Bible Characters
Aaron the Priest: The First High Priest and Pursuer of Peace (+Quiz)
Moses' spokesman, breastplate and ephod, and a blessing that endures to this day.
Aaron, the older brother of Moses, was the first High Priest and father of the priests. His story, in the Book of Exodus and the books of the wilderness, presents a leader who loved peace and pursued peace - a central figure in Bible quizzes.
▶ Play now: the Aaron quiz — 50 questions per level
Moses' Spokesman
When Moses protested that he was "slow of speech," God appointed Aaron as his spokesman: "He shall be your mouth." Together they stood before Pharaoh, and it was Aaron who stretched out the staff in the first plagues.
The High Priest
Aaron and his sons were anointed to the priesthood, and Aaron became the first High Priest. He wore the priestly garments - the ephod, the breastplate, and the twelve stones of the tribes - and served in the Tabernacle, atoning for Israel on the Day of Atonement.
The Golden Calf
When Moses delayed in coming down from the mountain, the people pressed Aaron, and he made the golden calf. The sages teach that he tried to delay and stall for time. This is a complex point in his story, yet Aaron remained a spiritual leader.
The Priestly Blessing
God commanded Aaron and his sons to bless Israel: "May the Lord bless you and keep you." The priestly blessing is recited to this day in synagogues, and from it comes also the blessing with which parents bless their children.
The Firepans of Korah
In the dispute with Korah, Aaron's priesthood was proven by a miracle: Aaron's staff blossomed and brought forth almonds. Thus it was established for all generations that the priesthood was given to the house of Aaron - and during the plague, too, Aaron halted death with incense.
A Lover of Peace
Tradition portrays Aaron as "loving peace and pursuing peace" - one who made peace between one person and another and between husband and wife. When he died on Mount Hor, all the house of Israel wept for him - for thirty days.
Play the Aaron quiz
Bible Quiz now has a dedicated Aaron quiz — real questions from the bank across five difficulty levels, 50 questions per level, from the easy questions up to the "Super-Rabbi" level with exact verses and numbers. You can also reach it from the character area or the game screen, via the "by hero" button.
FAQ
Who was Aaron the priest?
The older brother of Moses, his spokesman, and the first High Priest of the people of Israel.
What is the priestly blessing?
"May the Lord bless you and keep you..." - the blessing Aaron and his sons were commanded to bless Israel with, recited to this day.
What was Aaron's part in the golden calf?
He made the calf under pressure from the people; the sages explain that he tried to delay and stall for time.
How was Aaron's priesthood proven?
Aaron's staff blossomed and brought forth almonds, after the dispute with Korah.