What Did Moses Tell Aaron?
The story of Moses and Aaron is central to the narrative of the Exodus in the Hebrew Bible. Moses, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, was initially hesitant to accept this monumental responsibility. Understanding Moses’ relationship with his brother Aaron provides insight into the guidance, reassurance, and instructions that Moses conveyed to him during this pivotal mission.
1. Context: Moses’ Reluctance and God’s Command
When God first appeared to Moses in the burning bush on Mount Horeb, He revealed the plan to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Moses expressed fear and hesitation, citing his lack of eloquence and ability to convince Pharaoh. God, anticipating Moses’ concerns, appointed Aaron, Moses’ older brother, to assist him as a spokesman. God said:
“I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do.” (Exodus 4:15)
This divine arrangement set the stage for Moses to instruct Aaron on his role.
2. Moses Instructs Aaron to Speak to the Israelites
After God appointed Aaron, Moses was instructed to return to Egypt and confront Pharaoh. Before this journey, Moses told Aaron that he would act as the intermediary in communication:
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Role as Spokesperson: Moses told Aaron that he was chosen to speak on Moses’ behalf because of Moses’ hesitation with words.
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Reassurance of God’s Guidance: Moses conveyed to Aaron that God would be with them, guiding their words and actions.
Aaron was thus to serve as Moses’ mouthpiece, ensuring that the Israelites and Pharaoh would hear God’s commands and messages clearly.
3. Moses’ Instructions for Meeting the Israelites
Upon entering Egypt, Moses told Aaron to go out and meet the elders of Israel. Specifically:
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Greeting the Israelites: Aaron was to greet the people and deliver Moses’ message: “The Lord, the God of your ancestors, has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:16)
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Performing Signs: Moses informed Aaron that he would perform miraculous signs to demonstrate God’s power, including turning his staff into a serpent, and other wonders meant to affirm that God had sent them.
Aaron’s task was both practical and symbolic—he validated Moses’ mission and reassured the people that their liberation was divinely ordained.
4. Instructions for Confronting Pharaoh
Moses also prepared Aaron for the confrontation with Pharaoh:
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Communication of God’s Demands: Aaron was to speak God’s words: “Let my people go.” This was the core message that they were to deliver repeatedly.
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Support in Miracles: Aaron was instructed to perform miracles to convince Pharaoh of God’s authority, such as the signs performed with the staff.
This guidance was essential because Moses knew Pharaoh would be resistant, and Aaron’s presence ensured that their mission had a unified voice.
5. Collaboration Between Moses and Aaron
Moses’ instructions to Aaron emphasized teamwork and faith in God:
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Mutual Support: Moses reminded Aaron that they were partners in God’s plan.
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Trust in God’s Power: He instructed Aaron to trust God’s hand in the process and not rely solely on human persuasion.
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Clear Communication: Moses stressed the importance of clarity and consistency when addressing both the Israelites and Pharaoh.
This collaboration symbolized unity, obedience, and divine guidance, which were critical to the success of the Exodus mission.
6. Summary of Moses’ Key Messages to Aaron
In summary, Moses told Aaron:
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You are my spokesperson – Speak to both the Israelites and Pharaoh on my behalf.
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God will guide you – Do not fear; God will teach you what to say.
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Deliver the message clearly – Tell the Israelites that God has sent us.
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Perform the miraculous signs – Use God-given signs to show divine authority.
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Support me in confronting Pharaoh – Together, we carry God’s command.
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Trust in God’s plan – Rely on God, not your own strength, to accomplish the mission.
Through these instructions, Moses prepared Aaron to act with authority, confidence, and faith, enabling the eventual liberation of the Israelites from Egypt.