“Aaron will be gathered to his people, for he will not come into the land that I have given to the children of Israel, because you defied My directive at the waters of dispute” (Numbers 20:24). It teaches that they inform the righteous of the day of their death, so they can bequeath their crown to their sons. Why did Aaron not die as Miriam died, that no person knew about her, but rather, it was said to Moses: “Aaron will be gathered”?
This is analogous to a king who had two treasurers, and they would not do anything without the king’s knowledge.55Unlike Moses and Aaron, Miriam did not have an official position. One of them had a significant position before the king, and the king had to take the position [and give it to someone else]. The king said: Even though he is under my control, I will not take his position until I inform him.
So, the Holy One blessed be He said: These two elders, they did not do anything without My knowledge. Now that I am removing them, I will not remove them until I inform them. That is why it is stated: “Aaron will be gathered.” He said to Him: ‘My Master, leave him with the children of Reuben and the children of Gad.’
He said to him: “That I have given to the children of Israel” – ‘his death is delaying the giving of the land. Is it your desire that he not die and Israel will not enter the land?’ That is why it is stated: “That I have given to the children of Israel.”