Aaron
Moses’ voice before Pharaoh, and the first high priest of Israel.
Old Testament · c. 15th–13th century BC · Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers · Also known as Brother of Moses, The first high priest
About Aaron
Aaron was Moses’ older brother, sent by God to speak for him before Pharaoh. He stood with Moses through the plagues and the Exodus, and became Israel’s first high priest. He also failed badly: while Moses was on Mount Sinai, Aaron made a golden calf for the people to worship. Yet God kept him as priest, and the blessing he was given to speak over Israel is still spoken today.
Aaron was from the tribe of Levi. His descendants became Israel’s priests, serving at the tabernacle and later the temple. The high priest wore special garments and once a year entered the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement.
The story
He shall be thy spokesman
When Moses protested that he couldn’t speak well, God answered: "Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well." Aaron went out to meet Moses in the wilderness, and together they stood before Pharaoh.
Exodus 4:10-16; 4:27-31
A staff that swallowed serpents
Before Pharaoh, Aaron threw down his staff and it became a serpent. Pharaoh’s magicians did the same, "but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods."
Exodus 7:8-13
Holding up Moses’ hands
During a battle with the Amalekites, Israel prevailed while Moses held up his hands. When his arms grew heavy, "Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side," until sunset.
Exodus 17:8-13
The golden calf
While Moses was on Sinai, the people pressed Aaron: "Make us gods." He collected their gold and made a calf. When Moses confronted him, Aaron said, "I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf."
Exodus 32:1-24
The LORD bless thee
God gave Aaron and his sons words to bless the people: "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 6:22-27
Key moments
- Sent to speak for Moses: "I know that he can speak well." (Exodus 4:14)
- His rod swallows serpents: Before Pharaoh’s court. (Exodus 7:12)
- Holds up Moses’ hands: With Hur, until sunset. (Exodus 17:12)
- The golden calf: "There came out this calf." (Exodus 32:24)
- The priestly blessing: "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee." (Numbers 6:24-26)
Questions about Aaron
In meetBible these answers are given in Aaron’s voice. They are written by hand and checked against Scripture.
Why did you make the golden calf?
Moses had been on the mountain a long time, and the people gathered around me and said, "Up, make us gods." I collected their gold and made a calf. When Moses confronted me, I blamed the people, and said, "I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf." Scripture records the pressure and my excuse. It doesn’t excuse what I did.
What is the priestly blessing?
God gave me and my sons these words to put his name on the people: "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." It is still spoken in synagogues and churches today.
Why did God choose you to speak for Moses?
When Moses said he was slow of speech, God answered, "Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well." God also said I was already coming to meet Moses, and would be glad to see him. So I became his voice before the elders and before Pharaoh.
Connected people
- Moses: Younger brother
- Miriam: Sister
- God: Gave him the blessing
- Pharaoh: Stood before him
- Jochebed: Mother
Read it yourself
Start with Exodus 4; 32.