HOUR (PLACE) . 1. A mountain on the border of Edom where Aaron died and was buried (Num. 20:22-28; Deut. 32:50). Since the name Hor is always given with the definite article, it is suggested that it is a prominent mountain ridge. It is alleged that there are two conflicting traditions regarding where Aaron died and where he was buried. Deuteronomy 10:6 states that these events occurred at Mosera; however, Numbers 20:27-28 records that Aaron died and was buried on Mount Hor. However, there seems to be no conflict since the name Moserah (Moseroth), meaning -punishment(s)-, was applied to the event, not to the place of Aaron’s death. Aaron died in Edom on Mount Hor as punishment for the Meribah incident (Num. 20:24; Deut. 32:51), while the people of Israel camped below. To commemorate this event, the incident and the camp were named Moseroth (Num. 33:30).
A tradition dating back to at least the 1st century AD (Ant 4.4.7), identifies Mount Hor with Jebel Nebi Harun (-mountain of Aaron-) near Petra; however, this two-capped sandstone mountain some 4,800 feet (1,460 m) high, lies in the middle of Edomite territory rather than on the border. Its steep summit is the location of a tomb supposedly belonging to Aaron, the top of which is a Muslim mosque. However, the tomb is more likely to be a reconstructed Christian church dating from the time of Justinian (AD527-65). Any tradition that places Mount Hor in the middle of Edomite territory rather than on its border (Num. 20:22) would be open to serious question. Furthermore, since the Edomites were able to bar the Israelites from their land, and were able to do so with a powerful border force (Num.20:17-21), Israel could never have reached Jebel Nebı̄ Harun without crossing Edom, which obviously it was an impossibility. Again, that place is too far from Kadesh, and the mountain peak too high and inaccessible for the Israelites to witness the ceremonies that transferred the office of high priest from father to son (Num. 20:22-29) .
A more likely location would be Jabel Madurah, 15 miles (24 km) NE of Kadesh. This place is on the extreme NW edge of Edom, but outside of Edomite territory. For topographical reasons, it seems more suitable since Israel began their detour around Edom at Mount Hor (Num. 21:4), and the entire area was more accessible for the Israelites to witness the later ceremonies that took place there. The positive identification of Mount Hor is uncertain, due to insufficient evidence, leaving Jabel Madurah as the most accepted site.
2. A mountain mentioned only in Numbers 34:7-8 as a landmark marking the N boundary of the promised land of Israel that they were about to conquer. The actual location is not identified. The Mediterranean was the O border; the first landmark was Mount Hor, and the second landmark was “the entrance to Hamat.” You can describe a prominent peak in Lebanon. Suggested possibilities include Mount Hermon and Jabel Akkar, a spur of the Lebanon range west of Tripoli. The reference can also refer to the entire mountain range of Lebanon.
RAY L. ROT