AARON:

• The son of Amram and the brother of Moses and Miriam.
• The meaning of the name ―Aaron is uncertain, although it is perhaps derived from Egyptian. 
• Aaron is chosen above the others to be a
  • High priest (Ps 105:26, Ps 106:16)
  • to have access to the holy things (1 Chr 23:13) in the Temple (1 Chr 24:19) or the tent of meeting (Exod 27:21, Num 17:1–5)
• He dies at Mount Hur (Deut 32:50) and is succeeded by his son Eleazar (Num 20:22–29).

AARON (ārʹun; Heb. derivation uncertain). The son of Amram the Levite and Jochebed (Ex. 6:20), the first high priest of Israel, and the older brother of Moses and Miriam. (Numbers 26:59; 33:39) (B.C. 1573.) Third, in line of descent from Levi, he was the brother of Moses and his senior by three years, although he was younger than his sister Miriam (which see). His wife was Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab, by whom he had four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar (6:23).

The Setting and Circumstances of His Birth:

According to the *chronology of the Masoretic Text, the exodus of Israel from *Egypt took place in the middle of the fifteenth century B.C. (1 Kings 6:1; see Exodus, Date of). Moses was eighty years old at the time (Ex 7:7), his birth thus having occurred toward the end of the sixteenth century, about 1525 B.C. Aaron was three years older (Ex 7:7). In terms of Egyptian history, this was the so-called New Kingdom era, specifically the Eighteenth Dynasty. The Hyksos, who had ruled Egypt for about 150 years (1730-1580 B.C.), had been expelled by Ahmose, founder of the Eighteenth Dynasty, and in the aftermath of that expulsion, the Hebrews may have come under suspicion as possible collaborators so the repression of the Hebrews, a pogrom that eventually ended in infanticide (Ex 1:22).

Aaron’s apparent exemption from the royal decree suggests that it became effective sometime between the time of his birth and that of Moses. In any event, he obviously was spared and lived to grow up in the household of his father Amram and mother Jochebed (Ex 6:20).

Ancestral Lineage:

Aaron’s parents were “of the house of Levi”, that is, descendants of Jacob’s son of that name (Ex 2:1). More specifically, they traced their lineage back to Levi through Kohath, a son of Levi (Ex 6:16-20; 1 Chron 6:1-3). The four generations (Levi and Aaron inclusive) involved comports well with the promise to *Abraham that his descendants would depart from Egypt in the fourth generation (Gen 15:16). However, the reference to the sojourn as four hundred years (Gen 15:13)—or precisely 430 in the exodus narrative itself (Ex 12:40)—suggests that the Aaronic *genealogy is not “closed,” that is, without missing generations. He perhaps was of the tribe of Levi, clan of Kohath, and family of Amram (cf. Josh 7:16-18). The main point to the genealogies, however, is to link Aaron to the tribe that was eventually set apart by Yahweh to minister in the sacred office (cf. Num 3:5-10), thus establishing Aaron’s levitical and priestly credentials (cf. Num 18:1-7).

Name of Aaron in Bible

There are 346 references to Aaron in the Hebrew Bible (several in the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha and 5 in the New Testament).

A vast majority (296) appears in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers and the rest are below.

• Deuteronomy (4 times)
• Joshua (6 times)
• Judges (1 times)
• 1 Samuel (2 times)
• Micah (1 times)
• Psalms (9 times)
• Ezra (1 times)
• Nehemiah (3 times)
• 1 Chronicles (16 times)
• Chronicles (7 times).

