Aaron was chosen as high priest because God appointed him to serve as the mediator between Himself and Israel under the old covenant. This role was not based on personal merit but on God’s choice to establish an ordained priesthood that would maintain holiness in worship and provide atonement for the people.
Exodus 28:1 records God’s command:
“Now take Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to Me as priest, Aaron and Aaron’s sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.”
Aaron’s appointment fulfilled God’s design for structured worship, ensuring that sacrifices and offerings were conducted according to His instructions. As high priest, Aaron was responsible for entering the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 16:2, 34).
His selection also demons/”>demonstrated that access to God required an appointed mediator and could not be assumed by anyone (Numbers 16:40). Aaron himself needed atonement, as seen in his own sinfulness, including his failure at the golden calf incident (Exodus 32:21–24). This highlighted the insufficiency of the Levitical priesthood and the need for a greater High Priest.
Hebrews 5:4–5 explains this principle:
“And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You.’”
Aaron’s role points forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest, who mediates a better covenant and offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice once for all (Hebrews 7:23–27). Aaron’s appointment teaches that fellowship with God is never on human terms but always by His provision and through His chosen Mediator.
