Priests played an important role in the OT and were regarded as having a special status and place in the life of Israel.

1 Samuel 6:1-2

Pagan priests in the OT

2 Kings 23:5
Hosea 10:5
Zephaniah 1:4
Ezra 1:5

The special status of priests

Isaiah 24:2
Hosea 4:9
Micah 3:11
1 Chronicles 6:49

Associated with the descendants of Levi through Aaron

The exclusive nature of the priesthood

See also

Exodus 6:16-20

Only God has the right to nominate those who mediate between him and humanity.

Exodus 28:1; 29:44; 30:30
Numbers 16:40

This genealogy shows Moses and Aaron were both descended from Levi

Deuteronomy 18:1
Jeremiah 33:21

Not all Levites were priests:

Judges 17:13

Micah's priest

1 Chronicles 24:3

See also

The Shiloh priesthood

1 Chronicles 6:27
Judges 18:30

The priests in Dan

Ezekiel 44:15-16

See also

Descendants of Zadok

2 Samuel 8:17
1 Chronicles 6:50-53; 24:3
1 Kings 12:31

Criticism of priestly appointments that were not Levitical

See also

1 Kings 13:33
2 Chronicles 11:13-14; 13:9
Exodus 29:4

The appointment of priests

See also

Their preliminary purification

Exodus 30:19; 40:12
Exodus 30:30-32

See also

Their anointing

Leviticus 8:30
Numbers 3:3
Exodus 29:1

Kings and priests also were anointed.

See also

Their consecration

Exodus 29:12-14,18,20-21
Leviticus 8:12
Exodus 29:35

See also

Their ordination

Exodus 29:9,29,33
Leviticus 8:22,33
Judges 17:5,12
Exodus 28:40

The dress of the priests

See also

Exodus 28:42; 39:27-29
Leviticus 8:13

See also

1351 covenant with David
7306 ark of the covenant
7378 high priest, NT
7392 lots, casting of
7414 priesthood, NT
7748 overseers
8218 consecration