Topical Encyclopedia In the time of Moses, the role of the priest was of paramount importance in the religious and communal life of the Israelites. The priesthood was established by divine command, with Aaron and his sons being set apart for this sacred duty. The selection of priests during this period was not left to human decision alone but was often determined by the casting of lots, a practice that underscored the belief in divine sovereignty and guidance.Divine Appointment of Aaron and His Sons The priesthood was instituted by God as part of the covenantal relationship between Himself and the people of Israel. In Exodus 28:1, God commands Moses, "Bring near to you your brother Aaron and his sons with him, from among the Israelites, to serve Me as priests—Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar." This divine selection highlights the sanctity and exclusivity of the priestly office, which was to be held by Aaron's lineage. The Use of Lots in Decision-Making The casting of lots was a common practice in ancient Israel for discerning God's will in various matters, including the selection of individuals for specific roles. While the Bible does not explicitly mention the use of lots in the initial appointment of Aaron and his sons, the practice is evident in other contexts related to the priesthood and leadership. For instance, in Numbers 26:55-56, the land was divided among the tribes of Israel by lot, demonstrating the belief that the outcome was determined by God. The Urim and Thummim The Urim and Thummim, mysterious objects associated with the high priest's breastplate, were used to seek God's guidance in decision-making. Although the exact nature and method of their use remain unclear, they were likely involved in casting lots or similar practices. In Exodus 28:30, God instructs Moses, "Put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they will be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD." The Role of the Priest The primary responsibilities of the priests included offering sacrifices, maintaining the Tabernacle, and teaching the Law to the people. They acted as mediators between God and Israel, ensuring that the covenantal relationship was upheld. Leviticus 10:11 emphasizes their teaching role: "You must teach the Israelites all the statutes that the LORD has given them through Moses." The Significance of Divine Selection The use of lots and divine selection in appointing priests underscored the belief that God was actively involved in the governance and spiritual life of His people. This method of selection ensured that the priesthood remained a divinely ordained institution, free from human manipulation or favoritism. The priests, chosen by God, were to serve as holy representatives, dedicated to the service of the LORD and the spiritual well-being of the nation. In summary, the priesthood during the time of Moses was characterized by divine appointment and the use of lots as a means of discerning God's will. This practice reinforced the sacred nature of the priestly office and the belief in God's sovereign guidance over His chosen people. Nave's Topical Index Luke 1:8,9,23And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, Nave's Topical Index Library The Law Anterior to Moses. Ezra, the Priest and Scribe The Wilderness. Book iii. --Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New ... Our Compassionate High Priest In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ... Jesus Drives Out the Money-Changers. The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother ... What Messiah did the Jews Expect? Resources Why were the people guilty for a priest's sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the anointed priest? | GotQuestions.org Why did God restrict the age that a priest could serve (Numbers 8:24 26)? | GotQuestions.org Priest: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Priest: (The Function he Served Was Superior to That of Other Priests): Judicial Priest: (The Function he Served Was Superior to That of Other Priests): On the Day of Atonement Priest: (The Function he Served Was Superior to That of Other Priests): Respect Due To Priest: (The Function he Served Was Superior to That of Other Priests): To Burn Incense Priest: (The Function he Served Was Superior to That of Other Priests): To Count the People Priest: (The Function he Served Was Superior to That of Other Priests): To offer Sacrifices Priest: (The Function he Served Was Superior to That of Other Priests): Vestments of Priest: A Second Priest, Under the High Priest Priest: Before Moses: Called "Angel" Priest: Before Moses: Melchizedek Priest: Before Moses: Priests in Israel Before the Giving of the Law Priest: Benefits of Firstfruits Priest: Benefits of for the Sustenance of Their Families Priest: Benefits of No Part of the Land of Canaan Allowed To Priest: Benefits of of the Firstborn Priest: Benefits of own Lands Sanctified to the Lord Priest: Benefits of Part of the Plunder of War, Including Captives Priest: Benefits of Portion of Land Allotted To, in Redistribution in Ezekiel's Vision Priest: Benefits of Portions of Sacrifices and offerings Priest: Benefits of Provided With Cities and Suburbs Priest: Benefits of Redemption Money Priest: Benefits of Regulations by Hezekiah Concerning Benefits to the Priests Priest: Benefits of The Shewbread Priest: Benefits of Things Devoted Priest: Benefits of Tithes of the Tithes Priest: Benefits of Trespass Money and Other Trepass offerings Priest: Distribute the Plunder of War Priest: Duties of be Present at and Supervise the Tithing Priest: Duties of Chiefs of Levites Priest: Duties of Keep the Sacred Fire Always Burning Priest: Duties of Light the Lamps in the Tabernacle Priest: Duties of Officiate in the Holy Place Priest: Duties of Pronounce Benedictions Priest: Duties of Purify the Unclean Priest: Duties of Responsible for the Sanctuary Priest: Duties of Sound the Trumpet in Summoning Assemblies and in Battle Priest: Duties of Teach the Law Priest: Duties of Through the Jordan River Priest: Duties of To Act As Magistrates Priest: Duties of To Act As Scribes Priest: Duties of To Encourage the Army on the Eve of Battle Priest: Duties of To Furnish a Quota of Wood for the Sanctuary Priest: Duties of To offer Sacrifices Priest: Duties of To offer the Firstfruits Priest: Duties of Valuate Things Devoted Priest: had Charge of the Sanctuary and Altar Priest: Incite the People to Ask That Barabbas be Released and Jesus be Destroyed Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning of the Captivity Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Conspire to Destroy Jesus Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Corrupt Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Eli's Sons Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Paul Brought Before Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Persecute the Disciples Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Polluted by Marrying Idolatrous Wives Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Priestly office Performed by Prophets Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Put on Trial and Condemn Jesus Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Put on Trial, Condemn, and Stone Stephen Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Reprove and Threaten Peter and John Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Restore the Altar, and offer Sacrifices Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Return from the Captivity Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Supervise the Building of the New Temple Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Taken With the Captivity to Babylon Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Wickedness of Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Zeal of, in Purging the Temple Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Zealous Priest: Officiate at the Choice of a Ruler Priest: The Time of Moses is Holy Priest: The Time of Moses: Ablutions of Priest: The Time of Moses: Armed and Organized for War at the Time of the Disaffection Toward Saul Priest: The Time of Moses: Atonement For Priest: The Time of Moses: Beard and Hair of Priest: The Time of Moses: Chambers For, in the Temple Area Priest: The Time of Moses: Chosen by Lot Priest: The Time of Moses: Consecration of Priest: The Time of Moses: Defilement and Purification of Priest: The Time of Moses: Don Vestments in the Temple Area Priest: The Time of Moses: Exempt from Tax Priest: The Time of Moses: Hereditary, Descent of office Priest: The Time of Moses: Marriage of Priest: The Time of Moses: Must be Without Blemish Priest: The Time of Moses: Priests Who Were not from the Sons of Levi Were Appointed by Jeroboam Priest: The Time of Moses: Twenty-Four Divisions (Shifts) of Priest: The Time of Moses: Usurpations of office of Priest: The Time of Moses: Vestments of Priest: The Title Appears After the Institution of the office Priest: To Designate Subordinate Priests for Duty Priest: To Have Charge of the Treasury Priest: To Light the Lamps of the Tabernacle Priest: To offer for his own Sins of Ignorance Priest: To officiate in Consecrations of Levites Priest: To Place Shewbread on the Table Every Sabbath Related Terms |
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