Aaron
Israelite / Jew Hebrew, tribe of Levi · Exodus & Wilderness · Old Testament
- Role
- First high priest of Israel; spokesman for Moses
- When
- c. 1500-1400 BC (traditional)
What they did
Spoke for Moses before Pharaoh and was consecrated as high priest. He failed when he made the golden calf, but God confirmed his priesthood when his rod budded.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
His priesthood taught Israel the way of atonement and blessing, and points to Christ, the greater High Priest (Hebrews 5:4-5).
And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons. Exodus 28:1 (KJV)
Bible references
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. Exodus 4:14 (KJV)
And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons. Exodus 28:1 (KJV)
Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers 6:23-26 (KJV)
And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. Numbers 17:8 (KJV)
And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. Hebrews 5:4 (KJV)
Family
- Father
- Amram
- Mother
- Jochebed
- Spouse(s)
- Elisheba
- Children
- Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, Ithamar
- Brothers / sisters
- Moses, Miriam
Died on mount Hor (Numbers 20:28).