Topical Encyclopedia The high-priesthood in ancient Israel was a divinely instituted office, central to the religious life and worship practices of the Israelites. The high priest served as the chief religious leader and was responsible for performing the most sacred rituals, particularly those associated with the Day of Atonement. The role of the high priest is first established in the Mosaic Law, with Aaron, the brother of Moses, being appointed as the first high priest (Exodus 28:1).Qualifications and Garments The high priest was required to be a descendant of Aaron, ensuring a hereditary line within the tribe of Levi. The high priest wore distinctive garments, as described in Exodus 28, which included the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash. These garments were not only symbolic of the high priest's sacred duties but also served to set him apart from the other priests. The breastplate, known as the "breastplate of judgment," contained the Urim and Thummim, used for divination and seeking God's will (Exodus 28:30). Duties and Functions The high priest's primary role was to act as a mediator between God and the people of Israel. He was responsible for offering sacrifices, maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), and ensuring that the rituals prescribed in the Law were carried out correctly. The most significant duty of the high priest was performed on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when he entered the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices for his own sins and the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:32-34). Symbolism and Typology The high priesthood is rich in symbolism and typology, pointing forward to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. The New Testament book of Hebrews elaborates on this typology, presenting Christ as the perfect and eternal High Priest who offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. 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." Historical Development Throughout Israel's history, the high-priesthood experienced various changes and challenges. During the period of the Judges and the early monarchy, the high priest maintained significant religious authority. However, during the Second Temple period, the office became increasingly politicized, with high priests often appointed by foreign rulers or through political maneuvering, as seen in the accounts of the Maccabees and the Herodian dynasty. Notable High Priests Several high priests are notable in biblical history, including Eli, who served during the time of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:9), and Zadok, who supported King Solomon and whose descendants held the office during much of the First Temple period (1 Kings 2:35). In the New Testament, Caiaphas is the high priest who presides over the trial of Jesus (Matthew 26:57). The high-priesthood, as an institution, played a crucial role in the religious and social life of ancient Israel, serving as a foreshadowing of the ultimate mediation accomplished by Jesus Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The office, dignity, or position of a high priest.Greek 749. archiereus -- high priest ... archo and hiereus Definition high priest NASB Word Usage chief priest (1), chief priests (64), high priest (53), high priest's (1), high priesthood (1), high ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/749.htm - 7k Library Hyrcanus Receives the High Priesthood, and Ejects Ptolemy Out of ... Concerning St. Ambrose and his Elevation to the High Priesthood ... An Enumeration of the High Priests. All the Apostles Urge the Observance of the Order of the Church. What Things were done by Agrippa at Jerusalem when He was Returned ... How Hyrcanus was Set at Liberty by the Parthians, and Returned to ... The Personal History of Herod - the Two Worlds in Jerusalem. Now Herod and Philip Built Several Cities in Honor of Caesar. ... How How John Slew his Brother Jesus in the Temple; and How Bagoses ... Thesaurus Annas (4 Occurrences)... or deputy or coadjutor of the high priest, and thus was also called high priest along with Caiaphas (Luke 3:2). By the Mosaic law the high-priesthood was held ... /a/annas.htm - 13k Sodomite (1 Occurrence) Asmoneans Ithamar (20 Occurrences) Sadducees (14 Occurrences) Aaron (343 Occurrences) Priesthood (30 Occurrences) Maccabaeus Pharisees (86 Occurrences) Priest (500 Occurrences) Resources What were the chief priests? | GotQuestions.orgIs the priesthood of all believers biblical? | GotQuestions.org What was the Levitical priesthood? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance High-priesthood (2 Occurrences)Mark 2:26 Luke 3:2 Subtopics Related Terms |
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