Aaron

Aaron, the brother of Moses and Miriam, is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the context of the Exodus narrative and the establishment of the Israelite priesthood. He is the son of Amram and Jochebed, of the tribe of Levi (Exodus 6:20). Aaron plays a crucial role as Moses' spokesperson and aide during the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. His eloquence and leadership complement Moses' prophetic mission, as seen in Exodus 4:14-16, where God appoints Aaron to speak on behalf of Moses: "Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said, 'Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And he is now on his way to meet you; when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and it will be as if you were God to him.'"

Aaron's role extends beyond that of a spokesperson. He is consecrated as the first high priest of Israel, a position of immense religious significance. The Book of Exodus details the ordination of Aaron and his sons, marking the establishment of the Aaronic priesthood (Exodus 28-29). Aaron's priestly duties include offering sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and interceding for the people. Leviticus 8-9 describes the elaborate ceremonies and sacrifices involved in the consecration of Aaron and his sons.

Despite his high office, Aaron is not without fault. He is involved in the incident of the Golden Calf, where he yields to the people's demand for an idol while Moses is on Mount Sinai (Exodus 32:1-6). This event highlights the tension between Aaron's leadership and the people's proclivity for idolatry. Nevertheless, Aaron's priesthood is reaffirmed, and he continues to serve as high priest until his death.

Aaron's death is recorded in Numbers 20:22-29, where he is gathered to his people on Mount Hor. His son Eleazar succeeds him as high priest, ensuring the continuity of the priestly line.

The Priests

The priesthood in ancient Israel is primarily associated with the descendants of Aaron, known as the Aaronic or Levitical priesthood. The priests are responsible for performing sacrifices, maintaining the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), and teaching the Law to the people. The Book of Leviticus serves as a manual for the priests, detailing the various offerings, rituals, and laws they are to observe.

The priestly duties are extensive and include the daily offerings, the annual Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and other religious festivals. Leviticus 16 outlines the Day of Atonement, a significant ritual where the high priest enters the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people: "He shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people and take its blood behind the veil, and do with it as he did with the bull’s blood: He is to sprinkle it against the mercy seat and in front of it" (Leviticus 16:15).

The priests also serve as mediators between God and the Israelites, a role that underscores their importance in maintaining the covenant relationship. They are expected to uphold a high standard of holiness, as reflected in the various purity laws and regulations governing their conduct and service.

The priesthood is not without challenges and controversies. The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram in Numbers 16 is a notable example, where the authority of Aaron and the priesthood is contested. God's affirmation of Aaron's priestly line is demonstrated through the miraculous budding of Aaron's staff (Numbers 17:8).

Throughout the biblical narrative, the priests play a vital role in the religious and communal life of Israel. Their service is integral to the worship and spiritual identity of the nation, as they facilitate the people's access to God and ensure the observance of His commandments.