will be gathered¹¹³Although this verb is commonly understood as a jussive, LET AARON BE GATHERED, the midrash reads the verb as a simple future. [unto his people.’” This passage] teaches that the righteous are informed of the day of their death, so that they may bequeath their crown to their children.¹¹⁴Numb. R. 19:17. So why did Aaron not die as Miriam died, since no mortal [knew] about her [death]? It was, however, told to Moses, “Aaron will be gathered [unto his people].” [The situation] is comparable to a king who had two ministers of finance,¹¹⁵Gk.: katholikoi. who did not act without the king's knowledge. One of them had a beautiful garment with the king, which the king needed for himself. The king said, “Although he is under my authority, I am not wearing the cloak until I inform him.” So also did the Holy One, blessed be He, say, “These two righteous men have done nothing without my knowledge. Now that I am taking them away, I shall not take them away until I inform them.” It is therefore stated (in Numb. 20:24), “Aaron will be gathered.” Moses said, “My Master, Leave Aaron [alive and have him stay on the other side of the Jordan] with the Children of Reuben and the Children of Gad.” He said to him (in Numb. 20:24, cont.), “’Which I have given to the Children of Israel,’ his death is required for the giving of the Land of Israel. Do you want him not to die and they not come into the Land of Israel?” Hence it is written (in Numb. 20:24), “which I have given to the Children of Israel.”

(Numb. 20:24, cont.:) “Because you rebelled against My command at the Waters of Meribah....” This text is related (to Prov. 10:3), “The Lord will not let a righteous soul go hungry.” This refers to the first Adam,¹¹⁶Numb. R. 19:18. in that none of the righteous, who stem from him and upon whom has been decreed sentence of death, will pass away until they see the face of the Divine Presence and reprove the first Adam, and say to him, “You have caused us death.” But he will answer them, “I have [only] one sin on my hands; but in your case; is there a single one of you that does not have more than four offenses on his hands?” So where is it shown that the righteous see the face of the Divine Presence? Where it is stated (in Is. 38:11), “I said, ‘I shall not see the Lord, even the Lord in the land of the living [...].’” The righteous shall be punished with death on account of small transgressions, so that the first Adam will not be blamed on their account. Thus it is stated (in Prov. 10:3), “The Lord will not let a righteous soul go hungry.” It is therefore stated (in Numb. 20:24), “because you rebelled.”