The phrase "These were the priests" is often used in the context of listing the names and genealogies of the priests who served in various capacities throughout the history of Israel. The role of the priest in ancient Israel was of paramount importance, as they were responsible for performing sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and teaching the Law to the people. The priesthood was established by God through the line of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and was intended to be a perpetual institution within the tribe of Levi.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Chronicles 6:49-53 : This passage provides a detailed genealogy of the priests, tracing their lineage back to Aaron. It states, "But Aaron and his descendants were the ones who presented offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded." This highlights the unique role of Aaron's descendants in the sacrificial system and their divine appointment to mediate between God and the people.

2. Ezra 2:36-39 : In the context of the return from Babylonian exile, the book of Ezra lists the priests who returned to Jerusalem to restore the temple and its services. The passage reads, "The priests: the descendants of Jedaiah (through the house of Jeshua), 973; the descendants of Immer, 1,052; the descendants of Pashhur, 1,247; and the descendants of Harim, 1,017." This enumeration underscores the continuity of the priestly line and their commitment to reestablishing worship according to the Law.

3. Nehemiah 12:1-7 : Nehemiah provides another list of priests, this time focusing on those who served during the time of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. It begins, "These were the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, Amariah, Malluch, Hattush..." This record serves as a testament to the faithfulness of the priestly families in maintaining their duties despite the challenges of exile and rebuilding.

Role and Duties:

The priests were tasked with a variety of duties that were central to the religious life of Israel. They were responsible for offering sacrifices, which were a key component of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The priests also maintained the sacred spaces, such as the Tabernacle and later the Temple, ensuring that they were kept holy and in accordance with divine instructions.

In addition to their liturgical functions, priests were also teachers of the Law. As seen in passages like Leviticus 10:11 , "You must teach the Israelites all the statutes that the LORD has given them through Moses," the priests were charged with instructing the people in the ways of God, ensuring that the community lived in obedience to His commandments.

Significance in Israel's History:

The priesthood played a crucial role in the spiritual and communal life of Israel. By serving as intermediaries between God and the people, the priests facilitated the atonement of sins and the maintenance of a covenant relationship with the Lord. Their genealogies, as recorded in various biblical texts, emphasize the importance of lineage and the continuity of divine service across generations.

The phrase "These were the priests" serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the priestly office and its foundational role in the history of Israel. Through their service, the priests exemplified dedication to God's commands and the spiritual well-being of the nation.