Who was Aaron?

High Priest & Spokesman for Moses

The story of Aaron

Aaron - High Priest of Israel
Aaron - High Priest of Israel
122 yearsBorn: -1395Died: -1273From: Ancient EgyptHigh Priest of Israel

Aaron is a biblical figure who is best known as the older brother of Moses and as the first high priest of Israel. According to the book of Exodus, Aaron was born in Egypt and was a member of the tribe of Levi. When Moses was called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Aaron served as his spokesman and helped to persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelites. During the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, Aaron was appointed by God as the first high priest of Israel, and he served in this role for many years. He was responsible for overseeing the worship of God and for offering sacrifices on behalf of the people. Despite his importance in the religious life of the Israelites, Aaron also made some mistakes, such as making a golden calf for the people to worship. However, he repented of these mistakes, and he is remembered as a man who was faithful to God, even in the face of adversity. The exact date of Aaron's birth and death is not specified in the Bible, but he is believed to have lived sometime between the 16th and 13th centuries BCE. He is said to have died at the age of 123. The story of Aaron continues to be an important part of the religious and cultural heritage of many people around the world, and it continues to shape the way that people understand the nature of priesthood, worship, and obedience to God.

Name meaning

"Exalted" or "High Mountain"

Name origin

Hebrew

Role

High Priest of Israel

First mention

Exodus 4:14

Appearances in the Bible

333 mentions

Family

Relatives of Aaron

Aaron in the Bible

Explore all 100 chapters where Aaron appears

Exodus

Chapter 4

Moses Returns to Egypt

Moses returns to Egypt and performs the signs that God has given him, but the Pharaoh still refuses to let the Israelite...

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Exodus

Chapter 5

Pharaoh Refuses to Let the Israelites Go

The Pharaoh increases the workload of the Israelites, but Moses and Aaron continue to press him to let them go.

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Exodus

Chapter 6

God Promises to Deliver the Israelites

God reminds Moses of his promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and confirms that he will free the Israelites from slavery ...

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Exodus

Chapter 7

The First Plague: Nile River Turned to Blood

God sends plagues upon Egypt, but the Pharaoh still refuses to let the Israelites go.

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Exodus

Chapter 8

The Second, Third and Fourth Plagues: Frogs, Lice and Flies

The plagues of frogs, gnats and flies come upon Egypt, but still the Pharaoh refuses to let the Israelites go.

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Exodus

Chapter 9

The Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Plagues: Livestock, Boils and Hail

The plagues of livestock, boils and hail come upon Egypt, but still the Pharaoh refuses to let the Israelites go.

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Exodus

Chapter 10

The Eighth and Nineth Plagues: Lucost and Darkness

The plagues of lucost and darkness come upon Egypt, but still the Pharaoh refuses to let the Israelites go.

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Exodus

Chapter 11

The Tenth Plague: The Death of the Firstborn

The final plague, the death of the firstborn, causes the Pharaoh to finally let the Israelites go.

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Exodus

Chapter 12

Passover

God institutes Passover

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Exodus

Chapter 15

A Song to Praise God

Moses and the Israelites sing a song of praise to God for delivering them from the Egyptians.

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Exodus

Chapter 16

Manna for the Israelites

God provides manna and quail for the Israelites to eat in the wilderness.

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Exodus

Chapter 17

Water from the Rock

The Israelites complain about the lack of water and God provides water from a rock.

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Exodus

Chapter 18

Jethro Visits Moses in the Wilderness

Moses' father-in-law Jethro visits him and advises him to appoint leaders to help him govern the Israelites.

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Exodus

Chapter 19

Arrival at Mount Sinai

God tells the Israelites to prepare for his arrival on Mount Sinai and gives them instructions for building the tabernac...

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Exodus

Chapter 24

The Covenant Confirmed

Moses, Aaron, and the seventy elders of Israel go up the mountain to worship God and see him.

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Exodus

Chapter 27

The Bronze Altar and the Courtyard

Instructions for making the bronze altar and the court around the tabernacle.

