Topical Bible: Priest: To Designate Subordinate Priests for Duty

◄ Priest: To Designate Subordinate Priests for Duty ►

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In the biblical context, the role of a priest is multifaceted, encompassing duties such as offering sacrifices, teaching the law, and maintaining the sanctity of the worship practices. One of the critical responsibilities of a high priest or leading priest is the designation of subordinate priests for specific duties within the tabernacle or temple service. This process ensures the orderly and reverent conduct of worship as prescribed by God.

Biblical Foundation

The practice of designating subordinate priests is rooted in the instructions given to Moses and Aaron. In the Book of Exodus, God establishes Aaron and his sons as priests, setting a precedent for a structured priesthood. "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" (Exodus 28:1). This passage highlights the divine appointment and the familial line through which the priesthood is established.

Duties and Designation

The designation of duties among the priests is further elaborated in the Book of Numbers. The Levites, a tribe set apart for service, are given specific roles, and among them, the priests are assigned particular tasks. Numbers 3:6-10 outlines the responsibilities: "Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. They are to perform duties for him and for the whole community at the Tent of Meeting by doing the work of the tabernacle."

The high priest, as the chief religious authority, is responsible for assigning these duties. This hierarchical structure ensures that each priest knows his role, whether it be offering sacrifices, maintaining the sacred space, or teaching the people. The high priest's oversight is crucial for maintaining the order and sanctity of worship.

Historical Context

Throughout Israel's history, the role of the priesthood evolved, but the principle of designating duties remained constant. In the time of King David, the priesthood was organized into divisions to manage the increasing complexity of temple worship. "David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres, and cymbals" (1 Chronicles 25:1). This organization extended to the priests, ensuring that the temple service was conducted with precision and reverence.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of priesthood is transformed through the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate High Priest. However, the principle of orderly worship and designated roles continues within the early church. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the importance of order and the distribution of spiritual gifts for the edification of the church body (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

Theological Implications

The designation of subordinate priests for duty underscores the importance of order, obedience, and reverence in worship. It reflects a divinely instituted structure that ensures the faithful execution of religious duties. This practice highlights the need for leadership and accountability within the community of faith, principles that continue to resonate in contemporary Christian worship and church governance.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 4:19
But thus do to them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach to the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 2:36
And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in your house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray you, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Presbyters or Bishops. The Angels of the Seven Churches. James of ...
... the two terms are distinguished and designate two offices ... 35 sqq., and art ."Priest"
in Smith and Cheetham, II. ... in the faith were altogether subordinate to the ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 61 presbyters or bishops.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... employed as interpreters of their wishes the priests and the ... just as much as the
noble, the priest, or the ... of no value in itself, and did not designate, as one ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ...
... though it were better to make words subordinate to things ... Unction, which is performed
only by a priest, and, as ... To designate the Holy Spirit and his gifts by ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of the five.htm

Covenant Duties.
... He is the great High Priest of his people's profession ... spread of truth; that attempt
to subordinate the Church ... The passage would seem only to designate as sinful ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... More frequently a priest, accustomed from childhood to ... for this primacy among the
subordinate divinities to ... the glorious," and his priests sometimes succeeded ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... of Israel," and "Hear this, ye priests, and hearken ... Concerning the earthly high priest
as a type of ... heavenly host, all inferior angels are subordinate, so that ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... this fact doubtless explains the very subordinate part which ... Thutmosis I. was usurped
by the priest-king Pinozmu I ... employed in the text to designate the country ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Memphite Empire
... was administered by the chief of the "priests of the ... and that the eldest shall be
the high priest at Heliopolis ... occasions in the old texts to designate royalty. ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... and his son Auputi as high priest of Amon ... judges," which has been adopted to designate
these rulers ... allowed afterwards to remain in a subordinate capacity among ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... term Zend-Avesta, commonly used to designate the sacred ... Ardashir Babagan, by the
high priest Tansar, and ... the other gods together in a subordinate and anonymous ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm