Topical Bible: Law: Princes, Priests, and Levites Publicly Taught

◄ Law: Princes, Priests, and Levites Publicly Taught ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the teaching of the Law was a central aspect of Israelite society, involving various leaders and religious figures, including princes, priests, and Levites. This practice was essential for maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people, ensuring that the divine statutes were understood and followed by all.

Role of Princes:

The princes, or leaders, of Israel held a significant responsibility in upholding and promoting the Law. As representatives of the people, they were expected to lead by example, demonstrating adherence to God's commandments. Their role included ensuring that the Law was not only known but also implemented in governance and daily life. The princes were to act with justice and righteousness, as outlined in the Law, to maintain order and reflect God's holiness in the nation.

Role of Priests:

The priests, descendants of Aaron, were entrusted with the sacred duty of teaching the Law to the people. They served as mediators between God and Israel, performing sacrifices and rituals as prescribed in the Law. Their teaching responsibilities included explaining the statutes and ordinances, ensuring that the people understood the requirements of the covenant. The priests were to maintain the purity of worship and guide the nation in spiritual matters, as seen in passages such as Leviticus 10:11, "You must teach the Israelites all the statutes that the LORD has given them through Moses."

Role of Levites:

The Levites, a tribe set apart for religious duties, assisted the priests and played a crucial role in teaching the Law. They were dispersed throughout the tribes of Israel to ensure that the Law was accessible to all. The Levites were responsible for reading the Law publicly and instructing the people in its precepts. In Deuteronomy 33:10, it is stated, "They shall teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel." This highlights their function as educators and preservers of the Law.

Public Teaching of the Law:

The public teaching of the Law was a communal event, often involving gatherings where the Law was read aloud to the assembly. This practice ensured that every member of the community, regardless of social status, had the opportunity to hear and understand God's commandments. One notable instance of this is found in Nehemiah 8:7-8, where the Levites helped the people understand the Law as it was read, "The Levites...instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places. They read from the Book of the Law of God, translating and giving insight so that the people could understand what was being read."

Significance:

The public teaching of the Law by princes, priests, and Levites was vital for the spiritual and social fabric of Israel. It reinforced the covenantal identity of the nation, reminding the people of their unique relationship with God and their obligations under His Law. This practice fostered a sense of unity and accountability, as the entire community was called to live according to divine standards. Through the faithful teaching of the Law, the leaders ensured that the knowledge of God and His commandments was preserved and passed down through generations.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 8:1-18
And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spoke to Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Earlier Hebrew Histories.
... one of the good kings of Judah, Jehoshaphat, to have certain princes, priests, and
Levites appointed to ... after the death of Moses, that the law delivered by ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter iv the earlier hebrew.htm

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
... been "frequently" consulted by "the high priests and principal ... very names of these
two princes"Agur, "exile ... the other hand, the Rabbinical law enjoined (Yoma ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 7 the upbringing of.htm

Easter Tuesday
... and supreme Lord over all kings, princes and governors ... come and elevate them with
their Law and manner ... Ruler differing from Moses and his priests and exponents ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/easter tuesday 2.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... long after his day the force of law among the ... the rising were ruthlessly raided,
the priests heavily fined ... in the hands of their hereditary princes, without a ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... Haruspices and priests and those accustomed to serve this ... progression nor diminution;
who gave the law and the ... not concur in what he publicly preaches; namely ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ...
... that they suppose God, by a perpetual law, restrains all ... it, (Matt.xvi.21.) that
the chief priests and scribes ... so that he should beget twelve princes, and God ...
/.../xiv proposition xiv fifthly as.htm