Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, plays a significant role in the narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. One notable episode involving Aaron is his intercession for his sister Miriam when she is struck with leprosy as a consequence of her actions against Moses.

Background Context

The incident occurs in the Book of Numbers, chapter 12. Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married. They question Moses' unique position as God's chosen leader, saying, "Has the LORD spoken only through Moses? Has He not also spoken through us?" (Numbers 12:2). The LORD hears this and calls Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to the Tent of Meeting.

Divine Judgment

The LORD descends in a pillar of cloud and stands at the entrance of the Tent. He rebukes Aaron and Miriam, affirming Moses' unique role as His servant and the one with whom He speaks face to face. The LORD's anger is kindled against them, and as the cloud lifts from the Tent, Miriam is found to be leprous, "as white as snow" (Numbers 12:10).

Aaron's Intercession

Upon witnessing Miriam's condition, Aaron turns to Moses, acknowledging their sin and pleading for forgiveness. He says, "Please, my lord, do not hold against us this sin we have so foolishly committed. Please do not let her be like a stillborn infant whose flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother's womb" (Numbers 12:11-12). Aaron's plea is a heartfelt acknowledgment of wrongdoing and a request for mercy.

Moses' Response and God's Mercy

Moses, in response to Aaron's intercession, cries out to the LORD, "O God, please heal her!" (Numbers 12:13). The LORD replies that if her father had spit in her face, she would be in disgrace for seven days. Therefore, Miriam is to be confined outside the camp for seven days, after which she may be brought back. This period of separation serves as both a punishment and a time for purification.

Significance

Aaron's intercession for Miriam highlights several key themes in the biblical narrative. It underscores the importance of humility and repentance in the face of sin. Aaron's immediate recognition of their transgression and his appeal to Moses demonstrate a sincere desire for reconciliation and healing. Additionally, the episode illustrates the power of intercessory prayer and the mercy of God, who, despite His anger, provides a path to restoration.

This incident also reinforces the unique role of Moses as God's chosen leader and the seriousness of challenging divinely appointed authority. Aaron's actions, both in his initial complicity and subsequent intercession, reflect the complex dynamics of leadership and familial relationships within the biblical text.Numbers 12:11,12
And Aaron said to Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech you, lay not the sin on us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.
Nave's Topical Index

part i
... of Moses; the song of Zacharias"the father of the Forerunner; that of Hannah, the
mother of the prophet Samuel; that of the three children; and that of Miriam ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

Who was Aaron in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the relationship of Moses and Aaron? | GotQuestions.org

Why wasn't Aaron punished for making the golden calf? | GotQuestions.org

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