---

Israel, as a holy nation, consecrated to God's service, was "a kingdom of priests" (Exodus 19:6). This priestly character of the nation was represented formally in the tribe of Levi. The distinctive duties of the priesthood were discharged by the sons of Aaron, who were thus the priests strictly so called.

I. THE PRIESTHOOD IN ITSELF.

1. Chosen and set apart by God. "Chosen him out of all thy tribes."

2. Holy, indicated by bodily perfection (Leviticus 21:16-24), holy garments (Exodus 39.), rites of dedication (Leviticus 8.), ceremonial regulations and restrictions (Leviticus 21., etc.).

3. Represented the people before God (Exodus 28:12).

4. Made propitiation for sins (Hebrews 5:1).

5. Gave forth oracles (Numbers 27:21).

6. Had for these purposes the right of approach to God.

II. THE PRIESTHOOD AS TYPICAL.

1. Of Christ. The high priest, in particular, was typical of Christ as

(1) the One Medium of approach to God (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5).

(2) Inherently holy, absolutely without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).

(3) Representing the Church before God in his person, work, and intercession (Hebrews 4:14).

(4) In his having made reconciliation for the sins of the people - himself both Priest and Sacrifice (Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 10:12).

(5) In being the organ of Divine revelations (Matthew 11:27).

(6) For this priestly work - to which he was divinely ordained (Hebrews 5:5) - Christ has free and immediate access to the holiest of all, and has gained admission to the same for his people (Hebrews 9:12; Hebrews 10:19).

2. Of believers.

(1) Chosen (Psalm 65:4).

(2) Consecrated (1 Corinthians 1:2).

(3) Having freedom of approach to God (Hebrews 10:19).

(4) Offering spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5).

(5) Interceding for the world. - J.O.

---

---

KJV: For the LORD thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for ever.

WEB: For Yahweh your God has chosen him out of all your tribes, to stand to minister in the name of Yahweh, him and his sons for ever.