Topical Bible: Religion: National: Priests Supported by the State

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In the biblical context, the concept of priests being supported by the state is primarily observed in the nation of Israel, where the Levitical priesthood was established by divine ordinance. The tribe of Levi was set apart for religious duties, and their sustenance was provided through various means as prescribed in the Mosaic Law.

Levitical Priesthood and State Support

The Levitical priests, descendants of Aaron, were chosen to serve in the tabernacle and later in the temple. Their role was central to the religious life of Israel, as they were responsible for offering sacrifices, teaching the Law, and maintaining the sanctuary. The state, represented by the nation of Israel, supported the priests through tithes, offerings, and designated cities.

Tithes and Offerings

The primary means of support for the priests came from the tithes of the people. According to the Law, the Israelites were commanded to give a tenth of their produce and livestock to the Levites. Numbers 18:21 states, "Behold, I have given the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the work of the Tent of Meeting." This system ensured that the priests could focus on their spiritual duties without the burden of secular labor.

In addition to tithes, the priests received portions of certain offerings. Leviticus 7:31-34 outlines that parts of the peace offerings were given to the priests, including the breast and the right thigh. These provisions were considered holy and were to be consumed by the priests and their families in a state of ritual purity.

Cities of Refuge and Levitical Cities

The state also provided for the priests through the allocation of cities. The Levites were given 48 cities, including the six cities of refuge, scattered throughout the tribes of Israel (Numbers 35:6-7). These cities served as their dwelling places and included surrounding pasturelands for their livestock. This arrangement allowed the Levites to live among the people they served, facilitating their role as spiritual leaders and teachers.

Royal Support and Temple Maintenance

During the monarchy, the support of the priesthood was further institutionalized. Kings like David and Solomon played significant roles in organizing and maintaining the temple services. Solomon's construction of the temple in Jerusalem established a central place of worship, and the state took on the responsibility of its upkeep and the support of its ministers (1 Kings 6-7).

The reforms of King Hezekiah and King Josiah also highlight the state's role in supporting the priesthood. Hezekiah reinstituted the proper collection of tithes and offerings to ensure the priests and Levites could dedicate themselves to the service of the Lord (2 Chronicles 31:4-5). Josiah's reforms included the restoration of temple worship and the reestablishment of the covenant, emphasizing the state's commitment to the religious order (2 Kings 23:21-23).

Prophetic Critique and Priestly Corruption

While the state-supported priesthood was divinely ordained, the prophets often critiqued the corruption and failure of the priests to uphold their duties. Malachi 2:7-8 rebukes the priests for turning aside from the way and causing many to stumble by their instruction. This critique underscores the responsibility of the priests to maintain integrity and faithfulness in their service, despite their state support.

In summary, the biblical model of priests supported by the state reflects a divinely instituted system where the religious leaders were provided for through tithes, offerings, and designated cities. This support enabled them to fulfill their spiritual duties, serving as mediators between God and the people, and maintaining the religious life of the nation.

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1 Kings 18:19
Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel to mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.
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2 Chronicles 11:13-15
And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts.
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Library

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... 95. The Definitive Type of Religion in the East ... or confirmation, the consecration
of priests, the consecration ... The Foundation Of The Germanic National Churches. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Arrest and Trial of Jesus.
... Although neutral in religion, the Romans thus very often ... The agents of the priests
therefore bound Jesus and ... the centre of a great national fermentation, was a ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxiv arrest and trial.htm

The People on the Earth: Chapters 2-3
... first step to be taken in view of national blessing ... and when religion will be turned
into fornication, as it was ... as they will be "a kingdom of priests," so they ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people on the earth .htm

In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ...
... Synagogues, and such participation in national joy or ... that although, personally,
openly careless of all religion. ... The character of the High-Priests during the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi in the fifteenth.htm

The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen.
... a religion, intended to abolish national distinctions, and ... will, without which the
interests of religion cannot be ... a great company of the priests were obedient ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture viii the institution of.htm

Disestablishment
... measures, the speedy reduction of the national expenses, and ... prove a lasting curse
to vital religion, which every ... and Herod, and the chief Priests are still ...
/.../chapter xv disestablishment.htm

Jeroboam
... Priests and prophets constituted, in his opinion, the vanguard ... As to the form religion
assumed, he was not ... swiftly glided down into idolatry and national ruin. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/jeroboam.htm

The Age of Absolutism and Unbelief
... than to safeguard the interests of their religion. ... Febronius recommended the convocation
of national synods and of ... the proper instruction of priests and people ...
/.../chapter vii the age of.htm

Catholic Missions
... the old prejudices against the new religion had disappeared ... But national jealousy
of the foreigners, more especially of ... faith, and many, both priests and people ...
/.../chapter v catholic missions.htm

Our Spiritual Ancestry
... of the Episcopal church, taught a religion in which ... freedom from the tyranny of king's
and priests. ... ideas of universal Freedom and national Union, conflicting ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/i our spiritual ancestry.htm