Aaron First High Priest

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.