The Aaronites were the descendants and household of Aaron, distinguished among the Levites as the priestly family. They served in Israel’s worship and included leaders and fighting men who supported David.
Definition
The Aaronites were the descendants or household of Aaron, the priestly family within the tribe of Levi. They were also called the sons or house of Aaron and were distinguished from the other Levites. The term refers to a family group rather than merely to Aaron himself. As priests, the Aaronites were associated with Israel’s worship and with the administration of the priestly office.
Biblical Usage
The Aaronites served as priests and included recognized leaders among the Levites. Jehoiada, the father of Benaiah, led 3,700 Aaronites as fighting men in support of David at Hebron. Eleazar was their chief, and at a later period Zadok held that position. The Aaronites were distinguished from the other Levites from the time of Joshua.
Historical Background
Aaronite identity was expressed by the phrases “sons of Aaron” and “house of Aaron.” The term Aaronites appears in the King James Version in two passages where Aaron denotes a family rather than an individual; the revised versions use the proper name differently in those instances.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The descendants of Aaron, and therefore priests. Jehoiada, the father of Benaiah, led 3,700 Aaronites as “fighting men” to the support of David at Hebron (1 Chr. 12:27). Eleazar (Num. 3:32), and at a later period Zadok (1 Chr. 27:17), was their chief.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(1 Chronicles 12:27) priests of the family of Aaron.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ar'-on-its (le-'aharon, literally, "belonging to Aaron"): A word used in the King James Version, but not in the revised versions, to translate the proper name Aaron in two instances where it. denotes a family and not merely a person (1Ch 12:27; 27:17). It is equivalent to the phrases "sons of Aaron," "house of Aaron," frequently used in the Old Testament. According to the books of Jos and Chronicles the "sons of Aaron," were distinguished from the other Levites from the time of Joshua (e.g. Jos 21:4,10,13; 1Ch 6:54).</p>
