Topical Bible: Priest: Officiate at the Choice of a Ruler

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In the biblical context, the role of a priest often intersected with the authority of rulers, particularly in the Old Testament. Priests were not only religious leaders but also played significant roles in the political and social spheres of Israelite society. The appointment and function of priests could be influenced by the decisions of kings and rulers, reflecting the intertwining of religious and political authority.

Biblical Precedents

One of the earliest examples of a ruler influencing the priesthood is found in the narrative of King Saul. In 1 Samuel 13, Saul takes it upon himself to offer a burnt offering in the absence of the prophet Samuel, demonstrating the tension between royal authority and priestly duties. Although Saul was not a priest, his actions underscore the influence a ruler could exert over religious practices.

King David, a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), also had interactions with the priesthood. He appointed Zadok and Abiathar as priests (2 Samuel 8:17), indicating the king's role in determining who would serve in these sacred offices. David's choice of priests was significant, as it established a precedent for the king's involvement in religious appointments.

Solomon and the Priesthood

King Solomon, David's son, further exemplified the ruler's influence over the priesthood. In 1 Kings 2:26-27, Solomon removed Abiathar from the priesthood, fulfilling the word of the LORD concerning the house of Eli. Solomon's decision to appoint Zadok as the sole high priest (1 Kings 2:35) illustrates the king's authority to shape the religious landscape of Israel.

The Divided Kingdom

The division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign brought about further instances of rulers impacting the priesthood. Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, established his own religious system to prevent his subjects from worshiping in Jerusalem. He appointed priests from non-Levitical tribes (1 Kings 12:31), directly contravening the Mosaic Law, which stipulated that priests should come from the tribe of Levi.

The Role of Priests in Judah

In the southern kingdom of Judah, kings continued to exert influence over the priesthood. King Hezekiah, known for his religious reforms, reinstated the proper worship of Yahweh and restored the Levitical priesthood (2 Chronicles 29:4-5). His actions highlight the positive role a godly ruler could play in supporting and revitalizing the priesthood.

Conversely, King Ahaz of Judah demonstrated how a ruler's choices could negatively impact the priesthood. Ahaz introduced idolatrous practices and altered the temple's altar, leading to a decline in the proper worship of God (2 Kings 16:10-16).

The New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the priesthood is primarily associated with the Jewish religious leaders during the time of Jesus. The high priests, such as Caiaphas, held significant authority and were often appointed by Roman rulers or influenced by political considerations. John 11:49-50 records Caiaphas's role in the plot to crucify Jesus, illustrating the complex relationship between religious leaders and political powers.

Conclusion

Throughout biblical history, the role of priests and their relationship with rulers reveal the dynamic interplay between religious and political authority. While priests were called to serve God and the people, their appointment and function were often subject to the influence of kings and rulers, for better or worse. This interaction underscores the importance of godly leadership in both the religious and political spheres.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 27:18,19,21
And the LORD said to Moses, Take you Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand on him;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Leviticus
... service at which Aaron and his sons officiate"the benediction ... in the case of the
high priest), pollution through ... to certain conditions in their choice of a ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/leviticus.htm

The First Galilean Ministry.
... of that mock-humility of reluctance to officiate, in which ... And now, one by one, Priest,
Levite, and, in ... upon Him, which directed Jesus in the choice of such a ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi the first galilean.htm

Centenary Commemoration
... Jesus Christ, our Prophet, Priest, and King, our sufficing ... Mr. Learning, the first
choice of the clergy of ... Newtown, LI Here he continued to officiate for five ...
/.../centenary commemoration 2.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... high priest, and was himself able to officiate at the ... The officiating priest covered
his mouth with the bands ... succeeded his father Cambyses as ruler of Anshan ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Bubastite) dynasty"Sheshonq I. as king and his son Auputi as high priest of Amon ...
Each of these families had its chief or "ruler," to whom it rendered absolute ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... of the West, 312, and by the defeat of Licinius, July 23, 324, sole ruler of the ...
of the decurionate of both cities, of one because it was his choice, of the ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

Book ii.
... five thousand men in them, yet do they officiate on certain ... over the other priests
to the chief high priest himself ... by his birth is to be their ruler perpetually ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book ii.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... appointment, consecrated by the priests and prophets of Jahveh, a priest of the ... and
that the priests of this temple were alone qualified to officiate there in ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm