Aaron was the older brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He played a key role in the Exodus story and in the establishment of the priesthood. Here is an overview of Aaron’s life and significance in the Bible:
Aaron’s Family Background
Aaron was born in Egypt prior to the time of Moses’ birth (Exodus 7:7). He was three years older than Moses (Exodus 7:7). Aaron was a Levite, meaning he was from the tribe of Levi, one of the 12 tribes of Israel. Aaron married Elisheba and had four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar (Exodus 6:23).
Aaron and Moses
When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, He also appointed Aaron to go with Moses and act as his spokesman (Exodus 4:14-16). Aaron met Moses in the wilderness after Moses had fled Egypt. Aaron carried out the signs before the Israelite elders to prove that the Lord had appeared to Moses (Exodus 4:27-31).
Aaron went with Moses to appeal to Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. He acted as Moses’ spokesman to deliver God’s messages to Pharaoh (Exodus 5:1, 7:1-2). When Pharaoh’s magicians could mimic some of Moses’ miracles, Aaron cast down his staff which became a serpent and swallowed up the magician’s staffs (Exodus 7:8-13).
Throughout the plagues on Egypt, Aaron continued to serve as Moses’ spokesman in confronting Pharaoh and demanding that the Israelites be set free. After the final plague on the firstborn, Pharaoh allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt. When the Israelites were pursued by the Egyptian army at the Red Sea, Moses told Aaron to raise his staff to divide the waters (Exodus 14:16).
The Golden Calf Incident
When Moses went up on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments from God, he was there for 40 days and nights (Exodus 24:18). The Israelites became restless and asked Aaron to make gods for them to worship. Aaron collected gold jewelry from the people and fashioned it into a golden calf idol (Exodus 32:1-4). When Moses returned and saw the people worshiping the golden calf, he burned it, ground it to powder, and made the Israelites drink it (Exodus 32:20). Aaron admitted to making the calf but said he simply threw gold into the fire and out came the calf (Exodus 32:22-24).
The Priesthood
After this incident, Aaron and his sons were formally appointed as priests before God. They were anointed and consecrated to minister before the Lord (Exodus 28:1, 29:9). God gave specific instructions for the garments that must be worn by the priests (Exodus 28). The elaborately decorated vestments included a breastplate, ephod, robe, tunic, turban and sash.
Aaron and his sons offered sacrifices on behalf of the Israelites. They also performed rituals and ceremonies regarding cleansing and atonement for sins (Leviticus 8-9). As high priest, Aaron represented the people before God and offered prayers to God on their behalf. Aaron wore special garments and jewelry to symbolize his role as high priest when entering the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:1-34).
Rebellion of Aaron’s Sons
Aaron’s two older sons, Nadab and Abihu, offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were consumed by fire from His presence (Leviticus 10:1-3). This was punishment for their disobedience. As a result, Aaron’s younger sons Eleazar and Ithamar took over the priestly duties with their father (Exodus 28:1).
The Budding of Aaron’s Staff
When the Israelites rebelled against Moses’ leadership, God caused Aaron’s staff to bud and blossom overnight as confirmation of Aaron’s divine appointment and authority (Numbers 17:1-11). This miracle proved that Aaron was chosen as high priest.
The Death of Aaron
As the Israelites neared the Promised Land, Aaron died on Mount Hor at the age of 123 (Numbers 20:22-29, 33:38-39). Aaron’s garments were removed and placed on his son Eleazar, confirming him as the new high priest. The people mourned Aaron’s death for 30 days.
Aaron in the New Testament
In the New Testament, the writer of Hebrews mentions Aaron regarding the high priesthood. Jesus is presented as the ultimate High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, which supersedes the Aaronic priesthood (Hebrews 5:1-10, 7:11-28). The author argues that Christ’s priesthood is superior to the Old Testament priesthood of Aaron and Levi.
Lessons from Aaron’s Life
Here are some key lessons and themes that emerge from Aaron’s life:
- Aaron was Moses’ spokesman, affirming his leadership and assisting in his mission.
- Aaron showed weakness in yielding to the people’s demand for an idol.
- Aaron and his descendants were chosen by God to be priests.
- The elaborate priestly garments symbolized the sacred duties of the priesthood.
- Aaron prayed and offered sacrifices to God on behalf of the Israelites.
- Aaron’s budding staff confirmed his divine calling as high priest.
- Aaron died before reaching the Promised Land.
- Aaron represents the imperfections of the Old Testament priesthood which pointed to the need for Christ’s perfect high priesthood.
In summary, Aaron was the first high priest of Israel, assisting his brother Moses in leading the people out of Egypt to the Promised Land. He helped establish the sacrificial system and priestly ministry, but also showed tendencies toward weakness and sin. Aaron serves as a picture of the greater High Priest, Jesus, who offers the perfect and permanent sacrifice and intercession.