Topical Bible: Integrity: Integrity: Priests

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Integrity, as a concept, is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, particularly concerning the role and responsibilities of priests. In the Old Testament, priests were called to be mediators between God and the people, and their integrity was paramount to fulfilling this sacred duty. The Hebrew word often associated with integrity is "tamim," which conveys a sense of completeness, blamelessness, and moral uprightness.

Biblical Foundations

The call for integrity among priests is evident in the Levitical laws and the expectations set forth by God. In Leviticus 21:6, the priests are instructed to "be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God, for they present the offerings by fire to the LORD, the food of their God. So they must be holy." . This holiness is intrinsically linked to their integrity, as they are to live lives that reflect the sanctity of their office.

The priestly integrity is further emphasized in Malachi 2:7-8, where the prophet Malachi rebukes the priests for their failure to uphold their covenantal duties: "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. But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi," says the LORD of Hosts." . Here, the lack of integrity among the priests leads to a breakdown in their role as spiritual leaders and guides.

Examples of Priestly Integrity

The Bible provides examples of priests who exemplified integrity. Aaron, the first high priest, despite his failings, is often seen as a figure striving for integrity in his service. His role in the Day of Atonement rituals, as described in Leviticus 16, required meticulous adherence to God's commands, reflecting the integrity expected of him.

Another example is found in the life of Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron. In Numbers 25:11-13, Phinehas is commended for his zealous action in upholding God's honor, which is described as an act of integrity: "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My wrath away from the Israelites, for he was zealous for My honor among them, so that I did not consume the Israelites in My zeal. Therefore declare that I grant him My covenant of peace. It will be a covenant of perpetual priesthood for him and his descendants, because he was zealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites." .

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of priestly integrity is expanded through the priesthood of all believers, as articulated in 1 Peter 2:9: "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 passage underscores the call for integrity not only among ordained priests but among all believers, who are to live lives that reflect the holiness and righteousness of God.

The ultimate example of priestly integrity is found in Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest, who is described in Hebrews 4:15 as one "who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin." . Christ's perfect integrity serves as the model for all who are called to serve in a priestly capacity, emphasizing the importance of moral and spiritual uprightness in the service of God.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently underscores the importance of integrity for priests, both in the Old and New Testaments. This integrity is essential for maintaining the sanctity of their office and for effectively mediating between God and His people. Through the examples of Aaron, Phinehas, and ultimately Jesus Christ, the Bible provides a clear standard for the integrity expected of those who serve in a priestly role.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 8:24-30
Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers with them,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Letter clxix. To Leo Augustus.
... can now be recalled into the way of salvation by the preaching of faithful priests,
when it ... II. Good works as well as integrity of faith is required in a priest ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter clxix to leo augustus.htm

Article xxiii (xi): of the Marriage of Priests.
... things which we maintain concerning human nature in general pertain also to priests. ...
is more need of marriage than in nature in its integrity, Paul accordingly ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 28 article xxiii xi .htm

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
... The integrity and future of the scattered Israelitish race also largely depended
upon ... Torn from their altars, the exiled priests not only had a strong incentive ...
/.../ix influences that gave rise.htm

"The Lord is Risen"
... The Roman soldiers sold their integrity to the Jews for money. They came in before
the priests burdened with a most startling message of truth; they went out ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 81 the lord is.htm

Epistle Liv. To all the Bishops of the Kingdom of Childebert.
... bishop of the city of Arelate, to the end that the integrity of the ... if any contention
should by chance arise among our brethren and fellow-priests, he may ...
/.../gregory/the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle liv to all the.htm

Epistle Lxvii. To the Clergy and People Abiding in Spain ...
... of your integrity and faith, and exhort you as much as we can by our letters, not
to mingle in sacrilegious communion with profane and polluted priests, but ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxvii to the clergy.htm

Footnotes
... religious men among the Jews, or at least those that were priests, were sometimes ...
Galileans by Josephus, and the testimony they gave him of integrity in his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the life of flavius josephus/footnotes.htm

Zacchaeus
... Even the priests and rabbis who despised them were guilty of enriching themselves ...
of the Holy Spirit than he cast aside every practice contrary to integrity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 61 zacchaeus.htm

"We have Seen his Star"
... of Providence in nature, and who were honored for their integrity and wisdom. ... They
consulted priests and philosophers, and searched the scrolls of the ancient ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 6 we have seen.htm

Demonstration x. --Of Pastors.
... not return to his father's sheep, but guided his people in the integrity of his ... The
priests have a right to partake of the altar, and the Levites shall receive ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration x of pastors.htm