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AaronThe first Jewish high priest
Date of Birth: .
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Content:
- Aaron, the First High Priest
- Divine Appointment and Miracles
- Consecration and Succession
- Duties and Blessings
- Character and Legacy
- Rabbinic Tradition and Venerability
- Aaron in Christian and Islamic Traditions
- Artistic Depiction
- Aaron's rod turning into a serpent
Aaron, the First High Priest
Aaron, the eldest brother of Moses, played a significant role as his assistant in the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He was the first high priest of the Israelites.
Divine Appointment and Miracles
As the "mouthpiece" for Moses, Aaron relayed messages to both the Israelites and Pharaoh. He performed miracles before Pharaoh, including the transformation of his rod into a serpent and the consumption of the serpents created by Egyptian magicians. Together with Moses, he played a part in the infliction of several of the ten plagues of Egypt.
Consecration and Succession
After the construction of the Tabernacle, Aaron was anointed as high priest. The priesthood became hereditary in his lineage, with the eldest son inheriting the office. While rebels such as Korah challenged Aaron's authority, God affirmed his selection by causing his rod to miraculously blossom.
Duties and Blessings
As high priest, Aaron led the people in worship and gave the Aaronic blessing. He served as the supreme judge of Israel and a teacher. However, during Moses' absence on Mount Sinai, he succumbed to the people's demands and fashioned a golden calf, resulting in divine retribution.
Character and Legacy
The Bible highlights Aaron's conciliatory, gentle, and mild nature. He had four sons with his wife, Elisheba, but the two eldest died for disobeying God. The priesthood passed to his third son, Eleazar. Aaron died at the age of 123 on Mount Hor, south of Israel.
Rabbinic Tradition and Venerability
Rabbinic literature praises Aaron as a peacemaker and a healer of division. Some believe that he was mourned more than Moses. His fortitude in the face of his sons' deaths is also admired.
Aaron in Christian and Islamic Traditions
Aaron's lineage included Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. In Christianity, the priesthood of Aaron is seen as temporary, replaced by Jesus Christ as a priest in the order of Melchizedek. Orthodox Christianity commemorates Aaron on the Sunday of the Holy Fathers, often alongside Old Testament prophets. Western Christianity remembers Aaron on July 1, while the Coptic Church marks his feast on March 28.
In Islam, Aaron is revered as Harun ibn Imran, the brother of Musa. His gentle nature is recognized, and his могила (tomb) on Mount Aaron is a revered site for Muslims.
Artistic Depiction
The classic Christian iconography of Aaron developed in the 10th century. He is depicted as an elderly man with white hair, a long beard, and priestly garments. He holds a staff (often blossoming) and a censer or reliquary. His head is covered with a distinctive turban or papal tiara, and he wears a pectoral with precious stones. Aaron's image can be found in various artistic works, including the altar of the Kyiv Sophia Cathedral and iconostases. Common depictions include:
Aaron's rod turning into a serpent
Aaron and Moses before PharaohAaron blessing the people
Aaron's death on Mount Hor
