Aaron
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Aaron is a name that appears regularly in Masonic contexts.
Aaron in Masonry
In the Bible, Aaron was the brother of Moses, and the first high priest under the Mosaic dispensation, hence the term “Aaronic” in some law-giver contexts.
Aaron is alluded to in several Masonic prayers as well as the English lectures of the second degree, in reference to a certain sign which is said to have taken its origin from the fact that Aaron and Hur were present on the hill from which Moses surveyed the battle which Joshua was waging with the Amalekites (Exodus 17 10-12).
Aaron is also referred to in the latter section of the Royal Arch degree in connection with the memorials that were deposited in the ark of the covenant. In the Souther Jurisdiction version of the 23rd degree, “ Chief of the Tabernacle”, the presiding officer represents Aaron, and is styled “Most Excellent High Priest.” In the 24th degree of the same Rite, “Prince of the Tabernacle”, the second officer or Senior Warden also represents Aaron.[1]
Aaron's Rod
Aaron's Rod refers to the method outlined in the Book of Numbers (chapter 17) through which Moses executed a miraculous judgement to determine the tribe that would be bestowed with the priesthood. Moses commanded that twelve rods, each representing a tribe of Israel, should be placed in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle, with Aaron's rod symbolizing the tribe of Levi. The following day, these rods were displayed to the public. Aaron's rod was the only one that budded, blossomed, and bore fruit, whereas the others remained dry and withered.
Contrary to the Pentateuch's omission of any mention of the rod being placed in the Ark of the Covenant, it is only stated to have been situated before it. However, the Epistle to the Hebrews, traditionally attributed to St. Paul, maintains that both the rod and the pot of manna were contained within the ark. In the Royal Arch Masonic tradition, this latter authority is followed, leading to the inclusion of Aaron's rod in the ark. This inclusion, however, carries primarily a historical significance, serving to authenticate the substitute ark as a faithful replica of the original, which had gone missing. The discovery of Aaron's rod within the ark does not come with any symbolic instruction.[1]
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