The appointment of high priests in the biblical tradition is a significant aspect of the religious and communal life of ancient Israel, as outlined in the Old Testament. The high priest held the highest religious office among the Israelites and was responsible for performing sacred duties, particularly those related to the Day of Atonement and the maintenance of the Tabernacle, and later, the Temple in Jerusalem.

Biblical Foundation

The role of the high priest is first established in the Book of Exodus, where God commands Moses to appoint his brother Aaron and Aaron's descendants as priests. Exodus 28:1 states, "And bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the Israelites, to serve Me as priests—Aaron and his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar." This divine appointment underscores the hereditary nature of the priesthood, which was to be passed down through Aaron's lineage.

Qualifications and Duties

The high priest was required to meet specific qualifications, including being without physical defect and maintaining ritual purity. Leviticus 21:10-15 outlines the conduct and restrictions placed upon the high priest, emphasizing the need for holiness and separation from defilement. The high priest's primary duties included offering sacrifices, entering the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16), and serving as an intermediary between God and Israel.

Selection Process

The selection of the high priest was initially a divine appointment, as seen with Aaron. However, over time, the process evolved, particularly during the Second Temple period, when political influences began to affect appointments. Despite these changes, the high priest was traditionally expected to come from the line of Aaron, maintaining the hereditary aspect of the office.

Symbolism and Significance

The high priest served as a symbol of the covenant between God and Israel, representing the people before God and God to the people. The high priest's garments, described in Exodus 28, were rich with symbolism, including the breastplate with twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and the turban with the inscription "Holy to the LORD" (Exodus 28:36).

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the role of the high priest is reinterpreted through the person of Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate high priest. The Epistle to the Hebrews elaborates on this, stating, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess" (Hebrews 4:14). This passage highlights the belief that Jesus fulfills and transcends the traditional role of the high priest, offering a perfect and eternal sacrifice for sin.

Historical Context

Throughout Israel's history, the high priesthood experienced periods of corruption and reform. During the Hasmonean and Herodian periods, the office was often subject to political manipulation, leading to tensions between religious and secular authorities. Despite these challenges, the high priest remained a central figure in Jewish religious life until the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, which marked the end of the traditional high priesthood.

The appointment of high priests, therefore, is a topic rich with theological, historical, and cultural significance, reflecting the evolving relationship between God and His people throughout biblical history.