Bible Character Explorer
Exodus and Wilderness Period • c. 1529 to 1407 BC (traditional dating)
Aaron
First High PriestMoses's brother and spokesman who became Israel's first high priest
"And the Lord said unto Moses, Take Aaron and his sons with him... and anoint them, and consecrate them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office."
Exodus 40:12-13 (KJV, condensed)
Overview
Aaron was Moses's older brother, appointed by God to be his spokesman before Pharaoh and later consecrated as Israel's first high priest. His life shows both remarkable moments of faithful service and serious failures, most notably his role in crafting the golden calf. Aaron's priesthood established the pattern of mediation between God and Israel that the book of Hebrews shows was always meant to be temporary, pointing to the permanent priesthood of Jesus Christ.
Gospel Connection
Aaron's priesthood, with its daily and yearly sacrifices offered first for his own sin and then for the people's, stands in deliberate contrast to Jesus Christ, who as our great high priest needed no sacrifice for himself and offered his own blood once for all time. Hebrews 7:23-27 draws this exact comparison: many priests were needed because death prevented Aaron's line from continuing, but Jesus, because he continues forever, holds his priesthood permanently and is able to save completely those who come to God through him.
Discover More
See how this life points to Christ in the Gospel Connection section above.