Topical Bible: Obedience: Moses and Aaron

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Introduction

Obedience is a central theme in the biblical narrative, particularly in the lives of Moses and Aaron. These two brothers were chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and into the Promised Land. Their journey is marked by acts of obedience and disobedience, which serve as instructive examples for believers.

Moses: A Reluctant Leader

Moses' journey of obedience begins with his encounter with God at the burning bush (Exodus 3). Initially reluctant, Moses questions his own ability to lead the Israelites, saying, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11). Despite his hesitations, Moses ultimately obeys God's command, demonstrating that true obedience often requires faith and trust in God's plan.

Throughout the Exodus narrative, Moses' obedience is tested repeatedly. One notable instance is when God commands him to stretch out his hand over the sea to part the waters, allowing the Israelites to escape from the pursuing Egyptians (Exodus 14:16). Moses' compliance with God's instructions results in a miraculous deliverance, underscoring the power of obedience to divine commands.

Aaron: The Spokesman and Priest

Aaron, Moses' older brother, plays a crucial role as his spokesman and later as the first high priest of Israel. God appoints Aaron to speak on Moses' behalf, saying, "He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him" (Exodus 4:16). Aaron's obedience in this role is vital to the success of their mission.

As high priest, Aaron's obedience to God's instructions is paramount. In Leviticus 8, Aaron and his sons are consecrated for their priestly duties, following God's commands meticulously. This obedience is essential for maintaining the sanctity of the priesthood and the proper worship of God.

Instances of Disobedience

Despite their roles as leaders, both Moses and Aaron experience moments of disobedience. In Numbers 20, God instructs Moses to speak to a rock to bring forth water for the Israelites. Instead, Moses strikes the rock twice with his staff, an act of disobedience that results in severe consequences. God tells 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" (Numbers 20:12). This incident highlights the seriousness of disobedience, even for those in positions of leadership.

Aaron's disobedience is also evident in the incident of the golden calf (Exodus 32). While Moses is on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments, Aaron succumbs to the people's demands and fashions a golden calf for them to worship. This act of disobedience leads to God's anger and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of yielding to pressure and forsaking God's commands.

Conclusion

The lives of Moses and Aaron provide profound lessons on obedience and its significance in the life of faith. Their accounts illustrate the blessings that come from following God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. Through their experiences, believers are encouraged to trust in God's wisdom and to remain steadfast in their commitment to His will.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 7:6
And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they.
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 40:16,21,23,32
Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Exodus
... After six days of preparation, Moses ascended the mountain in obedience to the ... The
succeeding genealogy which traces the descent of Moses and Aaron to Levi ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/exodus.htm

The Waters of Meribah
... not, indeed, murmur directly against God, because they regard Moses and Aaron as
responsible ... relation to God, while destitute of any real obedience, and so ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the waters of meribah.htm

'The Love of Thine Espousals'
... to come up to the mount, with Aaron and other ... The pledge of obedience was needed
before the Covenant could ... For the present, it warranted Moses in preparing for ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the love of thine espousals.htm

Following the Cloud.
... it was in the Lord's purpose to bring them into obedience and faith ... but there were
good and true men like Aaron, and Joshua, and Hur, who helped Moses. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii following the cloud.htm

Weighed, and Found Wanting
... Moses and Aaron, Caleb and Joshua, are the only Abdiels ... in such God-like work who,
as Moses, is so ... Obedience turns God's 'ifs' into 'verilys.' There, then, we ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/weighed and found wanting.htm

Of the Priesthood of Aaron.
... before their grief about them; for Aaron had already ... 8. But Moses refused all that
honor which he ... of their government, and those laws by obedience whereto they ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 of the priesthood.htm

The Epistle of Saint Jude.
... when they go about pretending that their tonsure and cowl, obedience, poverty and ...
and excites such a commotion and tumult, that Moses and Aaron are forced ...
/.../the epistle of saint jude.htm

The Saint Having Turned to God the Father, Explains Why He Does ...
... Moses excuses himself from the Priesthood, Peter is for avoiding the obedience demanded
in the Ministry; and does Arius examine ... Moses and Aaron among His ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xix the saint having.htm

Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
... Christ desires obedience on our part, though obedience does not justify us in his ...
right to the priesthood and government equal with Moses and Aaron, and so ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/ninth sunday after trinity carnal.htm

Moses the Type of Christ.
... when we acknowledged in our hearts that God was holy and most adorable, and obedience
to His ... And when Aaron and the children of Israel saw Moses, they were ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon ix moses the type.htm