prophet · Old Testament
Aaron
The First High Priest
Strong's H175 — original-language name study
Aaron was Moses' elder brother who served as his spokesman before Pharaoh and became Israel's first high priest, though he also led the people into idolatry with the golden calf.
Aaron was born to Amram and Jochebed of the tribe of Levi, three years before his brother Moses. When God called Moses at the burning bush, Moses protested his lack of eloquence. God appointed Aaron as Moses' spokesman: "He shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God."
Aaron stood beside Moses through the confrontations with Pharaoh and the ten plagues, stretching out his rod to bring several of the plagues upon Egypt. Together, the brothers led Israel out of slavery and through the wilderness. Aaron's rod budded miraculously to confirm his priestly authority.
Yet Aaron had devastating failures. When Moses delayed on Mount Sinai, the people pressured Aaron for a god they could see. Aaron collected gold earrings and fashioned the golden calf, then made the absurd excuse to Moses that he threw the gold into the fire "and there came out this calf." Later, Aaron and Miriam challenged Moses' unique authority, and God struck Miriam with leprosy as a warning.
Despite his failures, God appointed Aaron and his sons to the priesthood. The elaborate priestly garments, the rituals of sacrifice, and the Day of Atonement all centered on Aaron's office. He wore the names of Israel's twelve tribes on his breastplate, carrying them before God. Aaron died on Mount Hor at age 123, and his son Eleazar succeeded him.
Key Scriptures
"And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well... thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth."
"And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf."
"And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron."
Lessons from Aaron's Life
- 1.God uses imperfect people in positions of great spiritual responsibility.
- 2.Yielding to popular pressure can lead to catastrophic spiritual failure.
- 3.Making excuses for sin only compounds the offense.
- 4.Priestly intercession for others is a sacred calling that foreshadows Christ.
Related Characters
View all ProphetMoses
The Lawgiver
Moses led the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery, received the Ten Commandments from God, and guided the people through the wilderness for forty years.
Miriam
The Prophetess and Worship Leader
Miriam was Moses' sister who watched over him as a baby, led Israel's women in worship after the Red Sea crossing, and later faced judgment for challenging Moses' authority.
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Aaron Quiz
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Frequently Asked Questions
Miracles Featuring Aaron
Every miracle in Scripture where Aaron appears or is directly involved.
Moses' Rod Becomes a Serpent
The Lord turns Moses' shepherd's staff into a serpent and back again as a sign of His power.
Read the miracleThe Ten Plagues of Egypt
Ten devastating signs by which God broke Pharaoh's pride and freed His people.
Read the miracleAaron's Rod That Budded
Aaron's dead rod overnight buds, blossoms, and yields ripe almonds as a sign of God's chosen priest.
Read the miracleKorah's Rebellion — The Earth Opens
The ground splits open and swallows Korah and his followers for rebelling against Moses.
Read the miracleMiriam Struck and Healed of Leprosy
Miriam is struck with leprosy for speaking against Moses, and is healed after seven days outside the camp.
Read the miracleParting of the Red Sea
Moses stretches out his hand and the Lord divides the sea so Israel walks across on dry ground.
Read the miracleManna from Heaven
God rained bread from heaven to feed Israel daily for forty years in the wilderness.
Read the miracleWater from the Rock
Moses struck the rock at Horeb and water gushed out to give Israel drink.
Read the miracleThe Passover — Firstborn Spared
The blood of a spotless lamb on the doorposts spared every Israelite firstborn the night Egypt's firstborn died.
Read the miracleQuail in the Wilderness
God sends quail to cover the camp of Israel when the people cry out for meat.
Read the miracleThe Plague Stopped by Phinehas
Phinehas' zealous act ends a plague that killed 24,000 Israelites at Peor.
Read the miracleTest your knowledge of Aaron
Free KJV Bible quizzes featuring this character — every answer cites a verse.
- Medium · 10 Qs
Old Testament Quiz
From Genesis to Malachi — test your knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures.
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Aaron Quiz
Moses' brother, spokesman, and Israel's first high priest.
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Nathan the Prophet Bible Quiz
The prophet who confronted David with 'Thou art the man.'
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נָבִיא (nabi) • A spokesperson for God — called to declare His word to the people.