Topical Encyclopedia Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, is a significant figure in biblical history. His descendants, known as the Aaronic priesthood, played a crucial role in the religious life of Israel. The lineage of Aaron is detailed in various parts of the Bible, highlighting the continuity of the priestly office through his sons and their descendants.Sons of Aaron Aaron had four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. The Bible records that Nadab and Abihu, the eldest sons, died without offspring because they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord (Leviticus 10:1-2). This left Eleazar and Ithamar to carry on the priestly duties. Eleazar Eleazar, the third son of Aaron, succeeded his father as high priest. He played a significant role during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. Eleazar's descendants continued the high priestly line. One of his notable descendants was Phinehas, who is remembered for his zealous act that stopped a plague among the Israelites (Numbers 25:7-13). The Bible states, "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My wrath away from the Israelites" (Numbers 25:11). Ithamar Ithamar, the youngest son of Aaron, also served as a priest. His descendants included Eli, who served as a priest and judge of Israel. However, the line of Ithamar faced divine judgment due to the sins of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, leading to the eventual transfer of the high priesthood back to the line of Eleazar (1 Samuel 2:27-36). The Zadokite Line The priestly line of Eleazar continued through Zadok, a descendant of Phinehas, who served as a priest during the reigns of David and Solomon. Zadok's loyalty to David during Absalom's rebellion and his support for Solomon's accession to the throne solidified his family's position in the priesthood. The Bible records, "Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anointed Solomon as king" (1 Kings 1:45). The Zadokite line maintained the high priesthood through the First Temple period. Post-Exilic Period After the Babylonian exile, the priestly lineage of Aaron was reestablished in Jerusalem. Ezra, a descendant of Aaron through Eleazar, played a pivotal role in the spiritual and religious restoration of the Jewish community. The book of Ezra begins with his genealogy, affirming his Aaronic descent: "This Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given" (Ezra 7:6). The New Testament Era In the New Testament, the priestly lineage of Aaron is acknowledged in the person of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. Zechariah is described as a priest of the division of Abijah, married to Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron (Luke 1:5). This connection underscores the enduring legacy of Aaron's descendants in the religious life of Israel, even into the time of Jesus. Throughout biblical history, the descendants of Aaron held a unique and sacred role as mediators between God and the people of Israel, entrusted with the responsibilities of the priesthood and the maintenance of the covenantal relationship with God. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 6:23,25And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bore him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 6:3-15,50-53 1 Chronicles 24:1 Library Entire Sanctification in Patriarchal Times. Fifth Sunday in Lent An Enumeration of the High Priests. The Only Atoning Priest The Worship of the Synagogue The Call of Isaiah The Israelites But the Hebrews, Oppressed by the Multiplied Evils of Slavery... On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements. Resources What should we learn from the golden calf incident in Exodus 32? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Miriam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org How were Pharaoh's magicians able to perform miracles? | 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) |
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