The expulsion of a priest in biblical terms refers to the removal or dismissal of a priest from his sacred duties and office due to misconduct, impurity, or failure to adhere to the divine commandments. This concept is rooted in the Old Testament, where the priesthood was established as a holy and consecrated office, with strict guidelines and expectations set forth by God.

Biblical Foundation

The priesthood was instituted by God through Moses, with Aaron and his descendants appointed as the first priests (Exodus 28-29). The role of the priest was to serve as a mediator between God and the people, offering sacrifices, teaching the Law, and maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The holiness required of priests is underscored in Leviticus 21:6, which states, "They must be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. For they present the offerings made by fire to the LORD, the food of their God. So they must be holy."

Causes for Expulsion

1. Moral and Ritual Impurity: Priests were required to maintain a high standard of moral and ritual purity. Leviticus 21 outlines various conditions that could disqualify a priest from serving, such as physical defects or contact with the dead. While these conditions did not necessarily lead to permanent expulsion, they did restrict a priest's ability to perform certain duties.

2. Idolatry and Apostasy: Engaging in idolatry or leading the people astray was a grave offense. In 1 Samuel 2, the sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, are described as corrupt priests who "treated the LORD’s offering with contempt" (1 Samuel 2:17). Their actions led to a divine judgment against Eli's house, resulting in their deaths and the eventual removal of Eli's lineage from the priesthood.

3. Failure to Uphold the Law: Priests were responsible for teaching and upholding the Law. Malachi 2:7-9 rebukes the priests for failing in their duties: "For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts. But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi," says the LORD of Hosts.

Historical Examples

· Abiathar: In 1 Kings 2:26-27, King Solomon expels Abiathar from the priesthood for his allegiance to Adonijah, Solomon's rival for the throne. This act fulfilled the prophecy against the house of Eli, as Abiathar was a descendant of Eli.

· Uzziah: Although not a priest, King Uzziah's attempt to perform priestly duties by burning incense in the Temple resulted in his expulsion from the Temple and his affliction with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). This incident underscores the sanctity of the priestly office and the severe consequences of unauthorized actions.

Theological Implications

The expulsion of a priest serves as a sobering reminder of the holiness required by God for those who serve Him. It emphasizes the importance of obedience, purity, and reverence in the worship of God. The priesthood, as a type of Christ's ultimate priesthood, foreshadows the perfect and eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, who is "holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" (Hebrews 7:26).

In the New Testament, the concept of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9) extends the call to holiness and faithful service to all Christians, who are to offer themselves as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1). The expulsion of a priest in the Old Testament thus serves as a cautionary tale for all who are called to serve God in any capacity.