• He was a Levite and is first mentioned in (Exodus 4:14).
• Jehovah appointed him the interpreter (Exodus 4:16) of his brother Moses, who was “slow of speech.”
• He was not only the organ of communication with the Israelites and Pharaoh (Exodus 4:30; 7:2).
• Nevertheless, also the actual instrument of working most of the miracles of the Exodus. (Exodus 7:19).
• On the way to Mount Sinai, during the battle with Amalek, Aaron with Hur stayed up the weary hands of Moses when they were lifted up for the victory of Israel. (Exodus 17:9)
• He is mentioned as dependent upon his brother and deriving all his authority from him.
• Left, on Moses’ departure into Sinai, to guide the people, Aaron is tried for a moment on his responsibility, and he fails from a weak inability to withstand the demand of the people for visible “gods to go before them,” by making an image of Jehovah, in the well-known form of Egyptian idolatry (Apis or Mnevis).
• He repented of his sin, and Moses gained forgiveness for him.
• (9:20) Aaron was not consecrated by Moses to the new office of the high priesthood.
• Leaning, as he seems to have done, wholly on Moses, it is not strange that he should have shared his sin at Meribah and its punishment.
• Aaron’s death seems to have followed very speedily. It took place on Mount Hor, after the transference of his robes and office to Eleazar.
• (Numbers 20:28) This mountain is still called the “Mountain of Aaron.”.
• The wife of Aaron was Elisheba (Exodus 6:23), and the two sons who survived him, Eleazar and Ithamar.
• The high priesthood descended to the former, and his descendants until the time of Eli, who, although of the house of Ithamar, received the high priesthood and transmitted it to his children; with them, it continued till the accession of Solomon, who took it from Abiathar and restored it to Zadok (of the house of Eleazar).

Children of Aaron referred in Bible:

Aaron as High Priest:

In the divine institution of the priesthood Aaron was appointed high (Heb. “great”) priest

The elaborate description of the high priest’s garments of glory and beauty (Ex. 28:2), including the jewelled ephod, turban, and crown, is not an interpolation from a later period. Archaeology has shown that in the Desert of Sinai at Serabit el-Khadem turquoise and copper were being mined for Egyptian craftsmen at this early period. The jewels of silver and gold that the Israelites obtained from the Egyptians (11:2) are illustrated from ancient times. Artistic gold and jewelled ornaments were recovered from the ruins of Sumerian Ur over a millennium before the Mosaic period, and there is nothing in the furnishing of the Tabernacle or the clothing of the high priest that would be out of keeping with the artistic accomplishments of contemporary craftsmen.

Aaron was anointed by Moses (Lev 8:1–12) and was dressed in sacred vestments made according to divine instructions (Exod 28). His turban was adorned with a crown of pure gold, engraved with the signet “Holy to the Lord” (Exod 28:36).

Aaron is portrayed as a high priest in his robes of office on the west wall of the third-century synagogue at Dura-Europos.

Priestly importance:
In the later priestly sources of the Pentateuch (Exod. 25-31; 35-40; all Leviticus; Num. 1-10; 15-19; 25-35), Aaron is given much greater prominence. Here he appears essentially as the ancestor of the Aaronite priesthood that finally emerged at Jerusalem after the Exile: the story of the budding of Aaron’s rod (Num. 17:1-11) seems designed to establish the claims of the Jerusalem clergy over rival claimants.

In later Jewish thought, the die picture of Aaron is still further developed. He is the most prominent figure in Israel’s great men list, much more even than Moses in Ecclus. 44-49, and the high-priestly vesture is endowed with symbolic and cosmic significance (Wisd. of Sol. 18:24).

Job duties:

Aaron and his sons are set apart to perform the most sacred duties, oversee all priestly functions and groups. They monitor the priests’ activities at both the Temple and the tabernacle. Perform the rituals, handle the sacred objects and are permitted to enter the holiest of places. He and his sons make sacrifices, offerings, and atonement in the holiest site in the Temple (1 Chr 6:34). The same standards of purity apply to the Aaronites themselves. They are to be without blemish and pure in all ways (Leviticus 21).

• To serve Yahweh as priests (Exod 28:1)
• To wear priestly garments (Exod 28:3–43) 
• To be consecrated to Yahweh (Exod 29:1)
• To be ordained (Exod 29:9, 35)
• To teach the people Yahweh’s statutes 
• Perform burnt offering (Lev 1:3–17; 9:12–14)
• Perform cereal offering (Lev 2:1– 16)
• Perform peace offering (Lev 3:1–17; 9:18–21).
• Perform sin offering (Lev 4:1–5:13) 
• Perform guilt offering (Lev 5:14–26 )
• In charge during the offering of atonement (Leviticus 16).
• To burn incense, to minister, and to bless (1 Chr 23:13; 24:19). 
• Tend the tent of meeting (Exod 27:21)
• Perform the distinction and Explain people(Lev 11:1) between clean and unclean (Leviticus 11–14)
• Examine people diseased (Lev 13:1–2).
• Examine unclean houses and explain to people how to cleanse them (Lev 14:33– 57).

