High Priest:

The High Priest in ancient Israel held the highest religious position and was the chief representative of the people before God. The role was established by God through Moses, with Aaron, Moses' brother, being the first to hold the office (Exodus 28:1). The High Priest's primary duties included overseeing the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) worship, offering sacrifices, and entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:32-34).

The High Priest wore distinctive garments, including the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, as described in Exodus 28. These garments symbolized the High Priest's role as mediator between God and Israel. The breastplate contained the Urim and Thummim, used for divination and decision-making (Exodus 28:30).

The High Priest was also responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the Temple and ensuring that the priesthood adhered to the laws and rituals prescribed in the Torah. The position was hereditary, typically passed down within the family of Aaron, although political influences in later periods sometimes altered this tradition.

Associates of the High Priest:

1. Priests:
The priests, or kohanim, were descendants of Aaron and served under the High Priest. Their duties included performing daily sacrifices, maintaining the Temple, and teaching the Law to the people (Leviticus 10:11). They were responsible for the burnt offerings, grain offerings, and other sacrifices as outlined in Levitical law (Leviticus 1-7).

2. Levites:
The Levites, from the tribe of Levi but not direct descendants of Aaron, assisted the priests in their duties. They were responsible for the care and transport of the Tabernacle and its furnishings during the wilderness wanderings (Numbers 3:5-9). In the Temple, they served as musicians, gatekeepers, and in other supportive roles (1 Chronicles 23:28-32).

3. Sanhedrin:
By the Second Temple period, the High Priest was often a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. The Sanhedrin was composed of chief priests, elders, and scribes, and it held significant religious and political authority (Matthew 26:59). The High Priest often presided over this body, especially in matters of religious law.

4. Chief Priests:
The term "chief priests" refers to a group of leading priests who held significant authority in the Temple hierarchy. They were involved in the administration of Temple affairs and played a role in the Sanhedrin. In the New Testament, they are frequently mentioned as opponents of Jesus and were instrumental in His arrest and trial (Mark 14:53).

New Testament Context:

In the New Testament, the role of the High Priest is significant in the context of Jesus' trial and crucifixion. Caiaphas, the High Priest at the time, played a pivotal role in the events leading to Jesus' death (John 18:13-14). The Epistle to the Hebrews presents Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice, thus fulfilling and surpassing the Old Testament priesthood (Hebrews 4:14-16; 9:11-12).

The High Priest and his associates were central to the religious life of Israel, serving as mediators between God and His people, and maintaining the sacrificial system that pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.