Aaron

Aaron, a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, is best known as the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was born into the Levite family, the son of Amram and Jochebed, and was three years older than Moses (Exodus 7:7). Aaron played a crucial role in the Exodus narrative, serving as Moses' spokesperson due to Moses' self-professed lack of eloquence (Exodus 4:14-16).

Aaron's leadership is most notably recognized in his role as the first high priest. God appointed him to this position, and he was consecrated along with his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar (Exodus 28-29). Aaron's priestly duties included offering sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and interceding for the people. The high priestly garments, described in detail in Exodus 28, symbolized his sacred duties and the holiness required of his office.

Despite his significant role, Aaron's leadership was not without fault. One of the most notable incidents was his involvement in the creation of the golden calf at Mount Sinai. While Moses was on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments, Aaron yielded to the people's demands and fashioned an idol, leading to severe consequences (Exodus 32:1-6).

Aaron's life was marked by both divine favor and human frailty. He was involved in the rebellion against Moses' leadership, led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, but God reaffirmed his chosen status through the miraculous budding of Aaron's staff (Numbers 16-17). Aaron's death is recorded in Numbers 20:22-29, where he ascended Mount Hor with Moses and Eleazar, and there he died, passing the high priesthood to his son Eleazar.

Miriam

Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, is a significant female figure in the Hebrew Bible. She is first introduced in the narrative as the unnamed sister who watches over the infant Moses as he floats in a basket on the Nile River (Exodus 2:4-8). Her quick thinking and courage helped ensure Moses' safety and eventual adoption by Pharaoh's daughter.

Miriam is recognized as a prophetess and a leader among the Israelite women. After the crossing of the Red Sea, she led the women in song and dance, celebrating the Israelites' deliverance from the Egyptians. This event is recorded in Exodus 15:20-21: "Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang back to them: 'Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea.'"

Despite her leadership and prophetic role, Miriam also faced challenges. In Numbers 12, she, along with Aaron, spoke against Moses because of his Cushite wife and questioned his unique relationship with God. As a result, God struck Miriam with leprosy, but after Moses' intercession, she was healed and restored after seven days outside the camp (Numbers 12:1-15).

Miriam's death is recorded in Numbers 20:1, where it states, "In the first month, the whole congregation of Israel entered the Wilderness of Zin, and the people stayed at Kadesh. There Miriam died and was buried." Her life and contributions are remembered as integral to the account of the Exodus and the journey of the Israelites to the Promised Land.