The role of the priest in ancient Israel was of paramount importance, serving as a mediator between God and the people. The conduct and regulations governing the priesthood are detailed extensively in the Old Testament, particularly within the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These regulations were designed to ensure that the priests maintained holiness and purity, reflecting the sanctity of their office and the God they served.

Qualifications and Ordination

The priesthood was established through the line of Aaron, the brother of Moses, as outlined in Exodus 28:1: "Bring near to you your brother Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites to serve Me as priests—Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar." The qualifications for the priesthood were stringent, requiring that priests be without physical defect (Leviticus 21:17-23) and maintain ritual purity. The ordination process involved a series of sacrifices and anointing with oil, as described in Leviticus 8.

Duties and Responsibilities

Priests were responsible for performing sacrifices, maintaining the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), and teaching the Law to the people. Leviticus 10:11 states, "You must teach the Israelites all the statutes that the LORD has given them through Moses." They also served as judges in certain legal matters and were tasked with determining the cleanliness of individuals and objects (Leviticus 13-15).

Conduct and Lifestyle

The conduct of priests was to be exemplary, reflecting their sacred duties. Leviticus 21 outlines specific regulations regarding their behavior, including prohibitions against certain mourning practices and restrictions on whom they could marry. They were to avoid contact with the dead, except for close relatives, to maintain ritual purity (Leviticus 21:1-4).

Sacrificial System

Central to the priestly role was the administration of the sacrificial system, which included burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings (Leviticus 1-7). Each type of offering had specific regulations regarding its purpose and execution, underscoring the need for precision and reverence in worship.

Holiness and Purity

The theme of holiness is pervasive in the regulations concerning priests. Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" Priests were to embody this holiness, serving as intermediaries who facilitated the people's relationship with God.

Regulations for High Priests

The High Priest held a unique position, with additional responsibilities and restrictions. He alone could enter the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 16). The High Priest's garments, described in Exodus 28, were elaborate and symbolic, signifying his special role.

Consequences for Disobedience

The Bible records severe consequences for priests who failed to adhere to God's regulations. The deaths of Nadab and Abihu, who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord (Leviticus 10:1-2), serve as a stark reminder of the seriousness with which God viewed the priestly office.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament introduces a new covenant through Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), the principles of holiness, dedication, and service continue to be relevant. The priesthood of all believers, as articulated in 1 Peter 2:9, calls Christians to live lives of spiritual sacrifice and service, reflecting the holiness of God.

The regulations and conduct prescribed for the priesthood in the Old Testament underscore the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity, principles that continue to resonate in the life of the Church today.