10 Interesting Facts About Aaron in the Bible

Aaron was more than just Moses' brother. He played a major role in the story of Israel’s freedom from Egypt and helped shape Israel’s spiritual life. His story shows us lessons of leadership, weakness, mercy, and faith. Here are 10 interesting facts about Aaron in the Bible, each supported by Scripture.

1. Aaron Was Moses’ Older Brother

Aaron was the older brother of Moses by three years. He was born to Amram and Jochebed, members of the tribe of Levi.

Bible Reference: “And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were an hundred and thirty and seven years.” — Exodus 6:20

2. Aaron Was a Spokesman for Moses

Moses told God he couldn’t speak well. So, God chose Aaron to speak for him. Aaron stood by Moses before Pharaoh and the Israelites.

Bible Reference: “He shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God.” — Exodus 4:16

3. Aaron’s Staff Turned Into a Snake

When Pharaoh challenged Moses, Aaron’s staff became a sign of God's power. He threw it down, and it turned into a serpent, swallowing the staffs of the magicians.

Bible Reference: “Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh... and it became a serpent.” — Exodus 7:10-12

4. He Was the First High Priest of Israel

God chose Aaron to be the first high priest. He wore special robes, offered sacrifices, and entered the Holy Place. His job was to help the people stay close to God.

Bible Reference: “And you shall put upon Aaron the holy garments... that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.” — Exodus 28:3

5. Aaron Made the Golden Calf

When Moses was on Mount Sinai, the people pressured Aaron to make an idol. Aaron made a golden calf, and the people worshipped it—this was a serious sin.

Bible Reference: “And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool... and made it a molten calf.” — Exodus 32:4

6. Aaron’s Rod Budded

To show that Aaron was chosen, God made his staff bud, blossom, and even grow almonds. This miracle showed his unique role as priest.

Bible Reference: “Behold, the rod of Aaron... was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.” — Numbers 17:8

7. Aaron’s Sons Were Priests Too

Aaron had four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. They served as priests with him. But Nadab and Abihu died after offering strange fire.

Bible Reference: “And Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord... and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office.” — Numbers 3:4

8. Aaron Was Forbidden to Enter the Promised Land

Like Moses, Aaron disobeyed God during the water-from-the-rock event. Because of this, he was not allowed to enter Canaan.

Bible Reference: “Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel.” — Numbers 20:24

9. Aaron Died on Mount Hor

God told Moses to bring Aaron to Mount Hor. There, Aaron’s priestly robes were passed to his son Eleazar, and Aaron died.

Bible Reference: “And Aaron died there in the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount.” — Numbers 20:28

10. Aaron Is Mentioned in the Psalms and Hebrews

Even after his death, Aaron’s legacy as high priest is remembered. He is honored in Psalms and compared to Jesus in the book of Hebrews.

Bible References:
“Moses and Aaron among his priests…” — Psalm 99:6
“So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest... as he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.” — Hebrews 5:5-6

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