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WHEN what has been described was brought to a conclusion, gifts not
being yet presented, God appeared to Moses, and enjoined him to bestow
the high priesthood upon Aaron his brother, as upon him that best of them
all deserved to obtain that honor, on account of his virtue. And when he
had gathered the multitude together, he gave them an account of Aaron's
virtue, and of his good-will to them, and of the dangers he had undergone
for their sakes. Upon which, when they had given testimony to him in all
respects, and showed their readiness to receive him, Moses said to them,
"O you Israelites, this work is already brought to a conclusion, in
a manner most acceptable to God, and according to our abilities. And now
since you see that he is received into this tabernacle, we shall first
of all stand in need of one that may officiate for us, and may minister
to the sacrifices, and to the prayers that are to be put up for us. And
indeed had the inquiry after such a person been left to me, I should have
thought myself worthy of this honor, both because all men are naturally
fond of themselves, and because I am conscious to myself that I have taken
a great deal of pains for your deliverance; but now God himself has determined
that Aaron is worthy of this honor, and has chosen him for his priest,
as knowing him to be the most righteous person among you. So that he is
to put on the vestments which are consecrated to God; he is to have the
care of the altars, and to make provision for the sacrifices; and he it
is that must put up prayers for you to God, who will readily hear them,
not only because he is himself solicitous for your nation, but also because
he will receive them as offered by one that he hath himself chosen to this
office."
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The Hebrews were pleased with what was said, and they gave their approbation
to him whom God had ordained; for Aaron was of them all the most deserving
of this honor, on account of his own stock and gift of prophecy, and his
brother's virtue. He had at that time four sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar,
and Ithamar.