Aaron

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew אַהֲרֹן (’Aharon), meaning uncertain; used as a personal name within Israel’s priestly lineage
• Period/Era: Patriarchal Period to Exodus/Wilderness generation
• Main References: Exodus 4–40; Leviticus 8–10; Numbers 16–20; Deuteronomy 10
• Key Connections: Brother of Moses and Miriam; son of Amram and Jochebed; ancestor of the Aaronic priesthood (house of Levi); spokesman for Moses before Pharaoh

Who was Aaron?

Aaron was the older brother of Moses and a leading figure in Israel’s deliverance from Egypt.
He served as Moses’ spokesman in encounters with Pharaoh and in public leadership of Israel.
He was appointed the first high priest, with his sons forming the priestly line in Israel.
His role combined covenant administration through priestly service and participation in national leadership.

Key Events & Achievements

• Commissioned Spokesman: Joined Moses in confronting Pharaoh and representing Israel’s demands during the Exodus (Exodus 4–12).
• Ordained High Priest: Consecrated with his sons for priestly service, establishing the Aaronic priesthood’s ritual responsibilities (Leviticus 8–9).
• Confirmed Priesthood: Aaron’s staff budded as a sign amid challenges to priestly authority during the wilderness period (Numbers 17).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Aaron’s life shows how priestly leadership in Israel involved both public responsibility and accountability under the covenant’s worship regulations.

Key Verse

"Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priests—Aaron and Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar." — Exodus 28:1, ESV