The term "Anointed Priest" refers to a specific office within the religious and ceremonial structure of ancient Israel, as outlined in the Old Testament. The role of the Anointed Priest was central to the spiritual life of the Israelites, serving as a mediator between God and His people. The concept of anointing signifies being set apart for a sacred purpose, and in the context of the priesthood, it denotes divine selection and empowerment for service.

Biblical Foundation

The office of the Anointed Priest is first established in the Mosaic Law. In Exodus 28:41, God commands Moses, "After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve Me as priests." This anointing was performed with sacred oil, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's presence and blessing upon the individual for their priestly duties.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Anointed Priest had several key responsibilities, including offering sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and teaching the Law. Leviticus 4:3 describes the role of the Anointed Priest in the sin offering: "If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the LORD a young bull without blemish as a sin offering for the sin he has committed." This highlights the priest's role in atonement and intercession.

High Priesthood

The Anointed Priesthood reached its zenith in the office of the High Priest, who bore the ultimate responsibility for the spiritual welfare of the nation. The High Priest entered the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:32-34). The High Priest's garments, as described in Exodus 28, were elaborate and symbolic, including the breastplate, ephod, and turban, each element representing aspects of his mediatory role.

Messianic Foreshadowing

The Anointed Priesthood is also seen as a foreshadowing of the coming Messiah, who would fulfill the ultimate priestly role. The term "Messiah" itself means "Anointed One," and the New Testament identifies Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of this office. Hebrews 4:14 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." Jesus is depicted as the perfect and eternal High Priest, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

Continuity and Fulfillment

While the Levitical priesthood was central to the Old Covenant, the New Testament reveals its fulfillment and transformation in Christ. The anointing of priests in the Old Testament pointed forward to the anointing of Jesus by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18), marking the inauguration of His ministry. Believers in Christ are also described as a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), indicating that through Christ, the priestly function is extended to all who are in Him.

Conclusion

The Anointed Priest in the Old Testament served as a vital link between God and His people, prefiguring the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfills the priestly role, providing a new and living way for believers to approach God. The concept of anointing continues to hold spiritual significance, symbolizing the setting apart and empowering of individuals for divine service.