AARON

the bro. of Moses, {s promfnentin some parts of the narrative of the Exodus and Wanderings, but his importance varies considerably in different strata of the tradition. In the earlier narrative, J and E, he is represented as acting with Moses, but in such a way that some think his name is an editorial insertion. A. stays with the Israeli tes when Moses and Joshua go up the mountain for the tablets and the Law, and A. makes the Golden Calf (under which form Jahweh was probably worshipped in early times). In the later traditions, those of the Priestly Code, A. is much more prominent. Like his bro., he receives the divine commands, and he appears definitely as high priest, performing all the ceremonies of his Office. This characterization of him must be post-exilic, when the priestly system was established. It is very difficult, if not impo ible, to say what amount of hist. information we really have about him, but in any case he is more shadowy than Moses. One authority thinks he is a ‘traditional head of the priesthood and cult of Bethel.’ He is certainly connected with the priesthood, and the Aaronites and the rest of the Levites are distinguished. The etymology of the name is obscure, and may have been taken over by the Hebrews from some of their Can a an it ish or N. Arab. neighbors,