Topical Encyclopedia Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, is a significant figure in the Old Testament. His life and actions provide a profound example of resignation to God's will, even amidst personal failure and divine judgment.Background and Role Aaron was born into the Levite tribe in Egypt during the Israelites' enslavement. He was three years older than Moses (Exodus 7:7) and played a crucial role as Moses' spokesperson before Pharaoh, as Moses himself was "slow of speech" (Exodus 4:10-16). Aaron's role as the first high priest was established by God, and he was consecrated to serve in the Tabernacle, offering sacrifices and interceding for the people (Exodus 28-29). The Golden Calf Incident One of the most notable events in Aaron's life that demonstrates his resignation is the incident of the golden calf. While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Law, the people grew restless and demanded that Aaron make them gods to lead them. Aaron complied and fashioned a golden calf, proclaiming it as the god that brought them out of Egypt (Exodus 32:1-4). This act of disobedience was met with severe consequences, as God threatened to destroy the people. However, Moses interceded, and Aaron's life was spared, though the incident remained a blemish on his record. Resignation to God's Judgment Aaron's resignation is further exemplified in his acceptance of divine judgment. In Numbers 20, Aaron, along with Moses, was barred from entering the Promised Land due to their failure to uphold God's holiness at the waters of Meribah. God instructed Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water, but in frustration, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff. Aaron, as a participant in this act, shared in the consequence (Numbers 20:12). Despite the disappointment, Aaron submitted to God's will without recorded complaint or resistance. Death of Aaron Aaron's death is a poignant moment of resignation. God commanded Moses to take Aaron and his son Eleazar up Mount Hor, where Aaron was to be gathered to his people. There, Moses transferred Aaron's priestly garments to Eleazar, signifying the continuation of the priestly line (Numbers 20:25-28). Aaron's acceptance of his impending death and the peaceful transition of his duties to his son reflect his submission to God's sovereign plan. Legacy Aaron's life, marked by both failure and faithfulness, serves as a testament to the importance of resignation to God's will. Despite his shortcomings, Aaron fulfilled his role as high priest and was instrumental in the spiritual leadership of Israel. His account is a reminder of God's grace and the necessity of yielding to divine authority, even when faced with personal loss or judgment. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 10:3Then Moses said to Aaron, This is it that the LORD spoke, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come near me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Letter xxxix. To Paula. Thanksgiving Versus Complaining 2 Kings iv. 25, 26. The Value of this Doctrine An Index to Find any Hymn by the Title or Contents of It. Indexes and Tables The Memorable Hymn. "And when they had Sung an Hymn, they Went Out ... Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ... Last Journey and Death, 1858 --Concluding Remarks. From John Yeardley's Conversion to the Commencement of his Public ... Resources What is the prophecy of St. Malachy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about acceptance? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about fate / destiny? | GotQuestions.org Resignation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Resignation: Christ Set and Example of Resignation: General Scriptures Concerning Resignation: Motives to God's Faithfulness Resignation: Motives to God's Greatness Resignation: Motives to God's Justice Resignation: Motives to God's Love Resignation: Motives to God's Wisdom Resignation: Motives to Our own Sinfulness Resignation: Submission to the Sovereignty of God in his Purposes Resignation: Submission to the Will of God Resignation: The Prospect of Death Resignation: The Wicked are Devoid of Related Terms |
    |