Aaron First High Priest

Aaron was Moses' older brother and the first high priest of Israel. He served as Moses' spokesman before Pharaoh. Though he sinned with the golden calf, he remained faithful in his priestly duties.

1. Birth in Egyptc. 1529 BC

   Aaron is born in Egypt to Amram and Jochebed, three years before his brother Moses. He grows up during Israel's slavery, witnessing their suffering under Pharaoh. He becomes the eldest of three siblings, including Miriam.

   EXO 6:20, 7:7

2. Called to Join Mosesc. 1446 BC

   When Moses protests his inability to speak well, God appoints Aaron as his spokesman. God commands Aaron to meet Moses in the wilderness. The brothers reunite after forty years, and Aaron goes with Moses to confront Pharaoh.

   EXO 4:14-16, 27-31

3. Before Pharaohc. 1446 BC

   Aaron serves as Moses' spokesman before Pharaoh, declaring God's demand to let Israel go. Aaron's staff becomes a serpent that swallows the Egyptian magicians' serpents. He stretches out the staff to bring plagues upon Egypt.

   EXO 7:8-12, 8:5-6, 16-17

4. The Exodusc. 1446 BC

   After the tenth plague kills Egypt's firstborn, Pharaoh releases Israel. Aaron departs with Moses and the people, witnessing the crossing of the Red Sea and God's destruction of Pharaoh's army.

   EXO 12:31-42, 14:21-31

5. The Golden Calfc. 1446 BC

   While Moses is on Mount Sinai for forty days, the people pressure Aaron to make gods for them. Aaron collects gold earrings and fashions a golden calf. When confronted, he makes excuses, claiming the calf emerged by itself from the fire.

   EXO 32:1-24

6. Consecrated as High Priestc. 1445 BC

   God ordains Aaron and his sons for priestly service. Moses consecrates them with special garments, anointing oil, and sacrifices. Aaron and his sons are set apart to serve in the tabernacle, offering sacrifices for Israel's sins.

   EXO 28:1-4, LEV 8:1-36

7. Death of Nadab and Abihuc. 1445 BC

   Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu offer unauthorized fire before the Lord, and fire from God consumes them. God commands Aaron not to mourn outwardly or leave the tabernacle. Aaron remains silent in grief.

   LEV 10:1-7

8. Challenging Moses' Authorityc. 1444 BC

   Aaron and Miriam criticize Moses for marrying a Cushite woman, questioning whether God speaks only through Moses. God defends Moses and strikes Miriam with leprosy. Aaron begs Moses to intercede, and Miriam is healed after seven days.

   NUM 12:1-15

9. The Budding Staffc. 1423 BC

   After Korah's rebellion challenges Aaron's priesthood, God confirms Aaron's authority. Staff from each tribe is placed in the tabernacle; only Aaron's staff buds, blossoms, and produces almonds overnight, proving his divine appointment.

   NUM 17:1-11

10. The Failure at Meribahc. 1407 BC

    At Meribah, when the people quarrel about water, Moses and Aaron fail to honor God. Moses strikes the rock twice instead of speaking to it. God declares that neither brother will enter the Promised Land because they did not trust Him.

    NUM 20:1-13

11. Death on Mount Horc. 1407 BC

    At God's command, Moses takes Aaron and his son Eleazar up Mount Hor. Moses removes Aaron's priestly garments and puts them on Eleazar. Aaron dies on the mountain at 123 years old. Israel mourns for thirty days.

    NUM 20:22-29, 33:39