Topical Bible: Prayer: Answered: Priests and Levites, when Blessing the People

◄ Prayer: Answered: Priests and Levites, when Blessing the People ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical tradition, the role of priests and Levites was integral to the spiritual life of Israel. They served as mediators between God and the people, performing sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and offering blessings. One of the most significant aspects of their ministry was the pronouncement of blessings, which were often accompanied by answered prayers, signifying God's favor and presence among His people.

The Priestly Blessing

The most well-known instance of priests blessing the people is found in the Book of Numbers. God instructed Moses to have Aaron and his sons bless the Israelites with a specific benediction:

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)

This blessing, known as the Aaronic Blessing, was more than a mere wish for well-being; it was a prayer invoking God's protection, grace, and peace. The priests, acting as God's representatives, pronounced this blessing, and it was understood that God Himself would fulfill it.

Answered Prayers through Priestly Intercession

Throughout the Old Testament, there are instances where the prayers of priests and Levites were answered, demonstrating their unique role in interceding for the people. One such example is found in the dedication of Solomon's Temple. After Solomon's prayer, the priests and Levites played a crucial role in the worship that followed:

"When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple." (2 Chronicles 7:1)

Here, the divine response to Solomon's prayer, witnessed by the priests and Levites, affirmed God's acceptance and presence. The priests continued to minister, offering sacrifices and blessings, as the people worshiped.

The Role of Levites in Worship and Blessing

The Levites, though distinct from the priests, also had significant responsibilities in the worship life of Israel. They assisted the priests, taught the Law, and led in worship. Their prayers and blessings were integral to the communal worship experience. In 2 Chronicles 30, during Hezekiah's reign, the Levites played a key role in the Passover celebration:

"The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard their voice, and their prayer came into His holy dwelling place in heaven." (2 Chronicles 30:27)

This passage highlights the effectiveness of the Levites' prayers and blessings, as God responded by hearing and dwelling among His people.

The Continuation of Priestly Blessings

The tradition of priestly blessings continued into the New Testament era, where the concept of a priesthood of all believers emerged. However, the foundational role of priests and Levites in blessing the people set a precedent for understanding the power of intercessory prayer and the assurance of God's response.

In summary, the prayers and blessings of priests and Levites were a vital part of Israel's spiritual life, with God often answering these prayers as a sign of His covenant faithfulness and presence among His people.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 30:27
Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even to heaven.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

And Nicodemus Rising Up, Stood in the Midst of the Counsel...
... To whom he answered and said: The peace of the ... thou knowest that the reverend teachers,
priests, and Levites ... And with prayer and the commandments I spoke to him ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 15 and nicodemus rising.htm

"We have Found the Messias"
... had possessed the unbelieving spirit of the priests and rulers ... He answered and said,
"Rabbi, Thou art the Son of ... tree will see us in the secret place of prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 14 we have found.htm

Who is the Greatest?
... children, or of strangers?" Peter answered, "Of strangers ... If priests and Levites
were exempt because of ... representatives of Christ, unite in prayer and loving ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 48 who is the.htm

The Temple and Its Dedication
... of the destroying angel, God had answered him by ... As Solomon ended his prayer, "fire
came down from ... burnt offering and the sacrifices." The priests could not ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... write it: and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it ... In one word, it might
be answered, that the opinion ... up because God is thanked in prayer; or prayer ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

"The Light of Life"
... His prayer that he might see Christ before he should ... of the people, siding with the
priests and rabbis ... in a practical way, as He usually answered questions put ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 51 the light of.htm

The Census of Israel
... not a man save Caleb and Joshua could have answered to the ... It was so among the other
priests and Levites and ... this fact as your encouragement in prayer for your ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the census of israel.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... is given his particular duties: the priests are assigned ... than this one." [127]
?^4And Moses answered: "No, no ... we will beg with earnest prayer and supplication ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... three companies met together for psalm-singing and prayer. ... number of the inferior
clergy, both priests and levites ... is over and gone," she answered joyfully "the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

The Simplicity and Sublimity of Salvation
... the troubles of this life stir us up to go to God in prayer, and that ... And this is
the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites ... And he answered, No ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the simplicity and sublimity of.htm