more light #287
Aaron’s Beard and the 1°
by Ed Halpaus
Grand Lodge Education Officer
Grand Lodge of A. F. & A. M. of Minnesota
Dear Masonic Student,
We are again blessed with another of W.B. Harley Johnson’s “Old Tyler”
stories. Brother Harley is a frequent contributor to the efforts of our
Education Committee, and we deeply appreciate him and what he does for
Freemasonry. Brother Harley is a Past Grand Lodge District Representative who is
very knowledgeable about Freemasonry and has helped enlighten countless Masons.
Enjoy his new “Old Tyler” story. – Ed
Aaron’s Beard and the 1°
by Harley Johnson, MPS
The other day I heard the ‘old tyler’ talking to one of our newer members,
and it went something like this,
‘You know I love talking to you and asking questions, you always try to
answer and or look up what you don’t know.’
‘Well that’s nice to know, what is on your mind now?’
‘Well, In the first degree we hear of Aaron, and how the dew ran down his
beard, and unto his garments. Now how does that pertain to the degree?’
‘Now I really do not know, however when I started to look into that a long
time ago, I found that Aaron was a younger brother of Moses, and was put in
charge of the Israelites when Moses went up to receive the tablet holding the 10
comments from the mountain. When he came down from the mountain he found the
Israelite’s had built a Golden calf they could worship and give gifts too. As
you know Moses became upset and broke the tablet he had been given, well Aaron
was in charge when Moses was gone and had given his consent to build this
statue. Now when Moses came back down with the new Comments the people were very
contrite and ashamed. Now because Aaron was second in command and he had caused
this calf to be built he was not fit to lead until he had God’s forgiveness, and
it had to be visible to all the Israelites. That is why Mt Hermon was thought to
be pure and the dew was holy, hence “the dew of Mt. Hermon fell on Aaron and
soaked his beard and even fell onto his priestly garments” I think that is to
show that as we take our first steps into Masonry we must be shown that
forgiveness is ours for the asking. And to me a Mason when he errs must ask to
be forgiven by our Grand Builder of all. I hope this will help you, but remember
it is how you understand this story from the Bible.’
‘Wow now I have to re-look and see what I think, Thank you for your
knowledge.’
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