Dictionary of Bible Themes: 7377 high priest, in OT

7377 high priest, in OT

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 7000 God's people » 7300 Institutions and culture of OT » 7376 high priest » 7377 high priest, in OT

The OT emphasises the spiritual importance of the high priest, especially as the one who makes atonement for the sins of the nation. It also sets out his duties and responsibilities.

The role of the high priest

Making atonement on the Day of Atonement

Leviticus 16:3 See also Leviticus 16:1-34

Teaching

Deuteronomy 33:10 See also Ezra 7:12; Nehemiah 8:2

Providing oracles

Leviticus 8:8 See also Numbers 27:21; Deuteronomy 33:8

Interceding

Ezra 9:5

Administering the sanctuary

Anointing kings

Supervising censuses

Encouraging soldiers

Titles used to refer to the high priest

The priest

Exodus 31:10

The anointed priest

Leviticus 4:3 See also Exodus 30:30; Leviticus 4:5,16; Leviticus 16:32

The high priest

Leviticus 21:10 See also Haggai 1:12-14; Haggai 2:2-4; Zechariah 3:1-8; Zechariah 6:11

Melchizedek, the king-priest

Genesis 14:18; Psalm 110:4 David's son, as king-priest, is appointed to the order of Melchizedek, a priesthood superior to that of Aaron; Hebrews 7:11

High priesthood in the law

Only certain people might be high priests

Numbers 3:10

Consecration of a high priest

Leviticus 8:30

Dignity of the high priesthood

Deuteronomy 17:12 See also Leviticus 21:10

Dress of the high priest

Exodus 28:4 See also Leviticus 8:7-9; Leviticus 16:4

Other high priests mentioned in the OT

1 Samuel 1:9 Eli; 1 Samuel 21:2 Ahimelech; 1 Chronicles 24:3 Zadok; 2 Kings 16:10 Uriah; 2 Kings 22:4 Hilkiah; 2 Kings 25:18 Seraiah; Nehemiah 3:1 Eliashib