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Exodus

Chapter 28

The Priestly Garments

Instructions for making the priestly garments and anointing the priests.

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Exodus

Chapter 29

The Consecration of the Priests

Instructions for the consecration of the priests and the altar.

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Exodus

Chapter 30

The Bronze Laver and the Incense Altar

Instructions for making the incense altar and the anointing oil, and for the atonement money.

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Exodus

Chapter 31

The Skilled Craftsmen

Instructions for the Sabbath and for the craftsmen who will make the tabernacle and its furnishings.

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Exodus

Chapter 32

The Golden Calf

The Israelites make a golden calf while Moses is on the mountain receiving the commandments. Moses breaks the tablets an...

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Exodus

Chapter 34

The Renewal of the Covenant

Moses receives a new set of tablets and God reiterates the Ten Commandments.

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Exodus

Chapter 35

Contributions for the Tabernacle

The Israelites bring materials for making the tabernacle and its furnishings.

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Exodus

Chapter 38

The Bronze Altar

The bronze altar, the court around the tabernacle, and the bronze basin are built.

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Exodus

Chapter 39

The Priestly Garments

The priests' garments and the anointing oil are made.

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Exodus

Chapter 40

The Tabernacle Erected and Dedicated

The tabernacle is set up and the Ark of the Covenant is placed inside. The curtain is hung and the table for the Bread o...

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Leviticus

Chapter 1

Burnt Offerings

God tells Moses how the Israelites are to present offerings to him, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peac...

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Leviticus

Chapter 2

Grain Offerings

God gives instructions for preparing the grain offering, including the use of salt and oil.

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Leviticus

Chapter 3

Peace Offerings

God gives instructions for preparing the peace offering, including the use of salt and the presentation of certain porti...

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Leviticus

Chapter 6

The Law of the Burnt Offering

God gives instructions for the burnt offering, the grain offering, and the sin offering, including how the priests are t...

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Leviticus

Chapter 7

The Law of the Grain Offering

God gives instructions for the peace offering, including how the priests are to prepare and present the offering, and ho...

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Leviticus

Chapter 8

The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons

God ordains Aaron and his sons as priests, and gives them instructions for their consecration.

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Leviticus

Chapter 9

Aaron's First Day as High Priest

God appears to the Israelites and Aaron offers the first offerings as a priest.

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Leviticus

Chapter 10

Unauthorized Fire

God forbids Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu from offering "strange fire" before him and they are consumed by fire as punish...

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Leviticus

Chapter 11

Clean and Unclean Foods

God gives the Israelites laws for clean and unclean animals, and instructs them on how to tell the difference.

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Leviticus

Chapter 13

Skin Diseases

God gives laws for dealing with various skin diseases.

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Leviticus

Chapter 14

Purification for Mold and Mildew

God gives laws for dealing with mildew and mold in houses and clothing.

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Leviticus

Chapter 15

Bodily Discharges

God gives laws for dealing with bodily discharges, including menstruation and ejaculation.

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Leviticus

Chapter 16

The Day of Atonement

God gives instructions for the Day of Atonement, a day when the Israelites are to fast and make offerings to seek forgiv...

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Leviticus

Chapter 17

Regulations Concerning Blood

God gives laws for the proper slaughter and consumption of animals.

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Leviticus

Chapter 21

The Holiness of Priests

God gives laws for the priests, including guidelines for their physical appearance, behavior and marriage.

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Leviticus

Chapter 22

The Requirements for Offerings

God gives laws for the proper presentation of offerings and for the priests who present them.

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Leviticus

Chapter 24

The Lampstand and the Bread of the Presence

God gives instructions for the lampstand, the bread of the presence and the altar of incense.

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Numbers

Chapter 1

The Census of the Israelites

A census is taken of the Israelites, and the organization of the tribes is outlined.

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Numbers

Chapter 2

The Arrangement of the Camps

The Israelites are organized into four camps, with each tribe assigned a specific position around the Tabernacle.