Individual Responsibilities:

• To maintain the holy status of the priests.
• Should not become defiled by sexual acts, violation of laws, or marrying a divorced woman.
• Should keep Yahweh’s laws (Ezek 44:24).
• Should Not let one’s hair hang loose (Leviticus 21: 10).
• Should not come in contact with a dead body (Leviticus 21:11). 
• The priest with a blemish should not offer bread to Yahweh (Leviticus 21: 18).
• Should avoid drinking wine/alcohol or other drinks when going into the tent of meeting.
• Should act as judge (Ezek 44:24; Exod 28:29–30), Distinguish between the holy and the common and between the clean and the unclean. 

Ordination:

Hebrew meaning for ordination word means “whose hands are filled .” Hebrew word: ml˒ yd lkhn], ―to fill the hand, is the common Hebrew expression used to indicate ordination. Num 3:2–3 Aaron’s sons are listed and identified as anointed priests ―ordained to minister in the priest’s office.

• Aaron and his sons shall be anointed and consecrated as priests of Yahweh with ―holy oil (Exod 30:30–31) 
• A bull and two rams are to be sacrificed in Aaron’s honour (Exod 29:10–37). 

Urim and Thummim:

In Num 27:21, it is Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the next in the priestly line (Num 20:22–29), who uses the Urim to inquire whether Joshua should succeed Moses. The Urim and Thummim are thus symbols of special access to God’s will. According to parts of the biblical tradition, they belong in the hands of the Aaronites.

• The Aaronites are given the Urim and Thummim (Exod 28:30, Lev 8:5–9), which are used to determine the will of Yahweh (Num 27:21; 1 Sam 14:36–42, 27:6; 1 Sam 10:20–24). 
• It indicates the juridical role of Aaron (Exod 28:29–30a; cf. Ezek 44:24).

Aarons Rod:

• Aaron’s rod becomes the serpent (Exod 7:10), 
• Swallows the rods of Pharaoh’s magicians (Exod 7:12), 
• Turn the Nile into blood (Exod 7:19), 
• Causes the plague of frogs (Exod 8:1-5), 
• Plague of gnats (Exod 8:16–17). 

Aaron’s rod (or staff) is his wooden walking stick, which had a significant role in the accounts of the plagues of Egypt. In Moses and Aaron’s first confrontation with Pharaoh, Aaron threw his rod to the ground, and it turned into a snake. Egypt was a land filled with poisonous snakes, so it is not surprising that the snake was a symbol of power and threat. Although the Egyptian magicians could mimic this act, Aaron’s snake swallowed the snakes produced by their rods, thus showing the superiority of Aaron’s God over their false gods (Exod. 7:8–13).

Aaron used his rod by either extending it or striking the ground in order to initiate other plagues as well (turning the Nile into blood [Exod. 7:19], frogs [8:5], and gnats [8:16]). Interestingly, Aaron’s rod was featured in the early plagues, whereas Moses used his rod in some of the later and more powerful plagues as well as in the crossing of the Red Sea, perhaps showing Moses’ prominence (9:23 [hail], 10:13 [locusts], 14:16 [Red Sea]).

Aaron’s rod was the symbol of his authority. Aaron used a rod to demonstrate to the Pharaoh that the God of the Hebrews was Lord. In the time of the Exodus, it was the instrument of miraculous events intended to convince Pharaoh of the divine commandment to free the Israelites (Exod 7:9–10).

During the rebellion of Korah, Aaron’s rod alone sprouted buds, blossoms, and almonds when the rods of the rebels did not, signifying that Aaron’s authority was divinely instituted (Num 17:1–8). His rod was placed in the ark and kept alongside the tablets of the covenant (Heb 9:4).

