Priests and Levite · Leader · Old Testament
The Story of Aaron
Also: Haruni (Kiswahili)
Brother of Moses, his spokesman before Pharaoh, and Israel's first high priest.
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Introduction
Aaron, a Levite and Moses' older brother, was appointed by God to speak for Moses before Israel and Pharaoh. Exodus 4:14–16Exodus 7:1–7
He and his sons were consecrated as priests, and Aaron served as the first high priest of Israel. Exodus 28:1Leviticus 8:1–36
Aaron made the golden calf when the people asked for gods, and later joined Miriam in speaking against Moses. He died on Mount Hor, and his son Eleazar succeeded him. Exodus 32:1–6Numbers 12:1–2Numbers 20:22–29
Life at a glance
- Family
- Son of Amram and Jochebed; brother of Moses and Miriam Exodus 6:20Numbers 26:59
- Wife and sons
- Elisheba; sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar Exodus 6:23
- Role
- Spokesman for Moses; high priest Exodus 4:16Exodus 28:1
- Death
- Died on Mount Hor at 123 years old Numbers 20:28Numbers 33:39
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Aaron
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Appointed as Moses' spokesman
Exodus 4:14–16 · Exodus 4:27–31
God tells Moses that Aaron will speak for him, and Aaron goes to meet Moses in the wilderness. Together they speak to the elders of Israel.
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People: Moses
Before Pharaoh
Aaron speaks with Moses to Pharaoh. His staff becomes a serpent, and through him the first plagues are announced.
Holding up Moses' hands
During the battle with Amalek, Aaron and Hur hold up Moses' hands until sunset, and Israel prevails.
The golden calf
Exodus 32:1–6 · Exodus 32:21–25
While Moses is on Sinai, the people ask Aaron to make gods; he makes a golden calf and builds an altar. Confronted by Moses, he excuses himself.
Ordained as high priest
Leviticus 8:1–36 · Leviticus 9:1–24
Moses consecrates Aaron and his sons as priests. Aaron offers the first sacrifices, and fire from the LORD consumes the offering.
The death of Nadab and Abihu
Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu offer unauthorized fire and die before the LORD; Aaron holds his peace.
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People: Moses
Speaking against Moses
Miriam and Aaron criticize Moses. The LORD defends Moses, and Miriam is struck with a skin disease; Aaron pleads for her.
The plague stopped and the staff that budded
Numbers 16:41–50 · Numbers 17:1–11
Aaron stands between the dead and the living with incense to stop a plague, and his staff buds, blossoms and bears almonds as a sign that the LORD chose him.
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People: Moses
Death on Mount Hor
Because of Meribah, Aaron does not enter the land. On Mount Hor his garments are put on Eleazar, and Aaron dies there; Israel mourns him thirty days.
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Supporting passage: Numbers 20:12 · Numbers 33:38–39
People: Moses
Places named: Mount Hor
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Aaron. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Later recollections of these events
- Deuteronomy 9:20 recalls “The golden calf”
Later recollection
- Psalms 99:6 — Moses and Aaron among his priests.
- Micah 6:4
- Acts 7:40 — Stephen recalls the golden calf.
Direct reference
- Psalms 133:2 — The oil running down Aaron's beard.
Teaching or quotation mentioning them
- Hebrews 5:4 — No one takes the honour of high priest unless called, as Aaron was.
- Hebrews 7:11 — The order of Aaron compared with the order of Melchizedek.
Genealogy
- Luke 1:5 — Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron.
Family and relationships
- MosesBrotherExodus 4:14
- MiriamSisterNumbers 26:59
- ElishebaWifeExodus 6:23
- EleazarSon and successor as high priestNumbers 20:26–28
Books associated with Aaron
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
PriesthoodIntercession
- What does the budding staff (Numbers 17) show about who chooses a priest?
- How does Aaron's account of the golden calf (Exodus 32:21-24) compare with what happened?
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