Aaron
Aaron, Moses' brother, served as his spokesman and performed signs.
AI-generated artistic depiction (no historical imagery exists)
Aaron is introduced as the brother of Moses, a Levite whom the Lord chose to assist Moses in speaking to Pharaoh and the Israelites. The Lord describes Aaron as one who 'can speak well' (Exodus 4:14) and sends him to meet Moses in the wilderness (Exodus 4:27). Aaron is the elder brother, being three years older than Moses (Exodus 7:7), and is appointed as Moses' prophet to Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1).
- Age when speaking to Pharaoh
- 83 years old (Exodus 7:7)
- Brother of
- Moses (Exodus 4:14, Exodus 6:20)
- Father of
- Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, Ithamar (Exodus 6:23)
- Married to
- Elisheba (Exodus 6:23)
- Role
- Prophet to Moses before Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1)
Lore & Background
Aaron first appears when the Lord, angered at Moses' reluctance, appoints Aaron as his spokesman, noting that Aaron can speak well and is already coming to meet Moses (Exodus 4:14). Aaron meets Moses at the mount of God and kisses him (Exodus 4:27), after which Moses tells Aaron all the Lord's words and signs (Exodus 4:28). Together they gather the elders of Israel, and Aaron speaks the Lord's words and performs signs before the people (Exodus 4:29-30). Aaron accompanies Moses before Pharaoh, delivering the Lord's demand to let Israel go (Exodus 5:1). Pharaoh rebukes both of them (Exodus 5:4). The Lord gives both Moses and Aaron a charge to bring Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 6:13), and they are identified as the ones who spoke to Pharaoh (Exodus 6:27). Aaron performs the miracle of turning his rod into a serpent, which swallows the rods of Pharaoh's magicians (Exodus 7:10-12). He also stretches his rod to turn the waters of Egypt into blood (Exodus 7:19-20) and to bring frogs upon the land (Exodus 8:5-6). Pharaoh repeatedly calls for both Moses and Aaron to entreat the Lord (Exodus 8:8), and they go out together from Pharaoh's presence (Exodus 8:12). Aaron's lineage is given: his parents are Amram and Jochebed (Exodus 6:20), his wife is Elisheba (Exodus 6:23), and his sons include Eleazar, whose son Phinehas is noted (Exodus 6:25).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray Aaron primarily as a divinely appointed assistant and spokesman for Moses. He is not the primary recipient of God's commands but is repeatedly told what to do through Moses (Exodus 4:14, Exodus 7:19, Exodus 8:5). His role is that of a prophet to Moses before Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1), meaning he speaks the words Moses gives him. Aaron is obedient: he goes to meet Moses (Exodus 4:27), speaks to the elders (Exodus 4:30), and performs the commanded signs (Exodus 7:10, 7:20, 8:6). He is also a co-leader with Moses, standing with him before Pharaoh (Exodus 5:1, 5:4) and receiving charges from the Lord (Exodus 6:13). The passages emphasize Aaron's function as a mediator of God's power through his rod, which becomes a serpent and turns water to blood and brings frogs. His age (83) is noted at the time of their first audience with Pharaoh (Exodus 7:7). The text does not depict Aaron initiating any action independently; he always acts in response to Moses' or God's direction.
Did You Know?
- Aaron was three years older than Moses when they spoke to Pharaoh (Exodus 7:7).
- Aaron's rod swallowed the rods of Pharaoh's magicians when turned into serpents (Exodus 7:12).
- Aaron married Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab and sister of Naashon (Exodus 6:23).
- Aaron's son Eleazar married one of the daughters of Putiel and had a son named Phinehas (Exodus 6:25).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Aaron in the scriptures?
Aaron is the older brother of Moses and a Levite chosen by God to serve as his spokesman. He was three years senior to Moses and played a crucial leadership role during the Exodus.
What was Aaron's specific role with Moses?
God appointed Aaron as a prophet to Moses, tasked with speaking to Pharaoh on behalf of his brother who struggled with speech. He performed signs and miracles alongside Moses to convince the Egyptian ruler to release the Israelites.
How old was Aaron when he confronted Pharaoh?
According to scripture, Aaron was 83 years old at the time he stood before Pharaoh to deliver God's message. This age is recorded alongside Moses' own age during that pivotal encounter.
Who were Aaron's family members?
He was married to Elisheba and fathered four sons named Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. These descendants later became significant figures in the priestly lineage of Israel.
Why is Aaron considered important in this narrative?
His ability to speak well complemented Moses' leadership, making him essential for communicating divine instructions to both Pharaoh and the people. Without his assistance as a designated prophet, the mission to liberate Israel would have faced significant communication barriers.
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