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Numbers

Chapter 3

The Levites

A second census is taken of the Levites, and their duties in serving the Tabernacle are outlined.

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Numbers

Chapter 4

The Duties of the Levites

The duties of the Kohathites, Merarites and Gershonites, the three divisions of the Levites, are outlined.

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Numbers

Chapter 6

The Law of the Nazirite

God institutes the law of the Nazirite, which sets out specific rules for those who take a vow to be set apart to God.

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Numbers

Chapter 7

The Altar and Its Vessels

The leaders of the tribes bring offerings to dedicate the Tabernacle.

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Numbers

Chapter 8

The Consecration of the Levites

God gives instructions for the lighting and care of the lampstand.

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Numbers

Chapter 9

The Second Passover

God commands the Israelites to keep the Passover, even if they are ceremonially unclean.

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Numbers

Chapter 10

The Silver Trumpets

God commands the Israelites to make two silver trumpets for signaling and for calling the assembly.

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Numbers

Chapter 12

Miriam and Aaron Oppose Moses

Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses, and Miriam is punished with leprosy.

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Numbers

Chapter 13

The Spies Sent to Canaan

Moses sends out twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan and they bring back a mixed report.

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Numbers

Chapter 14

The Israelites Rebel and are Condemned to Wander in the Wilderness

The Israelites rebel against God's command to enter the land of Canaan, and as a punishment, they will wander in the wil...

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Numbers

Chapter 15

The Law of Offerings

God commands the Israelites to offer special sacrifices for unintentional sins.

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Numbers

Chapter 16

Korah's Rebellion

Korah, Dathan and Abiram rebel against Moses and Aaron, but God destroys them and their followers.

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Numbers

Chapter 17

Aaron's Rod Budded

God commands that Aaron's rod be kept as a reminder of his chosen position as high priest.

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Numbers

Chapter 18

The Duties of the Priests and Levites

God commands that the priests, the descendants of Aaron, have the responsibility of the care of the sanctuary and the pe...

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Numbers

Chapter 19

The Water of Purification

God commands the Israelites to purify themselves with the ashes of a red heifer.

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Numbers

Chapter 20

Water from the Rock

The Israelites are punished for not believing in God, as a result, Moses is not allowed to enter the promised land.

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Numbers

Chapter 25

The Sin of Baal Peor

Israelites commit idolatry and immorality with Moabite women, and a plague breaks out among them as punishment.

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Numbers

Chapter 26

The Census of the Israelites

A second census is taken of the Israelites and the land is apportioned among the tribes.

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Numbers

Chapter 27

The Daughters of Zelophehad

The daughters of Zelophehad approach Moses, asking for their father's inheritance, as he has no sons. God commands that ...

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Numbers

Chapter 33

The Journey of the Israelites

God commands the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of the land of Canaan and to divide the land among the tribes.

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Deuteronomy

Chapter 9

The Golden Calf Incident

Moses reminds the Israelites of their disobedience and rebellion, and of God's patience with them.

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Deuteronomy

Chapter 10

The Second Set of Tablets

Moses commands the Israelites to follow God's commandments and to circumcise their hearts.

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Deuteronomy

Chapter 32

The Song of Moses

Moses recites a song that reminds the Israelites of God's faithfulness and warns them of the consequences of disobedienc...

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Joshua

Chapter 21

Levitical Cities

Joshua allocates the land of Canaan by lot to the Levites and sets aside cities for them to live in.

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Joshua

Chapter 24

Covenant Renewal at Shechem

Joshua gathers all the Israelites at Shechem and reminds them of God's faithfulness and calls on them to choose to serve...

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Judges

Chapter 20

Battle Against the Benjamites

The Israelites unite to punish the tribe of Benjamin for the crime, but end up killing all the men, women and children o...

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Luke

Chapter 1

The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

Luke writes a prologue, in which he explains that his gospel is based on the testimony of those who were eyewitnesses an...

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The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 7

Stephen's Martyrdom

Stephen gives a powerful speech before the council, and he is stoned to death.

