The Levitical priests hold a significant role within the religious and cultural framework of ancient Israel, as outlined in the Old Testament. They are descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and specifically from the lineage of Aaron, the brother of Moses. The Levitical priesthood is established as a perpetual institution, serving as mediators between God and the people of Israel.

Biblical Foundation

The establishment of the Levitical priesthood is primarily detailed in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. In Exodus 28:1 , God commands Moses, "Bring near to you your brother Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites to serve Me as priests—Aaron and his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar." This divine appointment sets apart Aaron and his descendants for the priestly office.

Duties and Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of the Levitical priests included performing sacrifices, maintaining the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), teaching the Law, and acting as judges in certain disputes. Leviticus 10:11 emphasizes their teaching role: "You must teach the Israelites all the statutes that the LORD has given them through Moses." They were also tasked with blessing the people, as seen in Numbers 6:23-27 , where God instructs Moses to tell Aaron and his sons to bless the Israelites with the priestly blessing.

Qualifications and Conduct

The qualifications for the Levitical priesthood were stringent. Priests had to be physically unblemished males from Aaron's lineage, as outlined in Leviticus 21. They were required to adhere to strict purity laws and maintain a high standard of holiness, reflecting their role as intermediaries between God and His people. 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."

The High Priest

The High Priest held the highest office within the Levitical priesthood. He had unique responsibilities, including entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16). The High Priest wore special garments, including the ephod, breastplate, and turban, as described in Exodus 28.

The Levitical Cities and Support

The Levites, including the priests, were not allotted a specific territory in the Promised Land. Instead, they were given cities to dwell in, scattered throughout Israel, as described in Numbers 35. Their sustenance came from the tithes and offerings of the people, as commanded in Numbers 18:21 : "Behold, I have given the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the work of the Tent of Meeting."

The Levitical Priesthood in the New Testament

The New Testament reflects on the Levitical priesthood, particularly in the Book of Hebrews, which contrasts it with the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 7:11 questions, "If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood... why was there still need for another priest to appear, one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron?" This highlights the belief in the fulfillment and transcendence of the Levitical priesthood through Christ's eternal priesthood.

The Levitical priests played a crucial role in the religious life of Israel, serving as God's appointed ministers in the sacrificial system and guardians of the Law. Their legacy is foundational to understanding the development of biblical worship and the foreshadowing of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ.