Moses' brother was Aaron, a significant figure in the Old Testament who played a crucial role in the narrative of the Exodus. Aaron's story is deeply interwoven with that of Moses, and understanding his life and contributions provides a richer comprehension of the events that led to the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.
Aaron first appears in the biblical narrative in the book of Exodus. When God called Moses from the burning bush and commissioned him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses expressed his insecurities about his speaking abilities. In response, God appointed Aaron to be Moses' spokesman: "Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, 'What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him.'" (Exodus 4:14-16, NIV).
This passage highlights Aaron's role as a communicator and a partner in Moses' mission. Aaron's ability to articulate and convey messages was instrumental in the dialogue with Pharaoh. For instance, Aaron performed the initial miracles before Pharaoh, such as turning his staff into a serpent and initiating the first three plagues (Exodus 7:10-12, 7:19-20, 8:5-7). These acts demonstrated God's power and served as a prelude to the more severe plagues that would follow.
Aaron's role extended beyond that of a spokesman. He was also appointed as the first high priest of Israel, a position of immense spiritual and communal significance. In Exodus 28, God commands Moses to set Aaron and his sons apart for the priesthood: "Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests" (Exodus 28:1, NIV). The high priesthood entailed responsibilities such as offering sacrifices, maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle, and interceding on behalf of the people.
Aaron's priestly garments, described in detail in Exodus 28, symbolized his holy duties. The ephod, breastpiece, robe, tunic, turban, and sash were crafted with intricate designs and precious materials, reflecting the gravity of his office. The breastpiece, adorned with twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel, signified Aaron's role in bearing the people's concerns before God.
Despite his esteemed position, Aaron was not without flaws. One of the most notable incidents involving Aaron is the creation of the golden calf, as recounted in Exodus 32. While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments, the Israelites grew impatient and demanded a tangible representation of God. Aaron succumbed to their pressure and fashioned a golden calf, proclaiming, "These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt" (Exodus 32:4, NIV). This act of idolatry provoked God's wrath and led to severe consequences for the Israelites. Aaron's involvement in this sin underscores the complexities of his character—a leader who, despite his sacred role, was susceptible to human weaknesses.
Aaron's story continues in the books of Leviticus and Numbers, where his priestly functions are elaborated upon. In Leviticus 16, he is instructed on the procedures for the Day of Atonement, a pivotal ritual for the atonement of the Israelites' sins. Aaron's meticulous adherence to these instructions was crucial for maintaining the covenantal relationship between God and His people.
In the book of Numbers, Aaron's authority as high priest is challenged by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who question the legitimacy of Moses and Aaron's leadership. This rebellion is met with divine intervention, as God reaffirms Aaron's priesthood by causing his staff to bud and produce almonds (Numbers 17:8, NIV). This miraculous sign served to quell dissent and reinforce Aaron's divinely appointed role.
Aaron's life concludes with a poignant episode in Numbers 20. Due to an earlier act of disobedience, where both Moses and Aaron failed to uphold God's holiness before the people, they were denied entry into the Promised Land. Aaron's death is described with solemnity: "Moses did as the Lord commanded: They went up Mount Hor in the sight of the whole community. Moses removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar. And Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain, and when the whole community learned that Aaron had died, all the Israelites mourned for him thirty days" (Numbers 20:27-29, NIV).
Aaron's legacy is multifaceted. He was a pivotal figure in the Exodus, a spokesperson for God, the first high priest, and a symbol of both human frailty and divine appointment. His life and actions had profound implications for the spiritual and communal life of Israel. Aaron's story reminds us of the importance of faithfulness, the consequences of sin, and the enduring grace of God in using imperfect individuals to fulfill His purposes.
In Christian tradition, Aaron's priesthood is often seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate high priest, Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews draws a parallel between Aaron's priesthood and Christ's superior priesthood: "Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was" (Hebrews 5:1-4, NIV). However, unlike Aaron, Christ's priesthood is eternal and perfect, offering a once-for-all sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
Aaron's story, with its highs and lows, serves as a testament to God's ability to work through flawed individuals to achieve His divine purposes. It encourages believers to recognize their own vulnerabilities and to rely on God's grace and guidance in their spiritual journey. Through Aaron, we see a reflection of God's patience, mercy, and unyielding commitment to His covenant people.
