Topical Encyclopedia The High Priest in ancient Israel held a position of immense religious and social significance, second only to the king in terms of authority and influence. This role was central to the spiritual life of the nation, serving as the primary mediator between God and the people. The High Priest was responsible for performing the most sacred rituals, including the annual Day of Atonement sacrifices, and was the only one permitted to enter the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle or Temple (Leviticus 16:2-34).Biblical Origins and Duties The office of the High Priest was established by God through Moses, with Aaron, the brother of Moses, being the first to hold the position (Exodus 28:1). The High Priest's duties were outlined in the Mosaic Law, which included overseeing the priesthood, maintaining the sanctity of the Temple, and ensuring the proper conduct of sacrifices and offerings. The High Priest wore distinctive garments, including the ephod, breastplate, and turban, each symbolizing different aspects of his sacred duties (Exodus 28:4-39). Role in Governance and Society While the king was the political leader, the High Priest held significant sway in religious and sometimes political matters. The High Priest's influence extended into the judicial realm, as he was often involved in interpreting the Law and making decisions on complex legal and moral issues. In times of national crisis, the High Priest could serve as a stabilizing figure, providing spiritual guidance and intercession. Historical Context Throughout Israel's history, the role of the High Priest evolved, particularly during the periods of the Judges, the united monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon, and the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. During the Second Temple period, the High Priest's role became even more prominent, especially under foreign rule, where he often acted as a liaison between the Jewish people and their overlords. Notable High Priests Several High Priests are mentioned in the Bible, each contributing uniquely to Israel's history. Aaron, the first High Priest, set the precedent for the office. Eli, though flawed, played a crucial role during the time of the Judges (1 Samuel 1:9). Zadok, a loyal supporter of King David, established a priestly line that continued through the reign of Solomon (1 Kings 1:39). In the New Testament, Caiaphas, the High Priest during Jesus' ministry, played a pivotal role in the events leading to the crucifixion (John 18:13-14). Symbolism and Typology The High Priest is often seen as a type of Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the ultimate High Priest. The Epistle to the Hebrews elaborates on this typology, presenting Jesus as the perfect mediator of a new covenant, surpassing the limitations of the Levitical priesthood (Hebrews 4:14-16, 7:26-28). This typology underscores the continuity and fulfillment of the Old Testament priestly system in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Conclusion The High Priest's role as next in rank to the king underscores the integral relationship between religious and political spheres in ancient Israel. As a central figure in the spiritual life of the nation, the High Priest's duties and responsibilities were vital to maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Lamentations 2:6And he has violently taken away his tabernacle, as if it were of a garden: he has destroyed his places of the assembly: the LORD has caused the solemn feasts and sabbaths to be forgotten in Zion, and has despised in the indignation of his anger the king and the priest. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library All the Apostles Urge the Observance of the Order of the Church. Methodical Liberality The Roman Power. The Babe that I Carry Carries Me, Saith Mary, and He Has Lowered ... Luke of Prague and the High Church Reaction. 1473-1530. Hebrews vii. 3-Jan An Advance in the Exhortation. Letter viii. To Demophilus, Therapeutes. About Minding Ones Own ... The Dedication Hebrews vii. 14-Nov Resources Why is God described as God Most High? | GotQuestions.orgWhat 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 Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics High Places of the Canaanites to be Destroyed High Places used for Idolatrous Worship High Places: A Term Used to Describe Places of Worship High Places: Adorned With Tapestry High Places: Built By Jeroboam High Places: Built By Manasseh High Places: Built By People of Israel High Places: Built By People of Judah High Places: Destroyed: Asa, Partially High Places: Destroyed: Hezekiah High Places: Destroyed: Jehoshaphat High Places: Destroyed: Josiah High Places: