Topical Bible: Priests: After the Exodus Young Men (First-Born) Deputed to Act As

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the aftermath of the Exodus, the role of priests in Israelite society underwent significant development. Initially, the priestly duties were not confined to a specific tribe or lineage. Instead, the firstborn sons of Israelite families were consecrated to serve in a priestly capacity. This practice is rooted in the events surrounding the Exodus and the subsequent covenantal relationship established between God and the Israelites.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of the firstborn serving in a priestly role is linked to the Passover event, where the firstborn of Egypt were struck down, while the firstborn of Israel were spared. In Exodus 13:2, the LORD commands, "Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast." This consecration signifies a special dedication to God, setting the firstborn apart for His service.

Role and Function

The firstborn sons, as representatives of their families, were initially responsible for performing sacrificial duties and maintaining the spiritual welfare of their households. This practice is indicative of a broader patriarchal system where the head of the family often assumed religious responsibilities. The firstborn, therefore, acted as intermediaries between God and their family units, offering sacrifices and prayers on their behalf.

Transition to the Levitical Priesthood

The role of the firstborn as priests was a temporary measure that eventually transitioned to a more structured priesthood. This shift occurred after the incident of the Golden Calf, as recorded in Exodus 32. In response to the idolatry of the Israelites, the tribe of Levi demonstrated their loyalty to God by rallying to Moses' side. As a result, the Levites were chosen to serve as the priestly tribe, replacing the firstborn in this sacred duty.

Numbers 3:12-13 explains this transition: "Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of every firstborn Israelite from the womb. The Levites belong to Me, for every firstborn is Mine. On the day I struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated every firstborn in Israel to Myself, both man and beast. They are Mine; I am the LORD."

Theological Significance

The initial appointment of the firstborn as priests underscores the principle of redemption and consecration. The sparing of the firstborn during the Passover foreshadowed the need for a mediator between God and humanity, a role ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, the "firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15). This typology highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout biblical history.

In conclusion, the deputation of young men, specifically the firstborn, to act as priests after the Exodus reflects an early stage in the development of Israel's religious structure. This practice laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Levitical priesthood, which would play a central role in the spiritual life of the nation. Through these developments, the Israelites were continually reminded of their unique covenant relationship with God and their calling to be a holy nation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 24:5
And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 19:22
And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth on them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Solomon (1 Kings 1:34, 39, 45), of Jehu (2 Kings 9:1-10), and compare it with the
unction received by the priests on their ... Exodus 3:13 ... After Painting by Gerome. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... be at home himself, be hath a pretty young man to ... I looked, then, after Christian,
to see him go up the ... thinking again of what he heard from the men, be felt ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm