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Aaron, The High Priest: Numbers 17-18
Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the first High Priest of Israel. He worked together with Moses to bring the Israelites out of Egyptian captivity. However, he did not himself enter the land of promise because he had shared in the sins of Moses at Meribah (Numbers 20).
Not only was Aaron the first High Priest, but his descendants were to be the priests. They were from the tribe of Levi. After the erection of the Tabernacle according to the exact instructions of God, Aaron and his sons were consecrated to their priesthood.
Of course, they were not perfect. Aaron himself sinned, when Moses was receiving the Law on Mt. Sinai, by helping the children of Israel make a golden calf to worship (Exodus 32). And his sons, Nadab and Abihu, died because they engaged in activities that were unauthorized by God (Leviticus 10:1-2). So they had their problems to overcome.
Aaron’s priesthood was challenged by Korah, also of the tribe of Levi (Numbers 16). However, God made it clear that it was Aaron whom He had chosen, and no one had a right to challenge God’s order of establishment. As an added affirmation of Aaron, God had leaders of each tribe get a rod on which their names were to be written. The rods were then put in the Tabernacle, and the one which sprouted would indicate whom God had chosen. The next day, Aaron’s rod had sprouted, producing blossoms and almonds. God showed once and for all whom He had chosen for the priesthood.
Shortly after the Meribah incident, Aaron died on Mount Hor by the border of the land of Edom. His priestly garments were taken and given to his son Eleazar, the next High Priest; and the children of Israel wept for 30 days.
Discussion
1. Discuss the role of the High Priest. Why did he have to dress in a certain way? What was his purpose?
2. How did God demonstrate that Aaron and his sons were chosen for the priesthood? Could this be changed?
3. Why was Aaron not allowed to enter the promised land?
4. Discuss the office of High Priest as a type of Jesus Christ. How does it foreshadow Christ? What is Jesus’ role as our High Priest?