Righteous Aaron

Aaron was an Old Testament righteous man, the first high priest of Israel, and the elder brother of the Prophet Moses. Born in Egypt to Amram and Jochebed of the tribe of Levi, he was called by God to assist the slow-of-speech Moses during the Exodus, speaking to Pharaoh on his brother's behalf and performing the first of the plagues of Egypt by turning his staff into a serpent. After the Tabernacle was established, Moses anointed him as the first high priest, vested in the ephod and breastplate, with daily liturgical duties including the offering of incense. During Moses' forty days on Mount Sinai, Aaron yielded to the people's pressure and fashioned the golden calf, for which he was later forgiven. His right to the priesthood was miraculously confirmed when his staff blossomed after the rebellion of Korah. Like Moses, he was barred from entering the Promised Land for striking the rock at the waters of Meribah. He died at age 123 on Mount Hor; his priestly vestments passed to his son and successor Eleazar. He is venerated as a prefiguration of Christ, the eternal High Priest.