The concept of priesthood in the Old Testament is a central element of Israelite religion and worship, serving as a bridge between God and His people. The priesthood was established by divine command and was integral to the sacrificial system, the maintenance of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, as well as the spiritual leadership of the nation of Israel.

Origins and Establishment

The priesthood was instituted by God through Moses, with Aaron, Moses' brother, appointed as the first high priest. This is detailed in the Book of Exodus, where God commands Moses to consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve as priests: "Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. Then take the garments and clothe Aaron with the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself, and the breastpiece. Fasten the ephod on him with its woven waistband" (Exodus 29:4-5).

The Levitical Priesthood

The priesthood was primarily composed of the tribe of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Levites were set apart for service to the Lord, as described in Numbers 3:5-10. The sons of Aaron were designated as priests, while the rest of the Levites were assigned to assist them in their duties. The Levitical priesthood was hereditary, passed down through the generations of Aaron's descendants.

Duties and Functions

The primary role of the priests was to offer sacrifices on behalf of the people, as outlined in Leviticus. They were responsible for performing the daily offerings, sin offerings, and other sacrifices prescribed by the Law. The high priest, in particular, had the unique duty of entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 16).

In addition to their sacrificial duties, priests were tasked with teaching the Law to the people, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:10: "They shall teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel. They shall set incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar" . They also served as judges in certain legal matters and were responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the worship practices.

Garments and Consecration

The priestly garments were distinctive and symbolic, designed to reflect the holiness and dignity of their office. Exodus 28 provides a detailed description of these garments, including the ephod, breastpiece, robe, tunic, turban, and sash. The high priest wore additional items such as the Urim and Thummim, which were used for divination and decision-making.

The consecration of priests involved a series of rituals, including washing, anointing with oil, and the offering of sacrifices. This consecration process is described in Leviticus 8, where Moses anoints Aaron and his sons, signifying their sanctification and readiness to serve in the Tabernacle.

The Priesthood and Holiness

Holiness was a fundamental requirement for the priesthood. Priests were expected to adhere to strict purity laws and maintain a lifestyle that reflected their sacred duties. Leviticus 21 outlines specific regulations regarding the conduct and qualifications of priests, emphasizing the need for them to be without physical blemish and to avoid defilement.

The Priesthood in Transition

The priesthood underwent significant changes throughout Israel's history. During the period of the Judges and the monarchy, the role of the priesthood evolved, with figures like Samuel serving as both prophet and priest. The construction of Solomon's Temple marked a shift in the centralization of worship, with the priesthood playing a crucial role in the Temple's rituals and administration.

The Babylonian exile and subsequent return to Jerusalem brought further changes, as seen in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The priesthood was reestablished, and the focus on the Law and temple worship was renewed, setting the stage for the Second Temple period.

Conclusion

The Old Testament priesthood was a divinely instituted office that played a vital role in the religious life of Israel. Through their service, the priests facilitated the people's relationship with God, ensuring the proper observance of the Law and the sacrificial system. The priesthood's emphasis on holiness, sacrifice, and mediation foreshadowed the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who would fulfill and transcend the Old Testament priestly system.