The Priest: Aaron

Sons of Encouragement #1

by Francine Rivers

His courage covered his brother's fear.

His sacrifices atoned for the peoples sin.

His voice carried the words of God.

Moses parted the Red Sea.But in his shadow stood a man who symbolizes forever our great high priest.

Aaron

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Biblical Fiction, Historical, Faith

229 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers continues to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her numerous bestsellers include Redeeming Love, A Voice in the Wind, and Bridge to Haven, and her work has been translated into more than thirty different languages. She is a member of Romance Writers of America's coveted Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

www.francinerivers.com
www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers
Twitter: @FrancineRivers

Reviews

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an extremely hard book for me to read. All I could think about was how stupid the Israelites were and how they were squandering the opportunities God had given them. I mean, come on, how could they forgot all of the miracles God worked for them! But, as I read more and more, God started to work in my heart. How many times had I been just like the Israelites, questioning God when things were good and then running to him, begging and pleading, when things were bad. How many times had I rebelled against his plan for my life? This is an extremely powerful, highly moving, account of the story of a secondary character who had a huge impact on the story of Moses and the Israelites. I would recommend this book to everyone.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Old Testament Biblical Fiction about Aaron, the brother of Moses. I like this author. She tackles stories and she has ideas that aren't widely done. So I can appreciate that. I liked ther creative license when it came to dialogue and emotion and relationships...but on occassion I would think she missed the boat because her version of the story isn't the version I have in my head. Not a deal breaker.

I also liked that she kept to the scriptural details. So 3 stars.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Priest" was the first Francine River's book I have read. I was not dissapointed! Francine did an amazing job of staying true to the Biblical account of Aaron while at the same time capturing his emotions and human perspective as a simple man beyond that of the title of "Bible character".

She probed the depth of what it was like to be a man that many in today's age admire and scorn in the same breath. I walked into this story thinking "how could he have made the golden calf?", and stumbled away convicted of the times I, too, have crumbled under pressure and the curse of sin.

I began the story with a judging heart of Aaron and ended the book in tears as I reflected on my own rebellious heart.

"The Priest" brought new meaning and life to the account of the Israelite's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land in a way that touched both my mind and heart.

This book is not only an enjoyable and relaxing read, but a challenge to your own walk with the Great I Am.

I am honored to give this excellent work of writing a 5 star rating! This is a must read for all; young and old.

[Karrn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I may have have enjoyed this book much more if I hadn’t recently studied Exodus. I found the Biblical account more interesting. The author didn’t seem to add any flare to the real story, and it made me wonder, what’s the point? I think I’ll forego the rest of the books in this series and stick to the Bible.

[Alyssa Bramante · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy Francine Rivers, and I think she did a good job with this story, but it wasn't my favorite. Maybe I'm just not a huge fan of the shorter storyline ?

[Stine Braüner · Rating 4 out of 5]

En fin fortælling om Aron og hans rolle i Israels tid i og vandring ud af Egypten og de 40 år i ørkenen. Giver nogle fantastiske perspektiver på, hvordan vi må erkende at Gud er hellig og leve i gudsfrygt og ærefrygt for Ham - selv når vi ikke forstår.
Klart en anbefalelsesværdig bog!

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rivers does an outstanding job retelling the story of Moses through a person some may see as a supporting cast member, behind the scenes: Aaron. Pulling in vast and accurate Biblical detail, she extrapolates plausible dialog and situations that follow the Children of Israel from slavery in Egypt, through the 10 plagues, and to the shores of the Jordan River. A main emphasis of the story is on Aaron's learning to support rather than envy the leadership of his younger brother, and how the temptations of pride and anger lead them both into sin. A key to leadership lies in the oft repeated phrase, "And the people followed his example." This was true for Aaron both in good and bad choices. All the descriptions of the endless sacrifices, a life full of the stench of blood and incense, reminds one of the hymn, "Not all the blood of beasts/ On Jewish altars slain/ Could give the guilty conscience peace/ Nor wash away the stain." Aaron's longing for a lasting peace and finally being cleansed from sin not just without, but within, does accurately focus the reader on the Savior. I look forward to reading more from this series! **An added plus, my son also enjoyed listening to the audiobook and immediately recognized it as a story about God. Nice reinforcement of the familiar Sunday School stories. Only one question I would ask the author... Why did you leave out the story of the bronze serpent on the pole?

[Rissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Priest discussion questions
Describe the mood of the camp. What steps do Moses and Aaron immediately
take?
Compare the instructions God gave to Moses and Aaron with what the two men
actually do. Any conclusions?
What instructions are given to Moses and Aaron when the whole community
arrived at Mount Hor?
Contrast Moses’ and Aaron’s actions this time with their previous actions.
What reasons are given for Aaron’s not getting to enter the Promised Land?
What evidence do you find that God kept His promise to Aaron about the
priesthood being kept in his family? How would you characterize Aaron at the end
of his journey?
Find God’s Ways for You
What are some reasons we fail to follow instructions?
How do you handle personal disappointments?
God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-
discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)
When we believe in Jesus, what is available to us for navigating though life’s
dilemmas and disappointments?

