Bible Figure
Aaron
brother of Moses and Miriam, and the first High Priest
Aaron was the elder brother of Moses and Miriam, spokesman for Moses, and the first high priest of Israel.
Biography
Born to Amram and Jochebed of the tribe of Levi, Aaron was appointed by God to assist Moses before Pharaoh because Moses protested that he was slow of speech. Aaron participated in the Exodus signs, accompanied Moses partway up Sinai, and was consecrated with his sons to the priesthood. His failures included making the golden calf and joining Miriam in speaking against Moses. At Meribah, Aaron shared in Moses' failure to honor God as holy and therefore did not enter the Promised Land. He died on Mount Hor, where his priestly garments were transferred to his son Eleazar.
Biblical Significance
Aaron stands at the beginning of Israel's high-priestly institution. His ministry illustrates both the necessity of priestly mediation under the Mosaic covenant and the imperfection of human priests, a contrast later developed in Hebrews in its presentation of Christ as the perfect High Priest.