Topical Encyclopedia Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible. His character is multifaceted, reflecting both strengths and weaknesses that are evident throughout the biblical narrative.1. Leadership and Priesthood: Aaron is primarily recognized for his role as the first high priest of Israel. God appointed him to this position, and he was consecrated to serve in the tabernacle, offering sacrifices and interceding on behalf of the people. In Exodus 28:1, God commands Moses, "Bring near to you your brother Aaron and his sons with him, from among the Israelites, to serve Me as priests—Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons." Aaron's leadership in the priesthood established a hereditary line of priests, setting a precedent for the Levitical priesthood. 2. Spokesman and Supporter: Aaron also served as Moses' spokesman. When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses expressed concern about his speaking abilities. In response, God appointed Aaron to be his mouthpiece. Exodus 4:14-16 states, "Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses, and He said, 'Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And he is now on his way to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and it will be as if you were God to him.'" 3. Weakness and Compromise: Despite his leadership roles, Aaron's character also reveals moments of weakness and compromise. One of the most notable incidents is the creation of the golden calf. While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments, the people grew restless and demanded an idol. Aaron acquiesced to their demands and fashioned a golden calf, leading the people into idolatry. Exodus 32:2-4 recounts, "So Aaron told them, 'Take off the gold earrings that are on your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.' Then all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron. He took the gold from their hands, and with an engraving tool he fashioned it into a molten calf. And they said, 'These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!'" 4. Humility and Repentance: Aaron's character also demonstrates humility and repentance. After the golden calf incident, Aaron acknowledged his wrongdoing. When Moses confronted him, Aaron admitted his role, albeit with some deflection of responsibility. In Leviticus 10:19, after the death of his sons Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire, Aaron remained silent, accepting the judgment of God. This silence can be seen as an act of humility and submission to divine will. 5. Familial Loyalty and Conflict: Aaron's relationship with his family, particularly with Moses and Miriam, is complex. He showed loyalty to Moses, supporting him in his leadership. However, there were moments of conflict, such as when Aaron and Miriam spoke against Moses because of his Cushite wife. Numbers 12:1-2 records, "Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. 'Does the LORD speak only through Moses?' they said. 'Does He not also speak through us?' And the LORD heard this." This incident led to Miriam's temporary leprosy, and Aaron pleaded with Moses for her healing, demonstrating his concern for his sister. 6. Faithfulness and Obedience: Despite his failings, Aaron remained a faithful servant of God. He played a crucial role in the Exodus narrative, performing miracles alongside Moses, such as turning his staff into a serpent and initiating the plagues upon Egypt. Aaron's obedience to God's commands is evident in his meticulous execution of priestly duties, as outlined in Leviticus. Aaron's character, as depicted in the Bible, is a blend of leadership, weakness, humility, and faithfulness. His life serves as a testament to the complexities of human nature and the capacity for both error and redemption. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 106:16They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD. Nave's Topical Index Library Aaron, his Office no Palliation of his Sin, 61. Of the Fact that Matthew, Together with Mark, had Specially in ... Traditionalism, Its Origin, Character, and Literature - the ... Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ... On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and on Giving of ... Moses, the Mighty Intercessor The Waters of Meribah The Burnt Offering a Picture and a Prophecy Sharing Christ's Life First Commandment Resources Who was Aaron in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the relationship of Moses and Aaron? | GotQuestions.org Why wasn't Aaron punished for making the golden calf? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Aaron with Hur Supports the Hands of Moses During Battle Aaron: Commissioned As a Deliverer of Israel Aaron: Consecration of, to the Priesthood Aaron: Descendants of, Ordained Priests Forever Aaron: Enters Upon the Priestly office Aaron: Forbidden to Mourn the Death of his Son, Nadab and Abihu Aaron: His Benedictions Upon the People Aaron: His Presumption, when the Rock is Smitten Aaron: Judges Israel in the Absence of Moses Aaron: Meets Moses in the Wilderness and is Made Spokesman for Moses Aaron: Murmured Against, by the People Aaron: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan Aaron: Places Pot of Manna in the Ark Aaron: Stays the Plague by Priestly Intercession Aaron: Summoned to Sinai With Nadab, Abihu, and Seventy Elders Related Terms Meal-offering (120 Occurrences) Meat-offering (111 Occurrences) |
    |