Aaron

Aaron was high priest during Israel’s wanderings in the wilderness, from the time of the consecration of the tabernacle, until his death in the 40^th year after Israel came out of Egypt. Before he was high priest, he was Moses’ spokesman, speaking to Pharaoh and to the Israelites on Moses’ behalf throughout the exodus. Consider several observations from his life.

The first time Aaron is mentioned in the Bible, God is angry with Moses. God was sending Moses to bring the people out of Egypt and Moses protested that he was not a good speaker and asked God to send someone else.

And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. (Exodus 4:14)

God made Moses’ mouth and was able to teach him exactly what to say. Nevertheless, he let Aaron be the spokesman for Moses. We observe from this that God did not need Aaron’s speaking talent. God, who made the mouth, can speak through Moses who was slow of speech. Nevertheless, He used Aaron who can speak well, and Aaron’s speaking was applied to the glory of God.

Moreover, Aaron is made high priest by God’s calling. He did not earn the role by his own merit, nor was he selected by the people, but God chose him.

And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

Aaron’s greatest glory was to obediently fulfill the role that God appointed him. As Moses’ spokesman, he simply spoke the words that Moses gave him to speak.

And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God. (Exodus 4:15-16)

In helping lead the people, he obeyed the Lord and so fulfilled his role.

And Moses and Aaron did as the Lord commanded them, so did they. (Exodus 7:6)

When Moses was receiving the law from God in Mount Sinai, the people grew impatient and turned to Aaron to lead them in idolatry.

And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. (Exodus 32:1)

Rather than standing loyal to the Lord, Aaron quickly concedes to the people and fashions a golden calf for them to worship. He desired to please man rather than God, and feared the people more than he feared the Lord.

Nevertheless, God shows Aaron grace. In spite of Aaron’s great sin, Moses intercedes for him and God does not destroy him. And the Lord was very angry with Aaron to have destroyed him: and I prayed for Aaron also the same time. (Deuteronomy 9:20)

Through many trials, Aaron would learn to fear God. He would again and again see God demonstrate His power, His judgment, and His mercy.

The very existence of the high priest proves that God has compassion on weak, wandering sinners like us. For one, the system of sacrifice itself demonstrates that He is a God who forgives sin. And then, He purposely chose a man as high priest who was himself compassed with infirmity, so that he could have compassion.

Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. (Hebrews 5:2)

When Moses was around, Aaron was very obedient to the Lord. But as soon as Moses was absent, Aaron gave in to the people and turned to idolatry. Do you find yourself behaving one way around certain people that encourage you to godliness and a different way around others? If so, you are seeking the praise of men more than God. Be loyal to the Lord and fear God rather than man.

The New Testament shows that Jesus Christ is our High Priest. A better priest than Aaron, with a better priesthood and a better sacrifice. He understands our infirmity, being tempted in all ways, yet without sin. Consider:

Aaron’s sin offerings had to be repeatedly offered; Jesus offered himself once and for all.

Aaron had to sacrifice for his own sin as well as the people’s; Jesus had no sin.

Aaron offered his sacrifices in the earthly tabernacle; Jesus entered into heaven itself.

Aaron was not able to continue his priesthood due to death; Jesus has an unchanging priesthood because he lives forever.

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25)