The concept of holiness is central to the role and function of the High Priest in the Old Testament. The High Priest served as the chief religious leader of the Israelites and was the only one permitted to enter the Most Holy Place, or Holy of Holies, in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This sacred duty underscores the necessity of holiness in the High Priest's life and service.

Divine Appointment and Anointing

The High Priest was divinely appointed and anointed, signifying his consecration to God. Exodus 28:41 states, "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." The anointing oil, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, set the High Priest apart for his sacred duties, emphasizing the need for purity and dedication to God.

Garments of Holiness

The High Priest's garments were designed to reflect his holy status. Exodus 28:2 describes these garments as "sacred garments for your brother Aaron, to give him dignity and honor." The attire included the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, each with specific symbolic meanings. The turban bore a gold plate inscribed with "HOLY TO THE LORD" (Exodus 28:36), serving as a constant reminder of the High Priest's consecration and the holiness required in his service.

Moral and Ritual Purity

The High Priest was required to maintain both moral and ritual purity. Leviticus 21 outlines specific regulations for the High Priest, including prohibitions against defiling himself by contact with the dead, marrying a widow or divorced woman, and other actions that would compromise his holiness. Leviticus 21:6 states, "They must be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. For they present the offerings made by fire to the LORD, the food of their God. So they must be holy."

The Day of Atonement

The Day of Atonement was the pinnacle of the High Priest's duties, requiring him to enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people. Leviticus 16 details the extensive preparations and rituals, emphasizing the High Priest's need for purification before approaching God's presence. Leviticus 16:4 instructs, "He shall put on the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments next to his body; he shall tie the linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are sacred garments; so he must bathe himself with water before he puts them on."

Intercessory Role

The High Priest served as an intercessor between God and the people, a role that required a life of holiness and devotion. Hebrews 5:1-3 reflects on this role, stating, "Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is beset by weakness. That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people."

Typology of Christ

In Christian theology, the holiness of the High Priest is seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest. Hebrews 7:26-27 describes Christ as "holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself." Christ's perfect holiness and sacrifice fulfill the role of the High Priest, providing eternal atonement for humanity.

The holiness of the High Priest, therefore, is not only a historical and religious requirement but also a profound theological symbol pointing to the ultimate redemption through Christ.