Aaron

Main article: Aaron

Further information: Aaron and Moses

Aaron was an important person in the Bible. He was the older brother of Moses. Aaron became the first high priest of the Israelites.

Unlike Moses, who grew up in an Egyptian king’s home, Aaron stayed with his family.

When Moses spoke to the Egyptian king to help the Israelites, Aaron spoke for him. Special rules let Aaron and his family become priests. Many Jewish priests today are thought to be related to Aaron.

The Bible says Aaron lived to be 123 years old. He died on a mountain named Mount Hor after the Israelites left Egypt.

Biblical narrative

According to the Book of Exodus, Aaron helped Moses because Moses felt he couldn't speak well. God chose Aaron to speak for Moses. Aaron did magic tricks, like turning his staff into a snake, by following Moses' instructions.

Aaron became the first high priest. He and his family led religious services and taught God's rules to the people. They were chosen for this important job.

Historicity

Main articles: Moses § Historicity, and The Exodus § Origins and historicity

Some scholars think stories about Moses and Aaron show views from different groups of people long ago. There were groups that followed Moses, groups connected to Aaron, and groups called the Levites. These groups did not always agree, especially later on. Some stories show Moses as the main leader, while others give Aaron more importance. Even though the books try to show Moses and Aaron working together, the different ideas about who was more important stayed in the stories.

In religious traditions

In Jewish stories, Aaron was the first priest and the older brother of Moses. Moses was the main leader and prophet, and Aaron helped him as a priest. Even though Moses was the main leader, Aaron was also respected and seen as equal to Moses at times.

In Christian traditions, Aaron is honored as a saint in some churches. He is remembered on special days with Moses. In Islam, Aaron is seen as a prophet and helper of Moses. The Quran tells stories of Aaron and praises him for his faith and guidance.

In art

Aaron is often shown with Moses in Jewish and Christian art, like in drawings and paintings of the Bible. You can usually tell Aaron by his special priest clothes, like a turban or shiny jewelry. He sometimes holds a container for burning incense or a special staff. Aaron also appears in pictures of the Tabernacle and its altar.

One famous silver altar from Germany shows Aaron with his container for incense. It is kept in a museum in Paris. Aaron is also shown in some church decorations and statues. Sometimes he is drawn as a prophet holding a scroll.