What is the difference between God’s discipline and our earthly father’s discipline?
What benefits are there from God’s discipline? For you? For others in your sphere
of influence?

What complaints did Aaron and Miriam have about Moses? What did God have to
say about these complaints? Who do you think started the complaints and why?
What does this imply about Aaron? about his motives?

[Sydney Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

The one and only Francine Rivers I did not love. But it still spoke to me through the struggle.

I think the reason is because, you just can't cover it all. Makes it feel more like an amplified OT, rather than a glimpse into a patriarch's life. I picked it up because I've really been searching lately: what does it mean for someone to lead God's people? I would have rather given up the whole journey and seen a more personal glimpse of that with this book.

[Abby Burrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to say... Where to begin?
First of all, why is this book on my 'fave-books' shelf the writing style wasn't the best, the story is slow to start and a little bland, etc. ?
Because, my friend, of that later half of the book.
At first, this book could be marked off as a not-so-good attempt at Biblical historical fiction. This is actually the 2nd time I've read this book, and I remembered the beginning was not spectacular. You'd think that the Exodus would be, you know, pretty exciting to read about, but... eh, just wasn't there for me.
However, two things do stick out to me at the beginning of the book, the two main themes of the book. And it is because of these two things that I really relate to this book.
First of all, Aaron's fear of and at the same time longing for God's voice and presence. The description that Francine uses is on point guys. I understand Aaron's longing and want for that, and both the fear and the absolute delight... I GET that.
Second, his agony and frustration with the sin of the people and the sin within himself. And that is something that I, and many other Christians, have felt. This is very prominent in the latter half of the book and the author writes it very well. Surely Aaron must have struggled as well.
Francine portrayed this struggle very well, and that is why I enjoyed this book so much. Why I chose to read it a second time.

[Angela Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, especially after just finishing a term studying the Tabernacle Plan. Francine "filled in the gaps" in a tasteful, artful way that gave me some possible new perspectives and aspects of appreciation for Aaron as a biblical character. For example, she emphasizes Aaron's role as an encourager and supporter of his younger brother Moses, and how it may have been easy for him to struggle with jealousy over his younger brother being chosen to lead the Israelites. Who knows. But, knowing that jealousy is a very common human tendency, especially among siblings, it could have been something he struggled with and had to overcome. Regardless, it was a great read that brought that time period of the Bible to life in a unique way.

[Foxy · Rating 2 out of 5]

For someone who loves reading biblical history books, this one made me see Aaron as a spoiled child who like whining quite a bit. It's like him and the Hebrews were like 5 year olds or some sort. Maybe I need to reread my Bible but this book didn't feel like the normal Francine books I know.

[Debbie Lockledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read that I had trouble putting down. Meticulous research went into this book. I learned so much from it. It focuses. on Moses, & Aaron's role as his assistant & Israel's first high priest.

[Marissa Molina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m glad I read this book. I have a hard time connecting with Jesus at heart level and this helped me see Aaron, Moses, etc as real humans which in turn ignited my heart

Honestly my main gripe was the chapters were so long. Is that silly

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book, not great or gripping. I think it is worth the read if you want more insight to the Tabernacle and the laws of that time and in the Bible. I would have my kids read it for that reason alone. Just for a better grasp on that time period in history.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never read the Bible the same. Francine Rivers held firmly to the truth of the Word and wrote a story that grips the reader’s attention. It was an eye-opening book that makes me want to open my Bible and read the stories again!

[Monica Willyard Moen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent biblical fiction set during the Hebrew exodus from Egypt.

[Barb Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous! Yes, I finished this epic tale in two days. I was drawn in by the extra details added to the biblical account by the imaginative Francine Rivers. I felt immersed I. The Scripture, but I was also able to tell where the author had taken license. I felt encouraged, humbled, and convicted hearing the story of Moses and his brother Aaron as they led the Israelites from Egypt to the land of Canaan, the promised land. I will definitely add the next three books in the sons of encouragement series to my reading list.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I just read the book of Exodus
So this was a fun way to relive the story of moses and aaron.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh, okay - I mean I think this was a tough challenge to take on, so I respect that & maintain that Francine Rivers is brilliant.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good representation of the Biblical narrative. I like the way the Francine Rivers represented him as a flesh and blood person.

[TINNGG · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure I would ever have bought this, mostly because it never crossed my radar. It came in a care package from our church.