• The rod was not a magic wand but rather a symbol of the presence of God.
• It is best to understand the rod as related to a tree that stands for God’s presence. It is a portable tree. That the rod is a portable tree and signifies God’s presence is clearly seen in Num. 17.
• In the face of dissension from other tribal leaders who disputed Aaron’s leadership, God directed Moses to place a rod from every tribe before him in the tent of testimony. Aaron’s alone budded into an almond tree, signifying that God was with him. His rod was then placed in front of the testimony, according to Heb. 9:4, in the ark of the covenant.

Relationship between Aaron and Moses:

• Aaron is Moses‘ brother (Exod 4:14; 6:20; 28:1; Num 26:59; 27:12–13; Deut 32:50; 1 Chr 5:29)
• Moses and Aaron is a common theme in the first five books(Pentateuch) Josh 24:5; 1 Sam 12:6; Ps 77:21.
• 65 instances where the phrase ―”Moses and Aaron” appears, almost like a word pair
•  word pair ―”Aaron and Moses” occurs twice (Exod 6:26; Num 3:1)
• Yahweh speaks to Moses, who in turn speaks to Aaron (Exod 7:19; 16:32–34; Lev 17:1–2; Num 6:22–23; 8:1–2)
• Yahweh speaks to Moses and Aaron at the same time (Exod 12:43; Lev 11:1; 14:33; Num 2:1; 19:1; 20:12).
• Yahweh speaks directly to Aaron (Lev 10:8; Num 18:1).

Relationship between Aaron and other Zadokites Groups:

• Three priestly groups have a significant role in the Bible: the Aaronites, Zadokites and the Levites.
• Zadok is a descendant of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, and Abiathar is a descendant of Ithamar, also a son of Aaron.
• Zadokites played a prominent role in the priesthood in the later stages, and little is said about the Aaronites.
• References to Aaron or Aaronites occurred only twice, in Kings and Samuel and 26 references to Zadok as the priest.
• Relationship of Zadok and Abiathar, the two priests of David (2 Sam 8:17, cf. 1 Sam 22:20) who are rivals after his death.
• At the end of David’s reign, there is a conflict over the succession to the throne. Solomon and his followers and Adonijah and his followers (1 Kings 1–2). Solomon appoints Zadok as the priest of the Temple and expels Abiathar (1 Kings 2:27), the associate of Adonijah. 
• Zadok and his followers, the Zadokites, are priests in good standing.
• In the book of Ezekiel, he never mentions the Aaronites. it is the Zadokites with the help of the Levites who are the priests (Ezek 40:46; 44:15; 48:11).

Relationship between Aaron and Levites Groups:

• For punishment for those involved in idolatry (Exod 32:25–29). Moses calls for those ―on Yahweh’s side to join him in opposition to the people who ―broke loose. 
• Levites respond to Moses’ call and slay 3,000 people who participated in the idolatry. As a result of the Levites’ actions, they are ―”ordained” to the service of Yahweh (Exod 32:29). The Hebrew text says ―their hands are filled, which is a clear reference to their ordination as priests.
•  In 1 Kings 12. Jeroboam establishes two centers in the Northern Kingdom at Dan and Bethel (1 Kings 12: 25–33), and makes two calves of gold for these centers (1 Kings 12: 28). Jeroboam erects these calves and declares, ―Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, the same phrase as was used by Aaron in Exod 32:4. Jeroboam selects priests for these Temples. He explicitly excludes Levites (1 Kgs 12:31). (According to 2 Chr 13:8–9, Jeroboam excludes both Levites and Aaronites).
• A common inference on the two golden calf incidents of Exodus 32 and 1 Kings 12
  •  The two eldest sons of Aaron and the sons of Jeroboam have the same names: Nadab and Abihu for Aaron (Exod 6:23) and Nadab and Abijah for Jeroboam (1 Kgs 14:1, 20). And all four of these sons die due to their idolatry ( Leviticus 10; 1Kings 14:1–14; 15:25–30).

