Overwhelming, right? Now, imagine that sibling returns not just as family, but as a leader, a figure of immense importance. How would you react?
That's the scene we find ourselves in as Aaron sees Moses again after decades apart. The text we are looking at comes from Ginzberg's Legends of the Jews, a treasure trove of stories expanding on the biblical narrative. This particular moment, charged with emotion, reveals so much about Aaron's character. It says: "Aaron showed his joy freely at seeing his brother once more... As for his joy in the distinction accorded to Moses, it was too great to be expressed in all its depth and extent."
Think about that for a moment. Not just relief and happiness at the reunion, but genuine, unreserved joy at Moses' elevation. No jealousy, no resentment, just pure, brotherly love and pride. In a world often driven by ego, Aaron's response is a radical act of humility and grace.
And what does God think of this? "For his kind, generous spirit, he received a reward from God, in that he was permitted to bear the Urim and Thummim upon his heart, 'for,' God said, 'the heart that rejoiced at the exalting of a brother shall wear the Urim and Thummim.'"
The Urim and Thummim? These were sacred objects, often understood as a sort of oracle, carried within the breastplate of the High Priest, used to discern God's will. A huge honor! The text emphasizes the connection between Aaron’s joyful heart and his worthiness to carry such a powerful and holy object. What a beautiful reward for such selfless joy!
The story continues, "Aaron ran to meet his brother, and embraced him, and asked where he had spent all the years of their separation. When he was told in Midian, he continued to question him, saying, 'Who are these that are travelling with thee?'"
Simple questions, born out of genuine curiosity and concern. He wants to know about Moses' journey, about the people he’s with. He's engaging, interested, present.
Isn’t it interesting how this small moment, almost a footnote in the grand narrative of the Exodus, actually speaks volumes about the importance of character? About celebrating the success of others, about putting aside ego for the sake of love and connection?
Aaron's story reminds us that true greatness isn't just about individual achievement, but about how we uplift those around us. That the heart that rejoices in the success of another is a heart worthy of bearing the divine. What kind of heart do we have?