I’ve read Exodus a time or three - on my own, as part of a class, and general bible studies. I never really gave much thought about how the leaders would feel at ground zero, with the constant whining and kvetching from the Israelites.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first of five books about men who were part of major stories, but we don't hear much about in the Bible is a great fictional account.

This book is about Aaron and Francine Rivers states that she uses the account in Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers to frame the story, then used her imagination and logic to bring the story to "life". It is very well written and, to me at least, brought the characters and the biblical story to life.

There are many Psalms used during this book - as snippets, thoughts, praises sung, etc. which may or may not have been known at that time, but artistic license allows for them.

There are also internal thoughts, requests, or hopes that the author attributes to characters, but the ideas are found in New Testament books. Certain thoughts show what Aaron is thinking and what he is seeing or experiencing at that point in time. Again, all of this is attributable to artistic license.

There is a study guide at the end of the book, but I did not participate in it or use it. It takes up about 20 pages and is meant for a more in depth look at the lessons that the author wanted to draw attention to by the reader.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm only giving this book 3 stars because it reminded me too much of the Bible version. I didn't feel like there was enough story behind it, maybe because the Bible is so detailed.

One part that did make me think was when Aaron compared his life with his brother, Moses. "While Aaron lived the life of a slave, Moses grew up in a palace. While Aaron was tutored by hard labor and abuse at the hands of taskmasters, Moses was taught to read and write and speak and live like an Egyptian. Aaron wore rags. Moses got to wear fine linen clothes. Aaron ate flat bread and whatever his mother and sister could grow in their small plot of hard, dry ground. Moses filled his belly with food served by slaves. Aaron worked in the heat of the sun, up to his knees in mud. Moses sat in cool stone corridors and was treated like an Egyptian prince despite his Hebrew blood. Moses led a life of ease instead of toil, freedom instead of slavery, abundance instead of want. Born a slave, Aaron knew he would die a slave. Unless God delivered them."

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rivers takes the Bible and turns it into a living breathing account of what could have happened. While staying true to the account she adds feeling and emotion to the people that you imagine you're there feeling the heat on your face, the whip on your back, the sand on your feet and the presence of God in the pillar of cloud and fire.

I like how she got across the forgetfulness of the chosen people and the struggles of Aaron and Moses in dealing with the people. To see the strengths and weaknesses in men that were chosen by God to lead his people.

The ache they had of dealing with faithless and forgetful people they loved while trying to do the will of God. It is easy to see the Father/Child relationship between Him and us in his punishments and love.

I recommend Rivers to anyone that wants to feel these characters come alive off the pages.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this as I can so identify with Aaron. Out of all the characters Mrs. Rivers has written, I really can relate the most to Aaron and his feelings of inadequacy. It gave me insight into what could have motivated the golden calf incident and the deaths of Nadab and Abihu. I think Mrs. Rivers is best at writing of Biblical or early Christian historical fiction. I've read a few of her modern or early 20th cent. works and I feel more connected to and more vibrancy in her early historicals.

The Priest was such an inspiring read that I bought Lineage of Grace compilation, which is a masterful work as well. Having the insights from this book gave me a fresh look at Hebrews 7 and John 17. Contrasting imperfect Aaron with Jesus the sinless high priest makes me cry because Aaron's prayers have been answered in God's perfect time. Praise the Lord!

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite out of the series. Aaron, the brother of Moses. Moses got all the credit. Aaron shows resentment - after all, he IS the older brother. I can see myself in him, as I am the older sister. But Aaron also realizes that God is the one ultimately in control. He continues to find himself inadequate for the job of priesthood - and yet God chose him to do that job. We are all inadequate for the job that God entrusts on us. Yet, that's how God chooses to work in this world - through inept individuals.

[librarian4Him02 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moses' brother Aaron was called on to speak for his brother before Pharoah. Then, he played the role of defending his brother to the Israelites in the wilderness. Finally, God called him to be High Priest of the Jewish people following their exodus from Egypt.

Rivers included vivid details of Ancient Egyptian culture. She did a great job of bringing to life the historical figures from this key period in Jewish history. I enjoyed reading the events of Exodus from a different perspective.

[Joy DeKok · Rating 5 out of 5]

I suppose I've known the stories of Moses and the Children of Israel for fifty years (I'm 54 as I write this review). I've always focused on Moses because the storytellers did. Now, when I read the biblical account, I am far more aware of Aaron. In this book, The Priest, Rivers leveled the field between the two brothers. For all his mistakes (really Aaron - a gold calf?), I came away from this book liking the brother behind the brother.

[Akinlabi Akinbulumo · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was the moses and aaron story told as if i was right in the midst of it all. i couldnt put it down.read it straight through. What's truly amazing about this book is how we get to see moses through aarons eyes,his growth from being weak and aaron's gradual realisation of God's big plan.