Leader: Aaron son
of Amram, son of Kohath
Tribe: Levi
Occupation: Spokesman for
Moses, Progenitor of the High Priesthood
Introductory Scripture: Exodus 4:14 “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.”
Our most intimate
encounter we as readers experience in the life of Aaron begins with him meeting
his younger brother Moses after many years, and with perfect timing! Moses has
just received instruction from the Almighty concerning the children of Israel’s
bondage in the land of Egypt and before he can talk his way out of it Aaron appears.
This reunion quickly becomes the greatest tandem in war of all time! Aaron was transformed
from a Hebrew slave to an Israelite leader in the blink of an eye. Being a
forerunner in the mission of bringing down the greatest nation of its time wasn’t
an easy task. Aaron being raised in the home of his parents unlike his brother
spoke Hebrew well and deemed highly capable of the task by the Father. After much warning, persuading and providing
space of repentance while feeling the wrath of the Most High; Egypt was conquered
at the Red Sea. Aaron’s role as an orator was fulfilled or was it?
After many days and nights in the wilderness the children of
Israel became restless awaiting Moses who was atop Mount Sinai communing with the
Lord. Though baptized by the sea they still possessed the wicked ways of the Egyptians’
in their hearts and coerced Aaron to fashion a molten calf to worship. The Father instructed Moses to return because
of this matter and when Moses confronted Aaron on the matter of creating such a
snare to the people Aaron gives a
profound statement “Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the
people, that they are set on mischief.” –Exodus 32:22
After this unfortunate ordeal, Aaron’s leadership qualities
were still highly regarded by the Most High. Aaron, his sons, and brethren we
set apart and assigned the roles of Priests for the mighty nation of Israel.
Aaron and sons especially were given a higher role during the wilderness days to
execute special services in the temple. Offering sacrifices such as burnt,
grain, peace, and sin offerings to the Lord was significant so much so that
when Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu offered incense; which HE commanded them not
was put to death but Aaron held his peace. –Leviticus 10
The Levites "Kept the charge of the tabernacles of
testimony" Num. 1:53 they had no territory of their own and were
dispersed among the other tribes. Their emblem was the ephod of the High Priest
on which were engraved, upon precious stones, the names of all tribes. "They shall teach Jacob
thy judgments, and Israel thy law." -Deuteronomy 33:10 The office of High Priest spanned more
than 1,200 years.
After much service to the children of Israel Aaron was
called to be gathered unto his people atop Mount Hor. Prohibited to enter into
the land because he rebelled against the word of the Lord at the water of
Meribah, Moses Aaron and Eleazar went up Mt Hor in the sight of the congeration
where he was stripped of his priestly robes and they were passed to his son Eleazar.
And when all the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, they mourned for Aaron
thirty days, even all the house of Israel. -Numbers 20:29
Want to Know More about Aaron?
Read about the Budding of Aaron’s staff
Numbers Chapter 17
