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Exodus · Old Testament

Aaron

First High Priest and Brother of Moses

Name meaning
Mountain of strength or enlightened; debated
Name origin
Hebrew: אַהֲרֹן (Aharon), etymology debated; possibly Egyptian origin

Quick facts

Occupation
  • High Priest
  • Spokesman for Moses
  • Leader
Birthplace
Egypt
Modern-day location
Egypt; the specific birthplace is not recorded.
Family
  • Son of Amram and Jochebed
  • Brother of Moses and Miriam
  • Husband of Elisheba
  • Father of Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar
First mention
Exodus 4:14
Last mention
Numbers 33:38-39; Deuteronomy 10:6
Key artifacts
  • Priestly breastplate and ephod
  • Staff that budded
  • Golden calf (negative)

Key verses

  • “And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth.”

    Exodus 4:15

  • “the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.”

    Numbers 17:8

  • “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.”

    Hebrews 5:4

Biography

Early Life

Aaron was Moses' older brother who became his spokesman before Pharaoh because Moses felt slow of speech.

Defining Biblical Moments

Aaron's staff became a serpent, his priesthood was confirmed when his staff budded with almonds, and he entered the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement. He also failed grievously by making the golden calf while Moses was on Sinai and later joined Miriam in challenging Moses.

Strengths

Aaron is portrayed as eloquent, supportive of his brother, and entrusted with mediating worship for the people.

Weaknesses & Lessons

His compliance in the golden calf incident and murmuring against Moses show how pressure to please people can lead to serious compromise.

Life Lessons for Today

Supporting roles carry great responsibility; courage to resist crowd pressure is essential for those entrusted with spiritual leadership.

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Aaron appears in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #43 in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament

Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament front cover

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