Part of the Law given to Moses at Sinai granted Aaron the priesthood for himself and his male descendants, and he became the first High Priest of the Israelites. [7] Levitical priests or kohanim are traditionally believed and halakhically required to be of direct patrilineal descent from Aaron. [8] Aaron was the traditional founder and head of the Israelite priesthood, who, with his brother Moses, led the Israelites out of Egypt.

Understanding the Context

The figure of Aaron as it is now found in the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, is built up from several sources of traditions. Aaron accompanied Moses into Egypt and aided in Israel’s liberation. Aaron co-leads the tribe through the desert and performs miracles and mighty feats of faith. Aaron is no mere sidekick.

Key Insights

Below are 6 things that you should know about this important biblical character. Who was Aaron in the Bible? Aaron is best known for his role in the exodus and for being the first of the Levitical, or Aaronic, priesthood. He was born to a family of Levites during Israel’s enslavement in Egypt and was Moses’ older brother, three years his senior (Exodus 7:7). 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.

Final Thoughts

Aaron died on the mountain, and the Israelites mourned for him for thirty days. Explore the relationship between Moses and Aaron in the Bible. Learn how their brotherhood shaped leadership, faith, and Israel’s journey. When Moses and Elazar returned without Aaron, “the whole congregation saw that Aaron had expired, and the entire House of Israel wept for Aaron for thirty days.” Actor Quinton Aaron is opening up for the first time about his health and relationship. In an exclusive interview with ABC News' Steve Osunsami, Aaron, who portrayed football star Michael Oher in " The Blind Side," shared details about his recovery from a spinal stroke, which he experienced in January. Aaron also opened up about his personal struggles related to a woman with whom he was ...