Aaron, a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, is best known as the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. His life and ministry are primarily chronicled in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Aaron's role as a prophet and priest is integral to the religious and communal life of the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt and their subsequent wanderings in the wilderness.

Family and Early Life

Aaron was born into the tribe of Levi, the son of Amram and Jochebed (Exodus 6:20). He was the elder brother of Moses and Miriam. The Levites were later set apart for religious duties, and Aaron's lineage became the priestly line in Israel.

Role in the Exodus

Aaron first appears in the biblical narrative when God appoints him to assist Moses in leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. Due to Moses' hesitance and self-professed lack of eloquence, God designates Aaron as his spokesperson: "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 role as a prophet is thus established, serving as the mouthpiece of divine messages.

Aaron's involvement in the plagues of Egypt is significant. He performs miraculous signs with Moses, such as turning the Nile into blood and summoning plagues upon the land (Exodus 7:19-20, 8:5-6). These acts demonstrate God's power and serve as a catalyst for Pharaoh's eventual release of the Israelites.

The Golden Calf Incident

One of the most notable episodes involving Aaron is the incident of the golden calf. While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments, the people grew restless and demanded an idol. Aaron acquiesced and fashioned a golden calf, proclaiming it as the god who brought them out of Egypt (Exodus 32:1-4). This act of idolatry led to severe consequences, highlighting Aaron's human frailty and the challenges of leadership.

High Priesthood

Despite his earlier failings, Aaron was consecrated as the first high priest of Israel, a position of immense spiritual responsibility. The book of Leviticus details the ordination ceremony and the specific duties of the high priest, including offering sacrifices and maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle (Leviticus 8-9). Aaron's priesthood is a foreshadowing of the ultimate high priesthood of Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament.

Rebellion and Vindication

Aaron's leadership was not without challenge. In Numbers 16, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, questioning their authority. God vindicated Aaron by causing the earth to swallow the rebels and by making Aaron's staff bud as a sign of his chosen status (Numbers 17:8).

Death and Legacy

Aaron's death is recorded in Numbers 20:22-29. He died on Mount Hor and was succeeded by his son Eleazar as high priest. Aaron's legacy is preserved through the Aaronic priesthood, which continued to serve in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem.

Aaron's life is a testament to God's grace and the importance of faithful service. Despite his shortcomings, he played a crucial role in the spiritual leadership of Israel and in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.Exodus 7:1
And the LORD said to Moses, See, I have made you a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hymns on the Nativity. Hymn i. This is the Day that Gladdened Them ...
... The staff of Aaron, it budded, and the dry wood yielded fruit! ... Shamed is that people
which holds the prophets as true; for unless our Saviour has come, their ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymns on the nativity hymn.htm

Of the Priesthood of Aaron.
... to prefer the honor of God before their grief about them; for Aaron had already ... for
he [Moses] left no room for the evil practices of [false] prophets; but if ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 of the priesthood.htm

Prophets and the Prophet
... The fact that God has 'spoken unto the fathers by the prophets,' leads us ... He is the
Priest, whom Aaron and his sons foreshadowed, who perfectly exercises the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/prophets and the prophet.htm

On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ...
... knowing that in the New Testament are contained testimonies of the Prophets concerning
Christ ... For as Aaron is called Christ, and David and Saul and others are ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvi on the article.htm

Examples of Circumspect Behaviour from the Old Testament.
... finished [499] singing praises, then Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, took
a ... we find that Elisha and Gehazi and the sons of the prophets lived together ...
/.../chapter xiv examples of circumspect behaviour.htm

The Attack on the Book of Leviticus.
... xiv.33: "And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron.". ... In addition to this fact
we have the testimony of some of the prophets who lived before the exile, that ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/v the attack on the.htm

Christ's Connection with the Creator Shown Many Quotations Out of ...
... my Christ, that He was foretold not only by the words of prophets, but by ... in the
twelve springs of Elim; [3918] in the twelve gems of Aaron's priestly vestment ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xiii christs connection with the.htm

The Ministerial Office
... tribe. Thus Aaron was of the tribe of Levi. And so likewise was Moses. But ...
world. Meantime, not many of the Levites were Prophets. And ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 115 the ministerial office.htm

Blessed be He that Blots Out in Water Misdeeds that are Without ...
... 20. In the rod was He of Moses, and in the hyssops of Aaron,"and in the crown of
David: to the prophets pertains His similitude, to the Apostles His Gospel. ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn iv blessed be he.htm

Dying Men and the Undying Word
... It matters not though the prophets and their hearers pass away. ... Aaron may have to
ascend to the summit of Hor, and put off his priestly garments and die there. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/dying men and the undying.htm

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