The concept of holiness is central to the role and function of priests in the Bible. Priests were set apart to serve God and mediate between Him and the people of Israel. This sacred duty required them to adhere to a higher standard of holiness, as outlined in the Scriptures.

Biblical Foundation

The requirement for priestly holiness is rooted in the Levitical laws. Leviticus 21:6 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." This verse underscores the necessity for priests to maintain a state of holiness because they handle sacred offerings and represent God to the people.

Qualifications and Conduct

Priests were required to meet specific qualifications and adhere to strict conduct codes. Leviticus 21:7-8 instructs, "They must not marry a woman defiled by prostitution or divorced from her husband, for the priest is holy to his God. You are to regard him as holy, because he offers the food of your God. He shall be holy to you, because I, the LORD, am holy—I who set you apart."

The priests' personal lives were to reflect their sacred duties. They were to avoid defilement through contact with the dead, except for close relatives, as stated in Leviticus 21:1-4 . This separation from death symbolized their dedication to the God of life.

Physical Perfection

Physical perfection was also a requirement for priests, as outlined in Leviticus 21:17-23 . Any physical defect disqualified a descendant of Aaron from offering sacrifices. This requirement symbolized the perfection and holiness of God, whom the priests represented.

Garments and Rituals

The garments worn by priests were also significant in maintaining holiness. Exodus 28 describes the detailed instructions for the priestly garments, which were designed to reflect the glory and beauty of God. These garments set the priests apart and reminded them of their holy calling.

Rituals and sacrifices were integral to maintaining holiness. Leviticus 16 details the Day of Atonement, a time when the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place to make atonement for himself and the people. This annual ritual emphasized the need for purification and holiness in approaching God.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of priestly holiness is expanded to all believers, who are described as a "royal priesthood" in 1 Peter 2:9 . This reflects the continuity of the call to holiness, as believers are set apart to serve God and proclaim His excellencies.

The holiness required of priests in the Old Testament serves as a profound illustration of the holiness God desires from His people. It underscores the seriousness of approaching a holy God and the need for purity in those who serve Him.