Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, plays a significant role in the intercessory events recorded in the Old Testament. His intercessions are pivotal moments that highlight his priestly duties and his role as a mediator between God and the Israelites. These instances underscore the importance of intercession in the priestly office and provide insight into the character and responsibilities of Aaron. Key Instances of Aaron's Intercession: 1. The Golden Calf Incident (Exodus 32): Aaron's involvement in the golden calf incident is a complex narrative of leadership failure and intercession. While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Law, Aaron succumbed to the people's demands and fashioned a golden calf for worship. When God expressed His wrath and intention to destroy the Israelites, Moses interceded on their behalf. Although Aaron's direct intercession is not recorded here, his later actions and repentance are implicit in the narrative. This event underscores the need for intercession and the mercy of God despite human failure. 2. The Rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16): In the rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron, the earth swallowed the rebels as a divine judgment. Following this, the congregation accused Moses and Aaron of killing the people of the LORD, and a plague began among the Israelites. Aaron's intercession is vividly depicted here. Moses instructed Aaron to take his censer, put incense in it, and make atonement for the people. Aaron "stood between the living and the dead, and the plague was halted" (Numbers 16:48). This act of intercession highlights Aaron's role as a mediator and the power of atonement. 3. The Murmuring at Meribah (Numbers 20): At Meribah, the Israelites quarreled with Moses and Aaron due to a lack of water. God instructed Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water, but Moses struck the rock twice with his staff. Although Aaron did not directly intercede in this instance, the event led to God's judgment that neither Moses nor Aaron would enter the Promised Land. Aaron's presence and shared responsibility with Moses emphasize the communal aspect of leadership and the consequences of failing to uphold God's commands. 4. The Plague of Serpents (Numbers 21): When the Israelites spoke against God and Moses, fiery serpents were sent among them, causing many deaths. The people came to Moses, acknowledging their sin and asking for intercession. Moses prayed for the people, and God instructed him to make a bronze serpent. While Aaron is not directly mentioned in this intercession, his role as high priest would have included ongoing intercessory duties for the people. The Role of Aaron's Intercession: Aaron's intercessions are integral to his priestly function, serving as a bridge between the divine and the human. His actions during critical moments of rebellion and judgment illustrate the necessity of a mediator who can stand in the gap for the people. Aaron's intercessory acts are a precursor to the ultimate intercession fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, the great High Priest. Conclusion: Aaron's intercessions, though sometimes overshadowed by his brother Moses, are essential to understanding the priestly office and the dynamics of divine mercy and judgment. His life and actions provide a profound example of the power and responsibility of intercession in the biblical narrative. Subtopics Aaron with Hur Supports the Hands of Moses During Battle Aaron: Commissioned As a Deliverer of Israel Aaron: Consecration of, to the Priesthood Aaron: Descendants of, Ordained Priests Forever Aaron: Enters Upon the Priestly office Aaron: Forbidden to Mourn the Death of his Son, Nadab and Abihu Aaron: His Benedictions Upon the People Aaron: His Presumption, when the Rock is Smitten Aaron: Judges Israel in the Absence of Moses Aaron: Meets Moses in the Wilderness and is Made Spokesman for Moses Aaron: Murmured Against, by the People Aaron: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan Aaron: Places Pot of Manna in the Ark Aaron: Stays the Plague by Priestly Intercession Aaron: Summoned to Sinai With Nadab, Abihu, and Seventy Elders Related Terms |