The term "Sons of the Priests" refers to the male descendants of the Levitical priesthood, primarily those of the lineage of Aaron, the brother of Moses, who was appointed by God as the first high priest of Israel. The priestly lineage was established to serve in the tabernacle and later in the temple, performing sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and teaching the Law to the people of Israel.

Biblical Foundation

The priesthood was instituted by God as recorded in the Book of Exodus. Aaron and his sons were consecrated as priests, with Aaron serving as the first high priest. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar (Exodus 6:23). The priestly duties and responsibilities were passed down through their descendants, as outlined in the Torah.

Priestly Duties and Responsibilities

The sons of the priests were responsible for various duties within the tabernacle and later the temple. These included offering sacrifices, burning incense, and maintaining the holy place. They were also tasked with teaching the Israelites the statutes and commandments of the Lord. Leviticus 10:11 states, "You must teach the Israelites all the statutes that the LORD has given them through Moses."

Inheritance and Lineage

The priesthood was hereditary, passed from father to son within the tribe of Levi, specifically through the line of Aaron. This hereditary system ensured the continuity of the priestly functions and the preservation of the sacred traditions. Numbers 18:7 emphasizes this, stating, "But only you and your sons may serve as priests in connection with everything at the altar and inside the curtain. I am giving you the service of the priesthood as a gift."

Notable Sons of the Priests

1. Eleazar and Ithamar: After the death of Nadab and Abihu, who were consumed by fire for offering unauthorized incense (Leviticus 10:1-2), Eleazar and Ithamar continued the priestly line. Eleazar succeeded Aaron as high priest and played a significant role in the leadership of Israel during the wilderness period.

2. Phinehas: The son of Eleazar, Phinehas is noted for his zealous action in Numbers 25, where he stopped a plague among the Israelites by executing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who were flagrantly disobeying God's commands. His actions were commended by God, and he was promised a covenant of peace and a lasting priesthood (Numbers 25:12-13).

3. Abiathar and Ahimelech: Descendants of Eli, the priest at Shiloh, Abiathar served as a priest during the reign of King David. He was one of the few survivors of the massacre at Nob, where King Saul ordered the killing of the priests (1 Samuel 22:20).

Challenges and Failures

The sons of the priests were not immune to failure and sin. The Bible records instances where the sons of priests acted corruptly, leading to severe consequences. The sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, are examples of this. They are described as "worthless men" who "had no regard for the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:12). Their actions led to the downfall of Eli's house and the loss of the Ark of the Covenant to the Philistines.

Restoration and Renewal

Despite the failures of some, the priesthood continued to play a vital role in Israel's spiritual life. The return from Babylonian exile saw a renewed emphasis on the priestly duties and the importance of maintaining the purity of the priestly line. Ezra, a priest and scribe, was instrumental in this renewal, leading the people in a return to the Law of Moses and the proper worship of God.

The sons of the priests, as part of the Levitical order, were integral to the religious and communal life of Israel, serving as mediators between God and His people, and ensuring the continuation of the covenantal relationship established at Sinai.