In brief
Aaron is the brother of Moses, from the tribe of Levi, in the time of the Exodus. God makes him Moses' spokesman before Pharaoh, then consecrates him as Israel's first high priest. Yet he gives in to the people by making the golden calf. God confirms his choice by making his rod bud. Aaron dies on Mount Hor and the people mourn him. We remember God's faithfulness despite the failures of his servants.
What does the name Aaron mean?
The origin and meaning of Aaron's name are uncertain: various connections are sometimes proposed, with no consensus. The Bible does not explain this name. It presents him as the brother of Moses, from the family of Levi (Exodus 4:14).
The story of Aaron
Moses' spokesman
Exodus 4:10-16, 27-31Moses hesitates before God's call. The Lord reminds him of his brother Aaron, who speaks well. Aaron will speak to the people for him, and God will be with both mouths. Aaron comes to meet Moses at the mountain of God. He repeats the words of the Lord and performs the signs, and the people believe.
The first high priest
Exodus 28:1-4, 36-38God tells Moses to bring Aaron and his sons near to consecrate them to his service as priests. Sacred garments are prepared, for dignity and beauty. On Aaron's forehead, a plate of gold bears the inscription Holiness to the Lord, so that God may look favorably on the people.
The golden calf
Exodus 32:1-6, 21-24While Moses delays on the mountain, the people ask Aaron to make them a god. Aaron collects the gold rings and makes a molded calf, then builds an altar and proclaims a feast. When Moses questions him, he answers by putting the blame on the people. Moses rebukes him.
The rod that budded
Numbers 17:1-10To put an end to the grumbling, God asks for one rod for each tribe, with Aaron's name on the rod of Levi, placed before the testimony. God says that the rod of the man he chooses will sprout. The next day, Aaron's rod has budded: buds, blossoms and ripe almonds.
The death of Aaron
Numbers 20:22-29Israel arrives at Mount Hor. The Lord announces that Aaron is to be gathered to his people, because he will not enter the promised land. Moses and Aaron's son Eleazar go up with him. Aaron dies, and all the house of Israel mourns him for thirty days.
What Aaron teaches us
- God joins others to our mission: we are not called to move forward alone.
- Whoever serves God must resist the pressure of the crowd, for giving in to the people's demands led Aaron into a serious fault.
- Blaming others heals nothing: the fault has to be acknowledged before God.
- It is God who confirms his calls: the budding rod shows that the service comes from him.
- The high priest Aaron points, imperfectly, to Jesus Christ, the perfect high priest.
Key verses
God reminds Moses that his brother Aaron, the Levite, speaks well. He is coming out to meet him and will be glad in his heart. God provides for our limits by giving us a brother to support us.
A plate of pure gold is engraved with the words Holiness to the Lord and placed on Aaron's forehead. It is a reminder that serving God is done in holiness, on behalf of the people.
Aaron's rod had sprouted, put forth buds, produced blossoms and borne ripe almonds. By this sign God confirms the choice of the house of Levi for the priesthood.
Sermons about Aaron
Frequently asked questions
Who was Aaron in the Bible?
Aaron is the brother of Moses, from the tribe of Levi. He is his spokesman before Pharaoh, then the first high priest of Israel, consecrated with his sons. He makes the golden calf under pressure from the people, but God confirms his priesthood by making his rod bud.
What does the name Aaron mean?
The origin of Aaron's name is uncertain, and the Bible does not explain it. Some connections have been suggested, with no certainty. What is clear in the text is his role: brother of Moses, from the family of Levi, spokesman and then high priest.
Where can I find Aaron's story in the Bible?
Aaron appears from Exodus 4, where he becomes Moses' spokesman. Exodus 28 describes his consecration as high priest, Exodus 32 the golden calf, Numbers 17 the rod that budded, and Numbers 20 his death on Mount Hor.