In the biblical context, the role and responsibilities of the priesthood are foundational to understanding the religious and communal life of ancient Israel. The priesthood, primarily from the tribe of Levi, was established by God to serve as mediators between Him and the people, performing sacred duties and maintaining the spiritual welfare of the nation.

Divine Appointment and Anointing

The priesthood was divinely appointed, with Aaron and his descendants chosen to serve as priests (Exodus 28:1). This appointment was not merely a matter of lineage but a sacred calling, confirmed through anointing and consecration. "Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head" (Leviticus 8:12). This anointing symbolized the setting apart of the priests for holy service.

Duties and Functions

The primary responsibilities of the priests included offering sacrifices, maintaining the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), and teaching the Law. They were tasked with presenting offerings to God, as outlined in Leviticus, which included burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. "The priest shall burn it on the altar as food, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma" (Leviticus 3:16).

Priests also played a crucial role in the Day of Atonement, a significant annual event where the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16). This act underscored their role as intercessors between God and Israel.

Teaching and Judging

Beyond ritual duties, priests were responsible for teaching the Israelites God's statutes and laws. "For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts" (Malachi 2:7). They were also involved in judicial matters, providing guidance and judgment in disputes (Deuteronomy 17:8-11).

Holiness and Conduct

Priests were held to high standards of holiness and conduct, reflecting their sacred duties. They were required to adhere to specific purity laws and were restricted in their personal lives, including marriage and mourning practices (Leviticus 21). Their conduct was to exemplify the holiness of God, as they were representatives of His covenant with Israel.

The Priesthood of Believers

In the New Testament, the concept of priestly responsibility is expanded through the priesthood of all believers. While the Levitical priesthood was specific to Israel, the New Testament teaches that all believers are called to be a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), offering spiritual sacrifices and proclaiming the excellencies of God. This reflects a shift from a centralized priestly system to a broader, inclusive understanding of spiritual service and responsibility.

Christ as the High Priest

The ultimate fulfillment of the priestly role is found in Jesus Christ, who is described as the great High Priest in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:17). Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection provide the perfect atonement for sin, rendering the old sacrificial system obsolete and establishing a new covenant. His priesthood is eternal, and through Him, believers have direct access to God.

The responsibilities of the priesthood, both in the Old and New Testaments, highlight the importance of mediation, holiness, and service in the relationship between God and His people.