Priestly Service
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Definition and Origin
Priestly service in the Bible refers to the duties and responsibilities carried out by the priests, who were chosen to serve as mediators between God and the people of Israel. The concept of priestly service is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where the tribe of Levi was set apart for this sacred role. The priesthood was established by God through Moses, with Aaron and his descendants appointed as the first priests (Exodus 28:1).

Duties and Responsibilities
The primary duties of the priests included offering sacrifices, maintaining the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), teaching the Law, and interceding for the people. The Book of Leviticus provides detailed instructions on the various offerings and rituals the priests were to perform, such as burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings (Leviticus 1-7).

Priests were also responsible for maintaining the holiness of the sanctuary and ensuring that the people adhered to the covenantal laws. They were to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the clean and the unclean (Leviticus 10:10-11). The high priest, in particular, had the unique role of entering the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 16).

Qualifications and Consecration
Priests were required to be from the tribe of Levi, specifically descendants of Aaron. They had to meet certain physical and moral qualifications, as outlined in Leviticus 21. The consecration of priests involved a series of rituals, including washing, anointing with oil, and the offering of sacrifices (Exodus 29:1-9). This consecration set them apart for their sacred duties and symbolized their purity and dedication to God.

Priestly Garments
The priests wore specific garments that signified their holy office. These included a tunic, sash, robe, ephod, breastpiece, and a turban with a gold plate inscribed with "Holy to the LORD" (Exodus 28:36). The high priest's garments were more elaborate, featuring the Urim and Thummim, which were used for divination and decision-making (Exodus 28:30).

New Testament Perspective
In the New Testament, the concept of priestly service is transformed through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is described as the ultimate High Priest, who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin, thus fulfilling and surpassing the Old Testament priesthood (Hebrews 4:14-16; 9:11-14). Believers in Christ are also referred to as a "royal priesthood," called to offer spiritual sacrifices and proclaim the excellencies of God (1 Peter 2:9).

Significance
Priestly service in the Bible underscores the importance of mediation, sacrifice, and holiness in the relationship between God and humanity. It highlights the need for a divinely appointed mediator to bridge the gap caused by sin. The priesthood serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate mediation accomplished by Jesus Christ, who reconciles believers to God and grants them direct access to His presence.
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Priestly

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Priestly Roles and Responsibilities
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