The role and responsibility of priests in the Bible are deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Priests served as mediators between God and Israel, performing sacred duties that were essential for maintaining the spiritual and communal life of the nation.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the priesthood was established through the line of Aaron, the brother of Moses, as part of the Levitical tribe. The primary responsibilities of the priests included offering sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, teaching the Law, and interceding for the people.

1. Sacrificial Duties: Priests were responsible for offering sacrifices on behalf of the people to atone for sins and to maintain fellowship with God. Leviticus 1-7 outlines various offerings, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. These sacrifices were central to the worship and religious life of Israel.

2. Maintenance of the Sanctuary: The priests were charged with the care and upkeep of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple. This included ensuring that the sacred space was kept holy and that all rituals were performed according to God's instructions. Numbers 18:5 states, "You are to perform the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath will not fall on the Israelites again."

3. Teaching the Law: Priests were also teachers of the Law, responsible for instructing the people in God's commandments and statutes. They played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the covenantal teachings. Malachi 2:7 emphasizes this role: "For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts."

4. Intercession: Priests acted as intercessors, standing between God and the people. They offered prayers and supplications on behalf of the nation, seeking God's favor and forgiveness. The Day of Atonement, described in Leviticus 16, was a significant event where the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the role of the priest is fulfilled and transformed through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is described as the ultimate High Priest, who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

1. Jesus as High Priest: The Book of Hebrews elaborates on Christ's priesthood, emphasizing His unique and eternal role. Hebrews 4:14-15 states, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin."

2. The Priesthood of All Believers: With the coming of Christ, the New Testament introduces the concept of the priesthood of all believers. 1 Peter 2:9 declares, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This signifies that all Christians have direct access to God and are called to serve Him in various capacities.

3. Spiritual Sacrifices: Believers are encouraged to offer spiritual sacrifices, such as praise, good works, and service to others. Romans 12:1 urges, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."

The priestly role and responsibility, as outlined in Scripture, highlight the importance of mediation, sacrifice, teaching, and intercession in the relationship between God and His people. Through Christ, these roles are both fulfilled and expanded, inviting all believers to participate in the priestly calling.