Topical Encyclopedia Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, played a significant role in the Exodus and the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness. Despite his prominent position and service, Aaron was not permitted to enter the Promised Land of Canaan due to an act of disobedience against God.Background and Role Aaron was born into the Levite family, the son of Amram and Jochebed, and was three years older than Moses (Exodus 7:7). He served as Moses' spokesperson and was instrumental in the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. As the high priest, Aaron was responsible for the spiritual leadership of the people and the performance of sacrifices and rituals as prescribed by the Law. Incident at Meribah The specific event that led to Aaron being barred from entering Canaan occurred at Meribah, in the Desert of Zin. The Israelites, once again facing a lack of water, complained against Moses and Aaron. God instructed Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water for the people. However, in a moment of frustration, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff instead of speaking to it, as commanded by God. Aaron, being present and complicit in the act, shared in the responsibility for this disobedience. The Lord's response to this incident is recorded in Numbers 20:12 : "But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not trust Me enough to honor Me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them.'" Death of Aaron As a consequence of this disobedience, Aaron was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. His death is described in Numbers 20:22-29. God instructed Moses to take Aaron and his son Eleazar up Mount Hor. There, Aaron was to be stripped of his priestly garments, which were then placed on Eleazar, signifying the transfer of the high priesthood. Aaron died on the mountain, and the Israelites mourned for him for thirty days. Significance Aaron's exclusion from Canaan serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. Despite his significant contributions and leadership, Aaron's failure at Meribah had lasting consequences, illustrating the principle that leaders are held to a high standard of accountability before God. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 20:12,23-29And the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, Because you believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. Nave's Topical Index Library Aaron, his Office no Palliation of his Sin, 61. Jews. The New Covenant. How the Hebrews under the Conduct of Moses Left Egypt. Scriptural Types. Moses the Type of Christ. Appeal to the Christian Women of the South A Stanza of Deliverance What is the Sanctuary? What did Moses Write? 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) |