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◄ Moses: Along With Aaron►

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Introduction

Moses, one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, is often associated with his brother Aaron. Together, they played pivotal roles in the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and the establishment of the covenant between God and His chosen people. This entry explores the relationship and joint ministry of Moses and Aaron, highlighting their complementary roles in fulfilling God's divine plan.

Early Life and Calling

Moses and Aaron were born into the Levite family of Amram and Jochebed during a time of severe oppression for the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 6:20). While Moses was raised in Pharaoh's palace, Aaron remained with his people. God called Moses from the burning bush to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, but Moses expressed reluctance due to his lack of eloquence. In response, God appointed Aaron as Moses' spokesperson: "He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him" (Exodus 4:16).

The Exodus and Plagues

Moses and Aaron confronted Pharaoh together, demanding the release of the Israelites. Aaron's role as a prophet and spokesperson was crucial, as he performed signs and wonders before Pharaoh, such as turning his staff into a serpent (Exodus 7:10). The ten plagues that followed were a demonstration of God's power, with Moses and Aaron acting in obedience to God's commands. Aaron's involvement is particularly noted in the first three plagues, where he stretched out his hand over the waters and land of Egypt (Exodus 7:19, 8:5, 8:16).

The Wilderness Journey

After the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, Moses and Aaron continued to lead the Israelites through the wilderness. Aaron served as the first high priest, a role that was essential for the spiritual life of the nation. He was consecrated along with his sons, and his duties included offering sacrifices and maintaining the Tabernacle (Exodus 28-29). Despite his high office, Aaron was not without fault. He succumbed to the people's demands and fashioned a golden calf while Moses was on Mount Sinai (Exodus 32:1-4).

Challenges and Leadership

The journey through the wilderness was fraught with challenges, including rebellions and complaints from the Israelites. Moses and Aaron faced these trials together, often interceding for the people. In one notable incident, when Korah led a rebellion against their leadership, God affirmed Moses and Aaron's authority by causing the earth to swallow the rebels (Numbers 16:31-33).

However, both Moses and Aaron faced consequences for their own disobedience. At Meribah, when the people complained about the lack of water, Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded. As a result, neither Moses nor Aaron was permitted to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12).

Aaron's Death and Legacy

Aaron's death is recorded inNumbers 20:22-29. He was taken to Mount Hor, where he was stripped of his priestly garments, which were then given to his son Eleazar. Aaron's death marked the end of an era, but his legacy continued through the priesthood established by God.

Conclusion

Moses and Aaron's partnership was instrumental in the history of Israel. Their leadership, though not without flaws, was marked by faithfulness to God's commands and a deep commitment to the welfare of their people. Through their lives, God demonstrated His power, mercy, and justice, setting the stage for the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

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Exodus 5:1
And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus said the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.
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Library

How those that Stirred up this Sedition were Destroyed, According...
... so they made no opposition, but wentalong with him... about them to defend themselves,
in caseMoses should use... as if I had given the preisthood toAaron, not at...

HowMoses Sent Some Persons to Search Out the Land of the...
... hills were so high that they could not travelalong for them... They also again blamed
Moses, and made a clamor against him and his brotherAaron, the high...

The Call ofMoses
... in the desert, and I will sendAaron, or Joshua... such thing as failure, but success
allalong the line...Moses had glorious success because he went forward and did...

The ChildMoses.
... children"Miriam, a girl of fifteen, andAaron, a little... sitting on the sand as she
walkedalong the river's... her son; and she called himMoses, because that...

From Kadesh to the Death ofMoses.
... (3)Moses asked permission... 1) The death ofAaron in Mount... such a way as to show that
their conquest was regarded as an achievement worthy to rankalong side of...

HowMoses Conquered Sihon and Og Kings of the Amorites, and...
... 1. The people mourned forAaron thirty days, and when... takes the other; while Jordan
itself runsalong by it... SoMoses passed over the river Jabbok, and overran...

How the Hebrews under the Conduct ofMoses Left Egypt.
... the eightieth year of the age ofMoses, and of that ofAaron three more... is near to
that of Egypt; and thence it was thatMoses led them notalong the road...

There Followed the Revolt of Those, Who, with Dathan and Abiron as...
... of the whole people arose againstMoses andAaron, so that...Moses, then, moving away
from that place, as he was preparing to lead his companyalong by the...

The Same Conclusion Supported by the Transfiguration Marcion...
... thatMoses and Elias had been exhibitedalong with Him in... spoken, will I do unto
thee." ThenMoses said, "Show... visible to him, when He said toAaron, "If there...

Moses --Making Haste
... the heart with the awful fall ofAaron his brother... From the street when those men
passalong the street... when Christ shall appear, all who, withMoses, have "made...