Summary of Aaron’s life:

• Construction of the GOLDEN CALF (Exodus 32)
• Aaron is portrayed as the villain, who receives the gold from the people (Exod 32:4a), makes the calf (Exod 32:4a, 35). Aaron declares, ―”These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you out of the land of Egypt!” (Exod 32:4) and builds an altar before the calf (Exod 32:5). 
• Aaron has brought a great sin upon the people (Exod 32:21) and has allowed the people to ―break loose (Exod 32:25). In contrast, Aaron seeks to redirect Moses’ anger (Exod 32:22–24). 
• Joins Miriam in opposing Moses (Numbers 12).
• Officially ordained priest of God and has a lot of reflection as High priest to Jesus Christ our Lord.
• AARON death:
• Aaron, like Moses, was not to enter the promised land. Nearby on the border of Edom after 40 years of his priesthood, Moses took Aaron up Mount Hor and transferred his garments to his son, Eleazar. Aaron died there at the age of 123 years (Num. 20:23-28). Israel mourned for their first high priest 30 days (Num. 20:29), as they soon would mourn for Moses (Deut. 34:8).

Jesus the High Priest:

Aaron was a type of Christ in his official character as the high priest. His priesthood was a “shadow of heavenly things,” and was intended to lead the people of Israel to look forward to the time when “another priest” would arise “after the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 6:20). Aaron entered into the Holy Place on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16) as Christ has entered “heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Heb. 9:24). The Book of Hebrews contrasts the imperfect priesthood of Aaron with the perfect priesthood of Christ (Heb. 5:2–5; 7:11–12). Christ’s priesthood is compared to the order of MELCHIZEDEK because it is an eternal office with no beginning and no end. Thus, it replaces the priesthood of Aaron.

• Eternal High Priest: Unlike the high priests of the Old Testament who served temporarily, Jesus holds an everlasting priesthood. Hebrews 7:24-25 says, “But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
• Sympathy and Understanding: Jesus, as the High Priest, can sympathize with our weaknesses and understand our struggles. Hebrews 4:15-16 states, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
• Intercession: Jesus continues to intercede for us before God the Father. He advocates on our behalf and presents our needs, prayers, and praises to the Father. Romans 8:34 declares, “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
• Wearing priestly garments: The priestly garments symbolized their consecration and set them apart for their sacred duties. In a similar manner, Jesus, as our High Priest, is clothed with righteousness and represents our sanctification before God (Isaiah 61:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
• Consecration and ordination: Aaron and his sons were consecrated and ordained for their priestly service. Jesus, too, was consecrated by the Father for His mission and ordained as the ultimate High Priest (John 10:36; Hebrews 5:5-6), prefiguring our Lord’s measureless anointing with the Holy Spirit (John 3:34)
• Teaching the people Yahweh’s statutes: The priests had the responsibility of teaching the people God’s laws and commands. Jesus, during His earthly ministry, taught and revealed the true meaning and fulfillment of God’s law (Matthew 5:17-20).
• Performing various offerings: Aaron and the priests were responsible for offering various sacrifices, including burnt offerings, cereal offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:11-14; 10:10-14).
• In charge during the offering of atonement: Aaron had a significant role in the Day of Atonement, making atonement for the sins of the people. Jesus, through His sacrificial death, accomplished the ultimate atonement for humanity, reconciling us to God once and for all (Hebrews 9:22-28; 10:19-22).
• Tending the tent of meeting: The priests were entrusted with the care and maintenance of the tabernacle, the meeting place between God and His people. Jesus, as the Son of God, is the true dwelling place of God among humanity (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9). Jesus, as our High Priest, intercedes for us, ministers to us, and blesses us with His grace, mercy, and peace (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:25; 2 Corinthians 1:20-22).
• Jesus remained undefiled: Jesus lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15). He remained completely pure and without blemish, fulfilling the requirement of holiness perfectly.
• Jesus kept Yahweh’s laws: The priests were instructed to keep Yahweh’s laws, and Jesus fulfilled the entire Law perfectly (Matthew 5:17). He obeyed God’s commandments fully and lived in perfect harmony with His will.
• Jesus was without blemish: The priests with any blemish were not allowed to offer bread to Yahweh. In contrast, Jesus, as the sinless Lamb of God, was without any spiritual blemish or defect (1 Peter 1:19). He was the perfect sacrifice offered on our behalf.

While the roles and duties of Aaron as a priest in the Old Testament foreshadowed aspects of Jesus’ ministry, Jesus ultimately fulfilled and surpassed them as the perfect and eternal High Priest, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice and mediator between God and humanity