Topical Encyclopedia The reunion of Moses and Aaron is a significant event in the biblical narrative, marking the beginning of their joint mission to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. This event is recorded in the Book of Exodus, which details the early stages of the Exodus account and the divine commissioning of Moses as the leader of the Israelites.Background Moses, having fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian, settled in the land of Midian, where he married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, and tended to his father-in-law's flocks. During this time, the Israelites in Egypt were suffering under harsh slavery, and their cries for deliverance reached God. In response, God appeared to Moses in the form of a burning bush on Mount Horeb, commissioning him to return to Egypt and lead His people to freedom (Exodus 3:1-10). Moses, however, expressed reluctance and concern about his ability to speak eloquently. In response, God appointed Aaron, Moses' older brother, to be his spokesperson. God assured Moses that Aaron would meet him and assist him in conveying God's message to Pharaoh and the Israelites (Exodus 4:10-16). The Reunion The actual reunion of Moses and Aaron is described in Exodus 4:27-31. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following account: "The LORD said to Aaron, 'Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.' So he went and met Moses at the mountain of God and kissed him. Then Moses told Aaron everything the LORD had sent him to say, and all the signs He had commanded him to perform. Moses and Aaron went and assembled all the elders of the Israelites, and Aaron relayed everything the LORD had said to Moses. And Moses performed the signs before the people, and they believed. And when they heard that the LORD had attended to the Israelites and had seen their affliction, they bowed down and worshiped." Significance The reunion of Moses and Aaron is pivotal for several reasons: 1. Divine Appointment: This meeting underscores the divine orchestration of events. God specifically instructed Aaron to meet Moses, demonstrating His sovereign control over the unfolding plan of deliverance. 2. Brotherly Partnership: The reunion highlights the importance of partnership in God's work. Moses and Aaron, as brothers, were united in purpose and mission. Aaron's role as a spokesperson complemented Moses' leadership, allowing them to effectively communicate God's will to both Pharaoh and the Israelites. 3. Faith and Obedience: The Israelites' response to Moses and Aaron's message—believing and worshiping God—illustrates the power of faith and obedience. Their initial acceptance of Moses and Aaron's leadership set the stage for the subsequent events of the Exodus. 4. Fulfillment of God's Promises: The reunion is a step towards the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to deliver their descendants from bondage and lead them to the Promised Land. In summary, the reunion of Moses and Aaron is a foundational moment in the Exodus narrative, demonstrating God's providence, the importance of faithful partnership, and the initial steps towards the liberation of the Israelites. |