Chulath: Gd's rule

 The parsha opens :  זֹאת חֻקַּת הַתּוֹרָה

 This is the chok: the statute  of the Torah, it is a rule independent of your understanding, it might be arbitrary (or it might not), but it is THE LAW

The red heifer is not the unfathomable rule, it is the problem for which the red heifer is needed -  that is the chok - it is death.

Death is the ultimate, inevitable, unjust , arbitrary  verdict that awaits all people, all living things.  Life is lived in its shadow, it makes every moment precious . 

In the parsha there is a cascade of death.  Miriam dies and there is thirst ( her  name was mayim  with a Raish stuck in the middle).  The misinterpretation of the Divine instructions on obtaining water ( aqua vitae) brings a death sentence upon Aharon and Moshe.  Aharon  ( whose name includes Har, the mountain) dies on Har Hahar ( hardy har har).  We know that Moshe's death is not far off. 

Aharon's death is interesting in that it is planned, it is death with  dignity.  The inheritance of the precious priestly garments is arranged.  Aaron ascends the mountain ( of his fate), but does not return... The actual mode of death is not specified in the text.   Very modern?

To die, —to sleep;—
To sleep! perchance to dream: —ay, there's the rub;
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause: there's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life;

 

William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act III, Scene I