You might assume that after all that hard work, the position was practically his, right?

But that's not quite how it worked.

God, in a moment filled with divine intention, says to Moses, essentially: "Hold on a minute! Don't think you get to decide who becomes High Priest just because he put in the hours." Instead, God instructs Moses to formally announce Aaron's appointment.

But here's where it gets interesting. God tells Moses to call Aaron, and announce to him that he has been appointed high priest, and at the same time call the elders and in their presence announce his elevation to this dignity, that none may say Aaron himself assumed this dignity." (Legends of the Jews)

Why all the fanfare? Why the public announcement?

According to the text, it was to avoid any accusations that Aaron had simply seized power for himself. This wasn't about ambition or self-promotion; it was about divine appointment, witnessed and affirmed by the community.

The text goes on to tell us that Moses, following God’s example on Mount Sinai, approached Aaron first, then Aaron's sons, and only then the elders. "Following the example of God, who on Sinai distinguished Aaron before all others, saying, "And thou shalt come up, thou and Aaron with thee, but let not the priests and the people break through," Moses went first to Aaron, then to Aaron's sons, and only then to the elders, to discuss with them the preparations for the installation of Aaron into office." (Legends of the Jews)

This careful order reflects the hierarchy and respect inherent in the situation. Aaron, as the chosen one, received the news first. His sons, as his priestly successors, were next. And finally, the elders, representing the community, were brought into the loop.

So, what does this story tell us? It's more than just a historical account of a religious appointment. It's a reminder that true leadership, especially sacred leadership, comes not from self-assertion, but from divine calling and communal recognition. It's a process, a journey, and a responsibility, not just a title.

It makes you wonder, doesn't it? What qualities truly make a leader? And how do we ensure that those in positions of power are truly serving something greater than themselves?