In the Hebrew calendar, every new month starts when there is a new moon. It represents the completion of a cycle and the beginning of a new one.
It’s an ever-present concept in Israel that appears both in the Old and the New Testament.
We are reminded of the importance of dedicating our week to God by celebrating His holy Shabbat, as well as by celebrating Rosh Chodesh, the commencement of each new month, by dedicating it to the Lord.
As we enter into a new Hebrew month this week, the month of Av, there’s a lot to reflect on in this special time. Many historical things took place in the month of Av, one of them being the passing of Aaron.
Aaron was the first high priest of the people of Israel, he was also Moses’ closest ally, confidant, mouthpiece and companion. He was the kind of man who was absolutely faithful and loyal, who walked through water and fire with Moses. Aaron was there every time Moses appeared before the pharaoh of Egypt demanding he let the people of Israel go, risking his life time and time again just because Aaron refused to let Moses face danger alone.
At the end of the day, Aaron was also human, with his faults and errors, but he was a great man of God with a devotion no one could take away from him.
According to history, Aaron passed away in the year 1274 before Christ was born.
While speaking of Aaron, it’s impossible not to speak of another important figure in Moses’ life, as well as in the history of the people of Israel — Miriam, Moses’ and Aaron’s sister whose greatness was renowned throughout the nation, and she was honored as a great woman of God.
Aaron eventually passed in the month of Av, and now that the month of Av is again at our doorstep, it is a great time to reflect on these amazing men and women of God in the Bible, who didn’t just help shape the people of Israel, but the entire humanity.
Everything Moses and Aaron were given by God wasn’t only for the people of Israel, it was a standard God was giving to the nations as well.
It was solidified with the coming of Jesus, when He changed everything dramatically, not only for Israel, but for the whole world.
The power of great men of God such as Aaron lies in their unwavering faithfulness and devotion, helping shape history.
We now serve the same almighty God that Moses and Aaron served, and I pray we will also be used by God, like modern-day Aarons, taking our place as priests in our nation and generation, walking through parted sea, leading the way, knowing His grace is sufficient.
