In the religious structure of ancient Israel, the High Priest held a position of significant authority and responsibility, particularly in the administration and organization of the priesthood. One of the critical duties of the High Priest was the appointment of priests to various offices and roles within the temple service. This responsibility was essential for maintaining the order and sanctity of worship as prescribed in the Mosaic Law.

Biblical Foundation

The role of the High Priest in appointing priests is rooted in the Levitical system established by God through Moses. The tribe of Levi was set apart for priestly duties, with Aaron and his descendants designated as the priestly line (Exodus 28:1). The High Priest, as the chief religious leader, was tasked with overseeing the functions and duties of the priests and Levites.

Authority and Oversight

The High Priest's authority in appointing priests is implied in several passages of the Old Testament. In Numbers 3:10, God commands, "Appoint Aaron and his sons to serve as priests; anyone else who approaches the sanctuary must be put to death." This directive underscores the exclusive role of Aaron's lineage in the priesthood and the High Priest's responsibility to ensure that only those from this line serve in the sacred office.

Furthermore, the High Priest was responsible for ensuring that the priests adhered to the regulations and standards set forth in the Law. Leviticus 21 outlines the qualifications and conduct required of priests, emphasizing the need for holiness and purity. The High Priest, therefore, played a crucial role in upholding these standards by appointing qualified individuals to serve.

Delegation of Duties

The High Priest also had the authority to delegate specific duties to other priests and Levites. This delegation was necessary due to the extensive nature of temple services, which included sacrifices, offerings, and various rituals. In 1 Chronicles 24, we see an example of this delegation, where the priests are organized into divisions for service in the temple. Although this organization is attributed to King David, it reflects the ongoing practice of structured priestly service, overseen by the High Priest.

Spiritual Leadership

Beyond administrative duties, the High Priest's role in appointing priests carried a spiritual dimension. The High Priest was seen as a mediator between God and the people, and his appointments were expected to reflect divine will and guidance. This spiritual leadership is exemplified in the consecration of priests, where the High Priest played a central role in the ordination ceremonies, as described in Leviticus 8.

Continuity and Succession

The appointment of priests by the High Priest also ensured continuity and succession within the priesthood. This continuity was vital for preserving the traditions and practices of Israelite worship. The High Priest's oversight in this area helped maintain the integrity and stability of the religious system, as seen in the careful genealogical records maintained in books like Ezra and Nehemiah.

In summary, the High Priest's duty of appointing priests to offices was a multifaceted responsibility that encompassed authority, oversight, delegation, spiritual leadership, and continuity. This role was integral to the functioning of the temple and the religious life of Israel, as it ensured that the worship of God was conducted according to His commandments and with the reverence due to His holy name.1 Samuel 2:36
And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in your house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray you, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Counter-Reformation
... that the best method of securing a high standard of ... of morality, but after he became
a priest nothing could ... the standard of education and by appointing to the ...
/.../chapter iv the counter-reformation.htm

On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... 9. The duties of his office he discharged in the same ... when he sings the praises of
the great High-priest, who hath ... Here too was shown in a very high degree the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxi on the great.htm

Confessio Augustana.
... every kind of life, and its duties; what kinds ... one Christ the Mediator, Propitiatory,
High-Priest, and Intercessor ... doth only pertain to the priests, the example ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/confessio augustana.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... you to be remiss in Christian duties, or as ... and fair inferences drawn from Christ's
offices, thou are ... be certainly cast away, did not thy high priest take away ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... Hrihor, who was still high priest, was in need ... triads constituted by the Chaldaean
priests"even before ... of supreme power; then, after appointing governors of ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Age of Absolutism and Unbelief
... While feeling was thus running high another event happened ... guardians of the peace
to carry out their duties. ... He asked whether a priest should absolve a penitent ...
/.../chapter vii the age of.htm

[Endnotes]
... 2:13, v.1, vi.4, xii.1. Eusebius argues from the number of high priests that our ...
There is a tradition that he aspired to be the son-in-law of the high priest. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... within; nor can any of thy most holy duties, nor all ... righteousness should be as long,
as broad, as high, as deep ... able as the judge of the king's appointing to do ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... is essential to fit the human being for the important duties of life ... that with great
devotion, even all things, both the high-place, priest, clerk, vestment ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Causes of the Reformation
... his later years he was ordained priest and held ... fond of appointing his relatives
to high positions in ... qualifications, and, as a rule, the duties of visitation ...
/.../chapter i causes of the.htm

Why is God described as God Most High? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of high places in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What was the biblical role of the high priest? | GotQuestions.org

High: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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