Enchantments Used Upon High Places: God Sometimes Worshipped On High Places: Hezekiah Destroys High Places: Jehoshaphat Destroys High Places: Licentious Practices At High Places: Not Removed: Amaziah High Places: Not Removed: Azariah High Places: Not Removed: Jehoash High Places: Not Removed: Jotham High Places: Priests Ordained For High Places: Sacrifices and Incense offered to Idols Upon High Places: Signify a Place of Idolatrous Worship High Places: Surrounded With Groves High Places: The Idolatrous, to be Destroyed High Places: The Jews: Built, in all Their Streets High Places: The Jews: Built, in Their Cities High Places: The Jews: Condemned for Building High Places: The Jews: Provoked God With High Places: The Jews: Punished For High Places: The Jews: Threatened With Destruction of The High Priest was Called: God's High Priest The High Priest was Called: Ruler of the People The High Priest was Called: The Priest The High Priest were for Beauty and Ornament The High Priest: Assisted by a Deputy The High Priest: Consecrated to his office The High Priest: Duties of Appointing Priests to offices The High Priest: Duties of Bearing Before the Lord the Names of Israel for a Memorial The High Priest: Duties of Blessing the People The High Priest: Duties of Consecrating the Levites The High Priest: Duties of Enquiring of God by Urim and Thummim The High Priest: Duties of Lighting the Sacred Lamps The High Priest: Duties of Making Atonement in the Most Holy Place Once a Year The High Priest: Duties of Offering Gifts and Sacrifices The High Priest: Duties of Presiding in the Superior Court The High Priest: Duties of Taking Charge of Money Collected in the Sacred Treasury The High Priest: Duties of Taking the Census of the People The High Priest: Family of Eli Degraded from office of, for Bad Conduct The High Priest: Forbidden to Mourn for Any The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in Being Made Without an Oath The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in Being of the Order of Aaron The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in Entering Into Holiest Every Year The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in Needing to Make Atonement for his own Sins The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in not Being Able to Continue The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in Offering oftentimes the Same Sacrifices The High Priest: Made by Divine Wisdom Given to Bezaleel The High Priest: Needed to Sacrifice for Himself The High Priest: Next in Rank to the King The High Priest: Office of, Made Annual by the Romans The High Priest: Office of, Promised to the Posterity of Phinehas for his Zeal The High Priest: Often Exercised Chief Civil Power The High Priest: Sometimes Deposed by the Kings The High Priest: Sometimes Enabled to Prophesy The High Priest: Special Garments of Breastplate The High Priest: Special Garments of Broidered Coat The High Priest: Special Garments of Ephod With Its Curious Girdle The High Priest: Special Garments of Girdle The High Priest: Special Garments of Linen Mitre The High Priest: Special Garments of Plate or Crown of Gold The High Priest: Special Garments of Robe of the Ephod The High Priest: Specially Called of God The High Priest: The Deputy of Called the Second Priest The High Priest: The Deputy of had Oversight of the Levites The High Priest: The Deputy of had Oversight of the Tabernacle The High Priest: The office of, Hereditary The High Priest: To be Tender and Compassionate The High Priest: To Marry a Virgin of Aaron's Family The High Priest: Typified Christ in Alone Entering Into Most Holy Place The High Priest: Typified Christ in Bearing the Names of Israel Upon his Heart The High Priest: Typified Christ in Being Called of God The High Priest: Typified Christ in Being Liable to Temptation The High Priest: Typified Christ in Blessing The High Priest: Typified Christ in Compassion and Sympathy for the Weak and Ignorant The High Priest: Typified Christ in His Appointment The High Priest: Typified Christ in His Title The High Priest: Typified Christ in Holiness of office The High Priest: Typified Christ in Interceding The High Priest: Typified Christ in Making Atonement The High Priest: Typified Christ in Marrying a Virgin The High Priest: Typified Christ in Performing by Himself all the Services on Day of Atonement The High Priest: Typified Christ in Splendid Dress The High Priest: Wore the Ordinary Priest's Garments when Making Atonement In The High Priest: Worn at his Consecration The High Priest: Worn at his Consecration: Descended to his Successors The High Priest: Worn at his Consecration: Worn Seven Days After Consecration Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
    |