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How did Aaron become a symbol of priesthood in the Qumran community?

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Aaron Aaron, detail of a 3rd-century fresco from the synagogue at Doura-Europus, Syria; in the National Museum, Damascus

In the Qumran community, Aaron served as a powerful symbol of a strict and elevated priesthood, as evidenced by the Dead Sea Scrolls. The community viewed the sons of Aaron as holding the highest position, tasked with the exclusive authority to "administer judgment and wealth".1

This symbolic status was deeply integrated into their eschatological expectations. According to the Manual of Discipline, the community anticipated the arrival of two messiahs: one of Israel and one of Aaron, the latter representing the priestly office. In this framework, the priestly messiah was expected to hold the first seat at banquets during the last days and perform the blessing of the bread before the messiah of Israel. Furthermore, the community organized itself as a select group set apart for the service of Aaron, reinforcing his role as the foundational archetype for their priestly hierarchy.1