Topical Encyclopedia Aaron, the brother of Moses and a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, is notably recognized for his role as the first high priest of Israel. His entry into the priestly office marks a significant moment in the religious and communal life of the Israelites, as it establishes the Aaronic priesthood, which plays a central role in the worship and sacrificial system of ancient Israel.Divine Appointment Aaron's appointment to the priesthood is divinely ordained. In Exodus 28:1, God commands Moses, "Now bring near to you your brother Aaron and his sons with him, from among the Israelites, to serve Me as priests—Aaron and his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar." This directive underscores the divine selection of Aaron and his descendants for the sacred duties of the priesthood. Consecration and Vestments The consecration of Aaron and his sons is detailed in Exodus 29 and Leviticus 8. The process involves a series of rituals, including washing, anointing, and the offering of sacrifices. Aaron is clothed in special garments designed for glory and beauty, as described in Exodus 28:2-4: "Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor. You are to instruct all the skilled craftsmen, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, to make Aaron’s garments for his consecration, so that he may serve Me as priest." The garments include the ephod, breastpiece, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, each with symbolic significance and crafted with precision. The breastpiece, for instance, contains the Urim and Thummim, used for discerning God's will (Exodus 28:30). Inauguration of the Priesthood Leviticus 9 describes the inaugural ceremony of Aaron's priesthood. On the eighth day, after the seven-day ordination period, Aaron begins his priestly duties. Moses instructs him to offer specific sacrifices: a sin offering, a burnt offering, and a fellowship offering. Leviticus 9:22-24 records the culmination of this event: "Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them. And having sacrificed the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the fellowship offering, he stepped down. Then Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people, and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people. Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown." Role and Responsibilities As high priest, Aaron's responsibilities include overseeing the sacrificial system, maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle, and interceding on behalf of the people. He is also tasked with entering the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for himself and the people (Leviticus 16). Aaron's priesthood is characterized by both privilege and responsibility, serving as a mediator between God and the Israelites. His role sets a precedent for the Levitical priesthood and establishes a framework for worship and atonement in Israelite society. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 9:1And it came to pass on the eighth day, that Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel; Nave's Topical Index Library The Pentateuch. Entire Sanctification in Patriarchal Times. The New Covenant. The Saints' Privilege and Profit; The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Against Jovinianus. Solomon's Temple Spiritualized A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ... Book ii. Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... Resources Why was it bad that Aaron and his sons burned the sin offering in Leviticus 10:16 20? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of Aaron's rod? | GotQuestions.org Who was Korah in the Bible? | 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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