Biography of Aaron or Aron

Biography of Aaron or Aron
Posted on 22-05-2022

Aaron or Aron

(14th-13th centuries BC) Older brother and main collaborator of Moses, the figure of Aaron has, however, his own relevance in the biblical tradition due to his character as patriarch and founder of the Jewish priestly class.

Aaron, a prominent member of the tribe of Levi, lived around the fourteenth century BC As described in Exodus, he was the son of Amram and Yokebed, and three years older than Moses, with whom his name is usually associated in biblical texts. According to most Bible scholars, Moses embodied the prophetic vision of the Scriptures, while Aaron would symbolize the need for a powerful priestly establishment.

When the exodus of the Jewish people took place, Aaron was chosen by God to transmit to Pharaoh and the people the wisdom that He imbued Moses: «He will speak for you to the people; He will be your mouth, and you will be a god to Him” (Exodus 4:16). Aaron also helped Moses lead his people out of the borders of Egypt through the desert.

While Moses remained on Mount Sinai, where he received the Ten Commandments, Aaron ignored his brother's recommendations and, faced with the insistent pleas of the people, ordered the construction of the image of the Golden Calf. This unleashed the wrath of God, and Aaron was condemned to remain outside the Promised Land. Despite this, God consecrated him as high priest before the people by miraculously sprouting flowers from his staff.

According to the book of Numbers, Aaron died on Mount Hor when he was 123 years old. Other biblical sources indicate, however, that he died at Moserah. His sons inherited primacy from him, and later priests were considered members of the house of Aaron.

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