Topical Bible: Priest: Duties of in Battle

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In the context of ancient Israel, the role of the priest extended beyond religious rituals and temple service to include specific duties during times of war. The priest's involvement in battle was both spiritual and practical, serving to guide, encourage, and sanctify the people of Israel as they faced their enemies.

Spiritual Leadership and Encouragement

One of the primary duties of the priest in battle was to provide spiritual leadership and encouragement to the troops. Before the Israelites engaged in combat, the priest was responsible for addressing the army, reminding them of God's presence and promises. This is clearly outlined in Deuteronomy 20:2-4 : "When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army. He shall say to them, 'Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the LORD your God is the One who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you victory.'"

This exhortation served to bolster the morale of the soldiers, reminding them that their strength and success depended not on their own might, but on the power and presence of God. The priest's words were meant to instill courage and faith, ensuring that the soldiers entered battle with a mindset rooted in trust in the Lord.

Sanctification and Ritual Purity

The priest also played a crucial role in ensuring the ritual purity of the camp. In times of war, maintaining holiness was of utmost importance, as the presence of sin or impurity could jeopardize the favor and protection of God. The priest would oversee various purification rites and sacrifices to sanctify the people and the camp, ensuring that they were spiritually prepared for battle.

In addition, the priest was involved in the process of making vows and offerings before and after battle. These acts of devotion were intended to seek God's favor and express gratitude for His deliverance. The priest's role in these rituals underscored the belief that victory in battle was ultimately a divine gift, not merely the result of human effort.

Consultation and Divine Guidance

Another significant duty of the priest in battle was to seek divine guidance through the use of the Urim and Thummim, sacred lots used to discern God's will. The high priest, in particular, would wear the ephod, a priestly garment that contained the Urim and Thummim, and would inquire of the Lord on behalf of the leaders and the people. This practice is exemplified in passages such as 1 Samuel 14:37 and 1 Samuel 23:9-12, where leaders sought the Lord's direction through the priestly consultation.

The priest's role in seeking divine guidance was crucial for making strategic decisions, ensuring that the actions of the Israelites aligned with God's will. This reliance on divine counsel highlighted the theocratic nature of Israel's governance, where military decisions were intertwined with spiritual discernment.

Intercession and Mediation

In addition to these duties, the priest served as an intercessor, praying for the protection and success of the Israelite forces. The priest's prayers were seen as a vital component of the battle strategy, invoking God's intervention and favor. This intercessory role emphasized the belief that the outcome of the battle was ultimately in God's hands, and that human efforts were secondary to divine intervention.

The priest's duties in battle were a reflection of the broader theological understanding that Israel's identity and success were intrinsically linked to their covenant relationship with God. Through spiritual leadership, ritual purification, divine consultation, and intercession, the priest ensured that the people remained focused on their dependence on God, both in times of peace and in the midst of conflict.

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1 Samuel 4:3-5
And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Why has the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh to us, that, when it comes among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.
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Library

Augustin a Priest
... He combined the duties of priest, of a head of a convent, and of an apostle. He
had to preach, instruct the catechumens, battle against the disaffected. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv augustin a priest.htm

High Priest
... Duties of the priests: The priests were required to prove ... The priest was to make
the ointment of spices ... to encourage the army when going to battle, and probably ...
/.../conversion of a high priest into a christian worker/chapter iv high priest.htm

At that Time Samuel Died. ...
... But the battle taking place, the Hebrews were routed and the sons of the king ... of
Eli, is related, when very old, to have fulfilled the duties of a priest. ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxxvi at that time.htm

The Only Atoning Priest
... required the aid of the Levites in certain inferior duties. ... If you had asked a priest,
"Where dwellest thou?" he ... his feet; every day as the battle rages the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the only atoning priest.htm

The Reign of Saul.
... Before the battle he disobeyed the will of God by performing the duties of a priest
and was told he should lose his kingdom on account of it. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter x the reign of.htm

After Praising Judas' and Jonathan's Loftiness of Mind, the ...
... Three Books on the Duties of the Clergy. ... and left with only two, he retrieved the
battle, drove back ... Whither, holy priest, art thou hastening without thy deacon ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xli after praising judas.htm

In the Holy of Holies.
... and as they should by faith follow their High Priest in His ministration there,
new duties would be ... effort, they must be conquerors in the battle with evil ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /24 in the holy of.htm

In the Holy of Holies
... and as they should by faith follow their High Priest in His ministration there,
new duties would be ... effort they must be conquerors in the battle with evil. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 24 in the holy.htm

Whether, by Penance, Man is Restored to his Former Dignity?
... to Me, to do the office of priest": and as ... proper penance, let them return to their
duties, yet so ... heaven on their account, even as in battle, the commanding ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether by penance man is.htm

On Extreme Unction and Holy Orders
... A soldier in battle, persons being shipwrecked, firemen working at ... have ever been
ordained, but not the duties of any ... nor a deacon the place of a priest; but a ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 25 on extreme unction.htm