Topical Bible: Offense: Priests

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the role of priests was of paramount importance, serving as mediators between God and the people of Israel. However, the Scriptures also record instances where priests committed offenses, leading to significant consequences for themselves and the nation. These offenses often revolved around failing to uphold the sanctity of their office, neglecting their duties, or leading the people astray.

Old Testament Instances

1. Nadab and Abihu: The sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, committed a grave offense by offering "unauthorized fire" before the Lord, contrary to His command (Leviticus 10:1). Their actions demonstrated a lack of reverence for God's holiness and resulted in their immediate death by divine fire (Leviticus 10:2). This incident underscored the seriousness with which God viewed the priestly duties and the need for strict adherence to His instructions.

2. Eli's Sons, Hophni and Phinehas: The sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, are described as "wicked men" who "had no regard for the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:12). They abused their priestly position by taking the best portions of the sacrifices for themselves and engaging in immoral behavior with the women serving at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting (1 Samuel 2:13-17, 22). Their offenses led to a divine judgment pronounced by a man of God, resulting in their deaths and the eventual downfall of Eli's house (1 Samuel 2:27-36, 4:11).

3. Corruption in the Priesthood: The prophet Malachi rebuked the priests of his time for offering blemished sacrifices and failing to honor God's name (Malachi 1:6-8). The priests' negligence and corruption were seen as a betrayal of their covenant with Levi, leading to a curse upon them and their descendants (Malachi 2:1-9).

New Testament Context

1. Annas and Caiaphas: In the New Testament, the high priests Annas and Caiaphas played significant roles in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Their actions are seen as a profound offense, as they rejected the Messiah and manipulated the legal proceedings to achieve their ends (John 18:13-14, Matthew 26:57-68). Their leadership exemplified the spiritual blindness and corruption that had infiltrated the priestly office by that time.

2. General Critique of the Priestly Class: Jesus frequently criticized the religious leaders, including the priests, for their hypocrisy and failure to lead the people in true worship (Matthew 23:1-36). He condemned their focus on outward rituals while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness, highlighting their offenses against God's commandments.

Theological Implications

The offenses of priests in the Bible serve as a sobering reminder of the high standards God sets for those who serve Him. The priestly office was not only a position of honor but also one of immense responsibility. The failures of the priests often had far-reaching consequences, affecting not only their own lives but also the spiritual well-being of the entire nation. These narratives emphasize the need for integrity, reverence, and obedience in spiritual leadership, as well as the severe repercussions of failing to uphold these principles.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Malachi 2:8
But you are departed out of the way; you have caused many to stumble at the law; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi, said the LORD of hosts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Marriage of Priests.
... But now men, and that, priests, are cruelly put to death, contrary to the intent ...
into the fire by their lusts; they should certainly give no offense to their ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/article xxiii of the marriage.htm

Article xxiii (xi): of the Marriage of Priests.
... We know that there is some offense in regard to schism, because we seem to ... to dissolve
marriages that have been contracted, to put to death priests if they do ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 28 article xxiii xi .htm

Whether Christ Should have Preached to the Jews Without Offending ...
... them offense by His teaching. Objection 3: Further, the Apostle says (1:Tim.5:1):
"An ancient man rebuke not; but entreat him as a father." But the priests and ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ should have preached 2.htm

A Savage Duel.
... at feast times to release to the people some one who had been imprisoned for a
political offense. The crowds, prompted by the chief priests, doubtless, begin ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/a savage duel.htm

"The Lord is Risen"
... Or if the sentinels had slept at the tomb, would not the priests have been foremost
in accusing them to Pilate? ... This was an offense punishable with death. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 81 the lord is.htm

G. Jesus Before Pilate. Ch. 23:1-25
... 13 And Pilate called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people ... and
therefore the claim of Jesus was distorted into a political offense and he was ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/g jesus before pilate ch.htm

First Stage of the Roman Trial. Jesus Before Pilate for the First ...
... him to understand them.] Thine own nation and the chief priests delivered thee ... that
these kingly claims, however distasteful to the Jews, were no offense to or ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxix first stage of the.htm

Some of the Guards Report to the Jewish Rulers.
... [12] ] 12 And when they [the chief priests] were assembled with the elders, and
had taken ... [It was a capital offense for a Roman soldier to sleep while on guard ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxvi some of the guards.htm

The Temple Cleansed Again
... The sound of these happy, unrestrained voices was an offense to the rulers of the ...
The priests and rulers of Israel refused to herald His glory, and God moved ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 65 the temple cleansed.htm

On the Sacrifice of the Mass
... they were afraid of neglecting any god whom they might thus give offense, and so ...
the Ark"but after God gave His laws to Moses He appointed priests to offer ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 24 on the sacrifice.htm