Quick teaser: why did Aaron escape the Pharaoh’s slaughter of the firstborn?
Aaron was the firstborn son of Amram and his Jochebed, who were Levites (Exodus 2:1; 6:20). He was born during Israel's time in Egypt, 83 years before the Exodus, 3 years before his brother Moses (there’s the answer to the teaser), and about 10 years after his sister Miriam (Exodus 2:1,4; 6:20; 7:7).
Aaron married Elisheba, a daughter of Amminadab, who was of the tribe of Judah (Exodus 6:23; 1 Chronicles 2:10). They had 4 sons - Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
When the time of the Exodus came, God sent Aaron (Exodus 4:14, 27-30) out to meet the returning Moses (who had just spent 40 years out in the Sinai with Jethro), to join with him in their assigned task. Aaron was to be the spokesman for Moses, who was unable to speak well, perhaps from stuttering (Exodus 6:30; 7:1-2,9-10,19). Although Moses was the leader, it was Aaron who did the actual speaking to Pharaoh through the events leading to the Exodus, and the crossing of the Red Sea.
Aaron was an excellent servant with his brother, at least at first. At Rephidim, when Moses overlooked the battle with the Amalekites from a nearby hill with the rod of God in his outstretched hand, it was Aaron and Hur (his brother-in-law, Miriam's husband), who held up Moses' tired arms until Israel's forces under Joshua won the battle (Exodus 17:8-13).
Aaron's greatest lapse in judgment occurred while Moses was away on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments from God. For whatever reason, Aaron gave in to the people's demands, and made that now-infamous golden calf for the people to worship (Exodus 32:4). When Moses returned, Aaron was sternly rebuked, but was forgiven by God after Moses prayed for him. Aaron came very close to being killed for that incident (Deuteronomy 9:20)
Aaron was appointed directly by God to be the first high priest. He and his sons were consecrated to continue the priesthood through time (Leviticus 8 and 9).
Aaron again displayed a failure in good judgment at Hazeroth when he and Miriam spoke out against Moses for marrying a Cushite (Ethiopian) woman. Once again, The Lord vindicated Moses, and punished Miriam, who had led the minor rebellion, with leprosy (Numbers 12:1-16). After Aaron acknowledged his and Miriam's error, at the intercession of Moses they were forgiven by God.
Aaron's career seemed to blow hot and cold. He certainly had his low points (i.e. the golden calf), but overall he remained a steadfast ally of his brother. During the Korah rebellion, Aaron stood courageously with Moses (Numbers 16:1-50). Not long after that, the miraculous sprouting of his staff was used to demonstrate that he was indeed the high priest to those who were questioning his authority (Numbers 17:1-13). That staff was afterwards preserved in the Tabernacle (Hebrews 9:4)
Neither Moses nor Aaron were permitted to enter the Promised Land. Aaron was involved in the water-from-the-rock incident at Meribah (Numbers 20:8-13), and for that presumptuous disobedience to God's instructions both were not permitted to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 20:24).
Aaron died at Mount Hor after his priestly authority was transferred to his son Eleazar. The people mourned his passing for 30 days.
Aaron was a forerunner of Jesus Christ in his role as the high priest. His priesthood was a "shadow of heavenly things," and was intended to lead the people of Israel to look forward to the time when "another priest" would arise (Hebrews 6:20).
Fact Finder: Which 2 of Aaron's sons lost their lives for offering "unauthorized fire"?
Leviticus 10:1-2
Who knows where we are the most vulnerable? On the heels of glorious triumph, Israel plunged into idolatry on the flimsiest of excuses while Aaron was in charge:
Aaron was an excellent servant with his brother, at least at first. When the time of the Exodus came, God sent Aaron (Exodus 4:14, 27-30) out to meet the returning Moses (who had just spent 40 years out in the Sinai with Jethro), to join with him in their assigned task. Aaron was to be the spokesman for Moses, who was unable to speak well, perhaps from stuttering (Exodus 6:30; 7:1-2,9-10,19). Although Moses was the leader, it was Aaron who did the actual speaking to Pharaoh through the events leading to the Exodus, and the crossing of the Red Sea. What happened at Rephidim? (Exodus 17:8-13).
It's been said that every person has a price. In what areas might you be most susceptible to betraying God, and why?
Read Exodus 32:1-6. Who instigated the idolatry, and why (Exodus 32:1)?
Why do you think Aaron went along with it (Exodus 32:2-6)?
Read Exodus 32:7-14. What impresses you about the dialogue between God and Moses (Exodus 32:9-14)? Read Deut 9:18-20 on Moses’ view of the situation
In what ways can we emulate Moses in our relation to God and in our care for sinning people?
Why do you think Aaron lied to Moses (Exodus 32:22-25)?
Why is it easy to forget what the Lord has done for us?
How was God justified for being angry at the Israelites?
In what ways did Aaron fail as a leader?
What are ways that people worship people or things they’ve made instead of Jesus Christ?
Contrast the strengths and weaknesses of Moses with the strengths and weaknesses of Aaron.
When was a time you made an impulsive decision that turned out to be foolish?
In what situations have you exercised, or failed to exercise, a strong stand against clear-cut violations of God's commands? Explain.
What spiritual disciplines could help you maintain faithfulness to God?
Aaron's career seemed to blow hot and cold. He certainly had his low points (i.e. the golden calf and for another example see Numbers 12), but overall he remained a steadfast ally of his brother. During the Korah rebellion, Aaron stood courageously with Moses (Numbers 16:1-50). Not long after that, the miraculous sprouting of his staff was used to demonstrate that he was indeed the high priest to those who were questioning his authority (Numbers 17:1-13). That staff was afterwards preserved in the Tabernacle (Hebrews 9:4)
Aaron failed God and was forgiven yet there were consequences of his sin that lasted: Neither Moses nor Aaron were permitted to enter the Promised Land. Aaron was involved in the water-from-the-rock incident at Meribah (Numbers 20:8-13), and for that presumptuous disobedience to God's instructions both were not permitted to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 20:24). What is there to learn from this?
Think about the implications of the fact that Aaron was a forerunner of Jesus Christ in his role as the high priest. His priesthood was a "shadow of heavenly things," and was intended to lead the people of Israel to look forward to the time when "another priest" would arise (Hebrews 6:20).