Topical Bible: Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Corrupt

◄ Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Corrupt ►

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The role of the priest in ancient Israel was one of great responsibility and spiritual significance, serving as a mediator between God and the people. However, the Bible records instances where priests fell into corruption, deviating from their sacred duties and leading the people astray.

1. Eli's Sons: One of the most notable examples of corrupt priests in the Bible is the account of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas. These priests, who served at the tabernacle in Shiloh, were described as "wicked men" who "had no regard for the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:12). They exploited their priestly position for personal gain, taking the best portions of the sacrifices for themselves and engaging in immoral behavior with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting (1 Samuel 2:13-17, 22). Their actions led to God's judgment, resulting in their deaths and the eventual downfall of Eli's house (1 Samuel 2:34; 4:11).

2. Corruption in the Time of Malachi: The prophet Malachi also addressed the corruption among the priests during his time. The priests were accused of despising God's name and offering defiled sacrifices on the altar (Malachi 1:6-8). They were criticized for failing to teach the people properly and for showing partiality in their judgments (Malachi 2:7-9). This corruption contributed to the spiritual decline of the nation and provoked God's displeasure.

3. The Priests in Jesus' Time: During the time of Jesus, the priesthood, particularly the high priests, were often depicted as being corrupt and politically motivated. The Gospels recount how the chief priests and elders conspired to arrest Jesus and sought false testimony against Him to put Him to death (Matthew 26:59). Their actions were driven by a desire to maintain their power and influence, rather than a commitment to truth and justice.

4. Warnings Against Corruption: The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of corruption among spiritual leaders. In Ezekiel 22:26, the priests are condemned for violating God's law and profaning His holy things, failing to distinguish between the holy and the common. This failure to uphold God's standards led to widespread moral decay among the people.

5. Consequences of Corruption: The consequences of priestly corruption were severe, often resulting in divine judgment. In Hosea 4:6, God declares, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as My priests" . This highlights the critical role of priests in guiding the people in righteousness and the dire consequences when they fail in their duties.

The Bible's portrayal of corrupt priests serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of integrity and faithfulness in spiritual leadership. The priests' failure to uphold their sacred responsibilities not only led to their downfall but also had far-reaching effects on the spiritual health of the nation.

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Jeremiah 23:11,12
For both prophet and priest are profane; yes, in my house have I found their wickedness, said the LORD.
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Ezekiel 22:26
Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned my holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.
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Luke 10:31
And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
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Library

Introduction.
... comparisons between material and moral facts or laws ... prophet should terminate in
his offering as priest. ... turn to good account your miscellaneous observation of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/introduction.htm

The Epistles of Paul.
... The two remaining chapters contain miscellaneous instructions suited ... permit us to
indicate certain facts and principles ... of its divine Mediator and High-priest. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxx the epistles of.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... Being of this miscellaneous character, the Sibyllines must be ... These facts are produced
in orthodox language, which ... 362] The curious myth concerning the Phoenix ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

Tendencies of Religious Thought in England, 1688-1750.
... express from thence to make a report concerning it.' (Calamy ... of the time we find
a miscellaneous crowd of ... was a soundly based arrangement of the facts of society ...
/.../tendencies of religious thought in.htm