The reaction of the priests and prophets in the Bible often reflects the spiritual and social dynamics of ancient Israel and Judah. Their responses to various events, messages, and individuals provide insight into the religious climate of the times and the challenges faced by God's messengers.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the priests and prophets held significant roles within the religious and social structure of Israel. Priests were responsible for temple rituals, sacrifices, and maintaining the holiness of the community, while prophets were called by God to deliver His messages, often calling the people back to covenant faithfulness.

1. Jeremiah's Ministry: The reaction of the priests and prophets to Jeremiah is particularly illustrative. Jeremiah, called by God to prophesy against Judah's idolatry and impending judgment, faced severe opposition. In Jeremiah 26:8-9 , it is recorded: "As soon as Jeremiah had finished saying everything the LORD had commanded him to say to all the people, the priests, the prophets, and all the people seized him and said, 'You must surely die! Why do you prophesy in the name of the LORD that this house will become like Shiloh and this city will become a desolation with no inhabitant?'" This reaction underscores the tension between the established religious authorities and the prophetic message of repentance and judgment.

2. Ezekiel's Critique: Ezekiel also critiques the priests and prophets for their failure to lead the people rightly. In Ezekiel 22:26 , the prophet declares, "Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They do not distinguish between the holy and the common, and they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean. They shut their eyes to the keeping of My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them." This highlights the corruption and neglect of duty among the religious leaders.

3. Amos and Amaziah: The prophet Amos faced opposition from Amaziah, the priest of Bethel. In Amos 7:12-13 , Amaziah confronts Amos, saying, "Go away, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there and do your prophesying there, but never prophesy at Bethel again, because it is the king’s sanctuary and the temple of the kingdom." This reaction reflects the political entanglement of religious leaders and their resistance to messages that threaten their status quo.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the reaction of the priests and religious leaders to Jesus and His followers continues the theme of resistance to divine messages that challenge established norms.

1. Jesus' Ministry: The chief priests and Pharisees frequently opposed Jesus, perceiving Him as a threat to their authority and traditions. In John 11:47-48 , the chief priests and Pharisees convene a council, saying, "What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." Their reaction is driven by fear of losing power and control.

2. The Apostles' Preaching: After Jesus' resurrection, the apostles faced similar opposition. In Acts 4:1-3 , it is recorded, "While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees came up to them, greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day." The religious leaders' reaction reveals their continued resistance to the transformative message of the Gospel.

Throughout the biblical narrative, the reaction of the priests and prophets serves as a barometer of the spiritual state of the nation. Their responses to God's messengers often reveal a struggle between maintaining religious tradition and embracing the radical call to repentance and faithfulness to God.