The priestly duties in the Tabernacle, as outlined in the Old Testament, were central to the religious life of ancient Israel. These duties were primarily carried out by the descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses, who were set apart for this sacred service. The Levites, a broader group from the tribe of Levi, assisted the priests in various functions. The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, was the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness and until the construction of Solomon's Temple.

Consecration and Sanctification

The priests were consecrated for their duties through a detailed process of sanctification. This process is described in Exodus 29 and Leviticus 8, where Aaron and his sons were washed, clothed in priestly garments, anointed with oil, and offered sacrifices. This consecration was essential for them to serve as mediators between God and the people. As stated in Exodus 29:44 , "So I will consecrate the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and I will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests."

Daily Offerings and Sacrifices

One of the primary responsibilities of the priests was to offer daily sacrifices on behalf of the people. This included the morning and evening burnt offerings, as described in Exodus 29:38-42. The priests were also responsible for offering sin offerings, guilt offerings, peace offerings, and grain offerings, each with specific regulations outlined in Leviticus chapters 1-7. These sacrifices were essential for atonement and maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Maintenance of the Tabernacle

The priests were tasked with the maintenance and care of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. This included ensuring the lamps of the golden lampstand were kept burning continually (Exodus 27:20-21), maintaining the altar of incense (Exodus 30:7-8), and overseeing the Table of Showbread (Leviticus 24:5-9). The priests also had the duty of keeping the sacred fire on the altar burning at all times, as commanded in Leviticus 6:12-13.

Teaching and Judging

In addition to their sacrificial duties, priests served as teachers and judges. They were responsible for instructing the Israelites in the Law of God, as seen in Leviticus 10:11, "You must teach the Israelites all the statutes that the LORD has given them through Moses." They also played a role in discerning and judging cases of ritual purity and impurity, such as diagnosing leprosy (Leviticus 13) and other forms of uncleanness.

Festivals and Holy Days

The priests played a crucial role in the observance of Israel's religious festivals and holy days. They conducted the special sacrifices and rituals associated with the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles, as detailed in Leviticus 23. These festivals were times of communal worship and remembrance of God's covenant faithfulness.

Intercession and Blessing

The priests acted as intercessors for the people, offering prayers and blessings on their behalf. One of the most well-known priestly blessings is found in Numbers 6:24-26 : "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." This blessing encapsulates the priestly role of invoking God's favor and protection over the nation.

High Priest's Unique Role

The High Priest held a unique position among the priests, with additional responsibilities and privileges. The most significant of these was entering the Most Holy Place, or Holy of Holies, once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16). This act symbolized the ultimate mediation between God and Israel, highlighting the High Priest's critical role in the spiritual life of the nation.