Topical Bible: Christian Minister: Aaron

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Introduction:
Aaron, a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, is best known as the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. His life and ministry are integral to the narrative of the Exodus and the establishment of the Levitical priesthood. Aaron's account is primarily found in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

Family Background:
Aaron was born into the tribe of Levi, the son of Amram and Jochebed (Exodus 6:20). He was the elder brother of Moses and Miriam. The Levites were later set apart for religious duties, and Aaron's lineage became the priestly line.

Role in the Exodus:
Aaron played a crucial role in the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. When God called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, Moses expressed concern about his speaking abilities. God appointed Aaron as Moses' spokesman: "He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and you will serve as God to him" (Exodus 4:16). Aaron's eloquence and leadership were instrumental in confronting Pharaoh and performing signs and wonders.

The First High Priest:
Aaron was consecrated as the first high priest of Israel, a position of great spiritual significance. The priesthood was established to mediate between God and the Israelites, offering sacrifices and maintaining the Tabernacle. In Exodus 28, God instructed Moses to make sacred garments for Aaron, signifying his holy office. Aaron's ordination is detailed in Leviticus 8, where he and his sons were anointed and consecrated for their priestly duties.

The Golden Calf Incident:
One of the most notable events involving Aaron was the incident of the golden calf. While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments, the Israelites grew impatient and demanded a god to worship. Aaron acquiesced and fashioned a golden calf, leading the people into idolatry (Exodus 32:1-4). This act of disobedience had severe consequences, but Aaron was spared due to Moses' intercession and God's mercy.

Aaron's Rod and Miracles:
Aaron's rod was a symbol of his authority and God's power. It was used in several miracles, including the turning of the Nile into blood (Exodus 7:19-20) and the budding of the rod to confirm Aaron's priesthood (Numbers 17:8). These signs affirmed Aaron's divine appointment and the legitimacy of the Levitical priesthood.

Challenges and Leadership:
Throughout the wilderness journey, Aaron faced challenges to his leadership. In Numbers 12, Aaron and Miriam spoke against Moses, questioning his unique relationship with God. God defended Moses, and Aaron repented, demonstrating humility and submission to God's chosen leader. Additionally, in Numbers 16, Aaron's priesthood was challenged by Korah and his followers, but God affirmed Aaron's position through miraculous intervention.

Death and Legacy:
Aaron's death is recorded in Numbers 20:22-29. God instructed Moses to take Aaron and his son Eleazar up Mount Hor, where Aaron was stripped of his priestly garments, which were then given to Eleazar. Aaron died on the mountain, and the Israelites mourned for thirty days. His legacy continued through his descendants, who served as priests in Israel.

Significance in Christian Theology:
Aaron's role as high priest is seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest. The Epistle to the Hebrews draws parallels between Aaron's priesthood and the superior priesthood of Christ, who offers a perfect and eternal sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 4:14-5:10). Aaron's life exemplifies themes of service, intercession, and the importance of obedience to God's commands.

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Numbers 12:1-12
And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
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Library

A Prospect of Revival
... A Christian Church never enjoys so much concord, love, and ... Hold, Lord!" just as Moses
and Aaron did when ... all heavenly graces, with all that can minister to the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/a prospect of revival.htm

Christ Our High Priest.
Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel. ... and not be reckoned after
the order of Aaron? ... The priesthood of the Christian dispensation is, in a ...
/.../xi christ our high priest.htm

Of the Priesthood of Aaron.
... stand in need of one that may officiate for us, and may minister to the ... of pains
for your deliverance; but now God himself has determined that Aaron is worthy ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 of the priesthood.htm

Aaron, his Office no Palliation of his Sin, 61.
... Aaron, his office no palliation of his sin, 61 ... Rufinus, chief minister at the court
of Constantinople, [400 ... 407]82; "I renounce thee" a Christian watchword, [408 ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/aaron his office no palliation.htm

Independence of Christianity
... So that not Moses or Aaron amongst the priests or prophets could share the honor
with ... and to be jeered, is the highest honor that a Christian minister can have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/independence of christianity.htm

Psalm 132 at the Settlement of a Church, or the Ordination of a ...
... At the settlement of a church, or the ordination of a minister. Where shall we go
to seek and find. ... Not Aaron in his costly dress. Made an appearance so divine. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 132 at the settlement.htm

Psalm 132:1. 5 13-18. LM At the Settlement of a Church; Or, the ...
... LM At the settlement of a church; or, The ordination of a Minister. ... with truth and
cloth'd with grace, My priests, my ministers shall shine: Not Aaron, in his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/psalm 132 1 0 5 13-18 l.htm

Hymns of Christian Devotion and Experience.
... Thomas," Aaron Williams, (1734-1776.). ... The writer of this hymn of worshiping ardor
and exalted Christian love was an English Baptist minister, the Rev. ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter iii hymns of christian.htm

Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity Enemies of the Cross of Christ ...
... as yourself?" Just so did Miriam and Aaron murmur against ... The baptized Christian
is born a citizen of heaven ... them as mere filth, wherewith we minister to our ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty third sunday after trinity.htm

From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General ...
... very time more than one minister for every ... were regularly organized into a Christian
church, according to ... Nathan Emory, Freeborn Garrettson, Aaron Hunt, Samuel ...
/.../chapter 3 from the death.htm