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1 Samuel

Chapter 12

David Anointed King

David is anointed as the next king of Israel by Samuel.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 6

Levi's Genealogy and Roles

A genealogy of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, detailing their family lineages and populations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 12

Warriors Join David

Warriors join David

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 15

Ark Brought to Jerusalem Successfully

David's victories over the Philistines and other neighboring nations.

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 23

Levites and Their Duties

The division of the priests and Levites into groups for the service of the temple, including the organization of musicia...

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 24

Division of the Priests

The division of the priests and Levites into groups for the service of the temple, including the organization of musicia...

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1 Chronicles

Chapter 27

Leaders of Military Divisions and Civil Administrations

The division of the priests and Levites into groups for the service of the temple, including the organization of musicia...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 13

Abijah's Defense of Judah

Abijah's defense of Judah against Israel, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and the role of d...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 26

Uzziah's Prosperous Reign and Pride

Uzziah's reign of prosperity tainted by prideful disobedience and the subsequent affliction of leprosy, emphasizing the ...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 29

Hezekiah's Cleansing and Restoration

Hezekiah's reign marked by a fervent commitment to restoring worship, cleansing the temple, and renewing the covenant, ...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 31

Hezekiah's Administrative Reforms

Hezekiah's administrative reforms, highlighting the importance of structured organization and provision for those dedica...

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2 Chronicles

Chapter 35

Josiah's Passover and Death

Josiah's last acts of piety, including the celebration of the Passover, and the somber conclusion of his reign with his ...

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Ezra

Chapter 7

Ezra's Journey to Jerusalem

Ezra's journey to Jerusalem and his arrival in the city.

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Nehemiah

Chapter 10

The Signing of a Covenant

The signing of a covenant to obey the law, including the appointment of leaders to enforce the law.

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Nehemiah

Chapter 12

Dedication of the Wall

The dedication of the wall of Jerusalem and the celebration of the feast of Dedication.

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Micah

Chapter 6

The Lord's Case Against Israel

The Lord brings a case against Israel, accusing them of disobedience and rebellion, and calls on them to turn back to Hi...

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Hebrews

Chapter 5

Jesus as the Perfect Sacrifice

This chapter describes how Jesus, as a perfect sacrifice, offered Himself once for all and how He became the source of e...

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Hebrews

Chapter 7

Jesus as the Eternal High Priest

This chapter explains how Jesus serves as an eternal High Priest, offering Himself as a sacrifice once and for all, and ...

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Hebrews

Chapter 9

The Perfect Sacrifice

This chapter explains how Jesus' sacrifice was once for all and how it provided a way for believers to have their sins f...

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Psalms

Chapter 77

A Cry for Help to the Faithful God

Psalm 77 expresses the psalmist's distress and anguish, but also his trust in God's character and power. The psalmist cr...

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Psalms

Chapter 99

The Majesty of God

Psalm 99 praises God's majestic rule over all nations and His holiness. The psalmist recounts examples of powerful leade...

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Psalms

Chapter 105

Remembering God's Faithfulness

Psalm 105 is a reminder of God's faithfulness throughout history. The psalmist retells the stories of God's covenant wit...

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Psalms

Chapter 106

Remembering God's Faithfulness

Psalm 106 is a reflection on Israel's historical journey with God. The psalmist recounts the nation's rebellious acts, s...

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Psalms

Chapter 115

The Sovereignty of God and the Folly of Idol Worship

Psalm 115 emphasizes the unique power and authority of God, who is contrasted with the lifeless idols worshipped by the ...

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Psalms

Chapter 118

Give Thanks to the Lord

Psalm 118 is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise to God for his goodness and mercy. The psalmist exhorts the people to gi...

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Psalms

Chapter 133

Unity in the Community

Psalm 133 declares the beauty and sanctity of harmony among brothers, portraying it like anointing oil and dew from Moun...

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Psalms

Chapter 135

Praise the LORD, for He is Good

Psalm 135 is a call to all nations and peoples to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, for His greatness, power, and good...

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Showing all 100 chapter appearances