The elder brother of Moses (by 3 years) and Miriam. He grew up as a slave in Egypt, unlike Moses who grew up in the palace. He bore the yoke of Pharaoh while Moses was in Midian.

He was born into the tribe of Levi, a tribe known for zeal and violence (Genesis 49). God would transform this violent zeal into holy jealousy for the Tabernacle.

He was formed by "Staying." While Moses fled, Aaron stayed with the suffering people. He knew their pain intimately. This made him a compassionate priest, but also susceptible to their pressure.

Aaron held the staff that turned the Nile to blood and brought the frogs. He stood face-to-face with the magicians of Egypt, seeing God's power dismantle the idols he grew up with.

1. The Reunion (Kissing Moses).
2. The Staff (Budding).
3. The Calf (Failure).
4. The Anointing (Priesthood).

The High Priest (Kohen Gadol). He wore the Ephod with the 12 stones on his heart and the names on his shoulders. He literally carried the weight of the people into the Holy of Holies.

He provided Atonement. On Yom Kippur, he sprinkled the blood that covered the sins of the nation for one more year. He stood between the dead and the living to stop the plague (Num 16:48).

The entire spiritual life of Israel. Without the priest, there was no access to God, no forgiveness, and no blessing.

He established the Priesthood that would last 1,500 years, creating the framework for understanding Jesus as the ultimate High Priest.

He broke under Peer Pressure. When the people clamored for a god, Aaron feared them. He made the calf and then made a weak excuse ("I threw it in the fire, and out came this calf!"). He was a people-pleaser.

He held fast to Sacred Silence. When God killed his two sons for offering strange fire, Aaron "held his peace." He did not accuse God of injustice. He respected the holiness of God above his own grief.