Who was the first high priest of Israel according to the Hebrew Bible? Aaron was the first high priest of Israel according to the Hebrew Bible.
Aaron was the older brother of Moses and a member of the tribe of Levi. In Exodus, God appoints Aaron and his sons to serve as priests, with Aaron receiving the special office of high priest. He was responsible for leading Israel’s priestly worship and representing the people before God.
His garments included the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, sash, and turban. The breastplate contained twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Aaron also performed the central ritual of the Day of Atonement, entering the Holy of Holies on behalf of the nation.
Aaron’s son Eleazar succeeded him as high priest after Aaron’s death on Mount Hor. Moses was Israel’s prophet and leader, not its first high priest, while Joshua belonged to a later generation. Joshua the High Priest was a post-exilic figure, so he should not be confused with Aaron.