Topical Bible: Rulers: Wicked: Exalting Debased Persons to the Priesthood

◄ Rulers: Wicked: Exalting Debased Persons to the Priesthood ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the role of the priesthood is a sacred office established by God, intended to be filled by individuals who are consecrated and set apart for the service of the Lord. The priesthood, particularly in the Old Testament, was a position of spiritual leadership and responsibility, requiring adherence to God's laws and a life of holiness. However, throughout Scripture, there are instances where wicked rulers, driven by personal ambition, political gain, or spiritual apostasy, exalted debased individuals to the priesthood, thereby corrupting the sacred office and leading the people astray.

One of the most notable examples of this is found in the account of Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. Jeroboam, in an effort to consolidate his rule and prevent the people from returning to Jerusalem to worship, established alternative centers of worship in Bethel and Dan. He appointed priests from among all the people, not just from the tribe of Levi, as was commanded by God. 1 Kings 12:31 states, "Jeroboam also built shrines on the high places and appointed from every class of people priests who were not Levites." This act of appointing unqualified and debased individuals to the priesthood was a direct violation of God's commandments and led to widespread idolatry and sin among the Israelites.

Another example is found in the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, who engaged in idolatrous practices and desecrated the temple. Ahaz's actions included altering the temple's altar and introducing pagan elements into the worship of Yahweh. Although the specific appointment of debased priests is not detailed in his account, the corruption of the priesthood is implied through his overall apostasy and disregard for the sanctity of the temple and its services (2 Kings 16:10-16).

The consequences of exalting debased persons to the priesthood are severe, as they lead to spiritual decay and divine judgment. The prophet Hosea speaks to the corruption of the priesthood in his time, declaring, "Like people, like priests. I will punish both of them for their ways and repay them for their deeds" (Hosea 4:9). This highlights the principle that the moral and spiritual state of the leaders directly influences the people they lead.

The New Testament also warns against the appointment of unqualified individuals to positions of spiritual leadership. In his letters to Timothy and Titus, the Apostle Paul outlines the qualifications for overseers and deacons, emphasizing the need for moral integrity, sound doctrine, and a good reputation (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9). These qualifications serve as a safeguard against the corruption of the church and the exaltation of debased individuals to positions of authority.

In summary, the exaltation of debased persons to the priesthood by wicked rulers is a recurring theme in Scripture, illustrating the dangers of compromising God's standards for leadership. Such actions result in spiritual decline and invite divine judgment, underscoring the importance of maintaining the sanctity and integrity of the priestly office.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 12:31
And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 13:33
After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whoever would, he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 17:32
So they feared the LORD, and made to themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 11:14,15
For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest's office to the LORD:
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 44:7
In that you have brought into my sanctuary strangers, uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pollute it, even my house, when you offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant because of all your abominations.
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 3:10
And you shall appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that comes near shall be put to death.
Nave's Topical Index