Aaron

Aaron, the brother of Moses and Miriam, is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, serving as the first high priest of Israel. He was born into the tribe of Levi, the son of Amram and Jochebed (Exodus 6:20). Aaron played a crucial role during the Exodus, acting as Moses' spokesperson due to Moses' self-professed lack of eloquence (Exodus 4:14-16).

Aaron's leadership is most notably marked by his appointment as the first high priest, a role that established the Aaronic priesthood. This appointment is detailed in Exodus 28, where God commands Moses to bring Aaron and his sons forward to serve as priests. Aaron's consecration, along with his sons, is described in Leviticus 8, where they are anointed and ordained for their sacred duties.

Aaron's life was not without controversy. He was involved in the incident of the golden calf, where he yielded to the people's demands to create an idol while Moses was on Mount Sinai (Exodus 32:1-6). Despite this grave error, Aaron continued to serve as high priest, illustrating the themes of forgiveness and redemption.

Aaron's death is recorded in Numbers 20:22-29. He died on Mount Hor, and his priestly garments were passed to his son Eleazar, signifying the continuation of the priestly line.

Aaron's Sons

Aaron had four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar (Exodus 6:23). Each played a role in the priestly functions, but their accounts diverge significantly.

Nadab and Abihu

Nadab and Abihu, the eldest sons, are known for their tragic end. In Leviticus 10:1-2, they offered "unauthorized fire" before the LORD, contrary to His command, and were consumed by fire from the LORD. This incident underscores the holiness required in the priestly office and the severe consequences of disobedience.

Eleazar

Eleazar succeeded Aaron as high priest after Aaron's death. He played a significant role in the leadership of Israel, including assisting in the distribution of the land among the tribes (Joshua 14:1). Eleazar's lineage continued the high priesthood, and his descendants are noted throughout the biblical narrative.

Ithamar

Ithamar, the youngest son, also served as a priest. He was responsible for overseeing the work of the Levites and the tabernacle (Exodus 38:21). His descendants, like those of Eleazar, continued in the priestly service, contributing to the religious life of Israel.

Priestly Duties and Legacy

The priestly duties of Aaron and his sons included offering sacrifices, maintaining the tabernacle, and instructing the people in the law. The high priest, in particular, had the unique role of entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16).

The legacy of Aaron and his sons is foundational to the religious structure of ancient Israel. The Aaronic priesthood set a precedent for the Levitical priesthood, which continued to play a central role in Jewish worship and tradition. Their account is a testament to the importance of obedience, the sanctity of worship, and the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people.