A Classic Crossword Clue: The Elder Brother of Moses
It’s a moment familiar to every crossword puzzle enthusiast. You’re sailing through the grid, filling in the blanks with confidence, when you land on a clue that feels both simple and just out of reach. Today’s crossword clue is one of those mainstays, a piece of trivia so fundamental it appears in puzzles of all difficulty levels: “Elder brother of Moses.”
For any seasoned crossword solver, this particular clue is an old friend. It’s a reliable entry point, a cornerstone that can help unlock an entire section of the puzzle. But if the name isn’t immediately coming to you, let’s journey back to the banks of the Nile and the foot of Mount Sinai to jog your memory. This isn’t just a random name to fill in the grid; it’s a story of brotherhood, leadership, and profound human imperfection.
While Moses was the chosen leader, the one who would receive the commandments and guide his people to a promised land, he was not, by his own admission, a great orator. He described himself as “slow of speech and of a slow tongue.” This is where his older brother, his senior by three years, stepped into one of history’s most significant roles: the spokesman. He was the voice for the prophet, the eloquent mouthpiece who stood before Pharaoh and delivered the divine demands. He was the one who cast down his staff, which became a serpent, demonstrating a power that the court magicians could only imitate.
His identity, however, extends far beyond being a mere assistant. This figure holds the distinguished title of the first High Priest of the Israelites, establishing a priestly lineage that would last for generations. Imagine him, clad in the sacred vestments, the breastplate adorned with twelve precious stones representing the tribes of Israel. This was a man consecrated for a holy purpose, a mediator between the people and their God. This role is often the basis for a different crossword clue you might encounter, such as “First high priest of Israel.”
Yet, no great story is without its conflict, and this brother’s narrative is marked by a moment of profound failure. While Moses was away on the mountain, the people grew restless and demanded a tangible god to worship. It was the elder brother who, succumbing to pressure, collected their gold and fashioned the infamous Golden Calf. This act of apostasy stands in stark contrast to his holy office, making him a complex and relatable figure—a leader who was both divinely appointed and deeply flawed.
So, when you next encounter this crossword clue, think beyond the five letters you need to complete the puzzle. Remember the powerful orator, the first High Priest, and the man who, in a moment of weakness, sculpted a golden idol. With these narratives in mind, the answer for this timeless puzzle clue should click right into place.
Available Answers:
AARON.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0917-25 NY Times Crossword 17 Sep 25, Wednesday