In the Old Testament, the priesthood was primarily reserved for the descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. Aaron and his sons were consecrated to serve as priests, and this lineage was to be maintained throughout generations (Exodus 28:1). However, there are notable instances in Scripture where individuals outside of Aaron's family performed priestly functions, often under unique circumstances or divine directive.

Melchizedek
One of the earliest examples is Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, who blessed Abram and received tithes from him (Genesis 14:18-20). Melchizedek's priesthood is significant because it predates the Aaronic priesthood and is later referenced in the New Testament as a type of Christ's eternal priesthood (Hebrews 7:1-17).

Samuel
Samuel, though not a descendant of Aaron, acted in a priestly capacity. Dedicated to the Lord by his mother Hannah, Samuel was raised in the temple under Eli the priest (1 Samuel 1:24-28). He offered sacrifices and served as a judge and prophet over Israel (1 Samuel 7:9-10). His role highlights the fluidity of priestly functions during the transitional period from judges to monarchy.

David
King David, from the tribe of Judah, also performed priestly acts. He wore a linen ephod and offered sacrifices when bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:14, 17-18). David's actions, while not typical for a king, were accepted by God, indicating a special divine sanction.

Elijah
The prophet Elijah, though not a priest, performed a significant sacrificial act on Mount Carmel. He repaired the altar of the Lord and offered a sacrifice that God accepted by sending fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:30-38). This event underscored God's power and authority over the false prophets of Baal and demonstrated that God could work through individuals outside the established priesthood.

Gideon
Gideon, from the tribe of Manasseh, was called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. He built an altar to the Lord and offered a sacrifice, which was consumed by fire from the rock (Judges 6:24-26). This act, though not performed by a traditional priest, was a direct response to God's command and signified divine approval.

Solomon
King Solomon, like his father David, performed priestly duties during the dedication of the Temple. He offered numerous sacrifices and led the nation in prayer (1 Kings 8:62-64). Solomon's role in this grand event was a unique intersection of kingly and priestly functions, emphasizing the unity of worship and governance in Israel.

These instances illustrate that while the Aaronic priesthood was the norm, God occasionally appointed or allowed individuals outside this lineage to perform priestly duties. These exceptions were often marked by divine intervention or special circumstances, reflecting God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout history.Judges 6:24-27
Then Gideon built an altar there to the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: to this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 7:9
And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly to the LORD: and Samuel cried to the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 18:33
And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements.
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The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
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/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
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the courses of the priests and the ... For, saith he, 'I have not spoken of myself ...
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