Note: image is just a placeholder; there are no known images of Biblical Characters and very little by way of description. No one knows what they would have looked like.

Introduction

Born to Amram and Jochebed, Aaron, the brother of Moses, becomes the first priest of the Israelites; through him begins the priesthood of Israel. Generally, Aaron is considered the eldest since he is listed first in the genealogies presented in Exodus; his position as eldest son can be proven in Exodus 7:7, where we find out he is 3 years older than Moses (this also means Miriam was the firstborn child). Aaron is and his family are Levites.

In Hebrew, his name is Aharon (אַהֲרוֹן), which means light bringer. [1]

Bible Verses

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 KJV

And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.
Exodus 7:7 KJV

And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.
Exodus 28:1 KJV

Character

Aaron must have been a great orator—he speaks for Moses (who is speaking for God) before both the Israelites and the pharaoh of Egypt. We don't get much in terms of the relationship between the famous brothers, but we see that he believes in Moses (and God) enough to stick by him. Throughout the narrative, Aaron is presented as a great believer, hence being installed as priest by God. Aaron's shortcoming is highlighted in the narrative of the golden calf—when the people come to him to build the golden calf idol, Aaron obliges. He takes their gold and molds it into an idol even though God has just commanded that they never do this. Like Adam and Eve, Aaron does not admit his guilt but shifts the blame to the people instead. We know that Aaron repents of his action, as God still allows him to lead the priesthood. When Moses calls on people to defend God, the sons of Levi stand with him, which should include Aaron as he is also a son of Levi. This is likely the point at which Aaron repented of his actions.

Descendants

Aaron marries Elisheba who gives birth to four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. His sons are anointed by God to continue the priesthood.

Genealogy

References & Footnotes

1. “Strong’s H175: אַהֲרוֹן“. Blue Letter Bible; visited August 13, 2022