Topical Encyclopedia The role of the High Priest in ancient Israel was of paramount importance, serving as the chief religious leader and the primary mediator between God and the people. The High Priest was responsible for performing sacrifices, especially on the Day of Atonement, and for maintaining the sanctity of the Temple. However, throughout Israel's history, the position of the High Priest was not immune to political influence and intervention, particularly by the reigning kings.Biblical Instances of Deposition The deposition of High Priests by kings is documented in several instances in the Old Testament. One notable example is found during the reign of Solomon. Abiathar, who had served as High Priest, was removed from his position by King Solomon. This act is recorded in 1 Kings 2:27 : "So Solomon banished Abiathar from being priest to the LORD, fulfilling the word the LORD had spoken at Shiloh about the house of Eli." Abiathar's removal was politically motivated, as he had supported Adonijah's claim to the throne against Solomon. Solomon's decision to depose Abiathar was both a fulfillment of divine prophecy and a strategic move to consolidate his rule. Another instance is seen during the reign of King Josiah. In 2 Kings 23:8-9 , Josiah is described as purging the land of idolatrous practices and deposing priests who had been appointed by previous kings to serve at high places. Although these were not High Priests in the traditional sense, this action underscores the influence kings had over religious appointments. Political and Religious Implications The deposition of High Priests by kings highlights the intersection of political power and religious authority in ancient Israel. While the High Priest was primarily a religious figure, the position was not entirely insulated from the political dynamics of the time. Kings, who were seen as God's anointed leaders, often exercised their authority over religious matters to ensure political stability and religious conformity. This practice, however, was not without controversy. The High Priest was traditionally seen as a divinely appointed role, with lineage tracing back to Aaron, the brother of Moses. The involvement of kings in appointing or deposing High Priests could be viewed as an overreach of royal authority into the sacred domain. Historical Context and Legacy The influence of kings over the High Priesthood continued into the Second Temple period, where the role became increasingly politicized. During the Hasmonean and Herodian periods, the High Priesthood was often subject to political manipulation, with appointments being made by foreign rulers or local political leaders. The legacy of this practice is reflected in the New Testament, where the High Priesthood during the time of Jesus was marked by political intrigue and collaboration with Roman authorities. This context provides a backdrop for understanding the complex relationship between religious and political powers in the biblical narrative. In summary, the deposition of High Priests by kings in ancient Israel serves as a testament to the intricate balance of power between religious and political spheres. It underscores the challenges faced by religious leaders in maintaining spiritual integrity amidst political pressures and highlights the enduring tension between divine appointment and human authority. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 2:27So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest to the LORD; that he might fulfill the word of the LORD, which he spoke concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Acts IV The Epistle to the Hebrews John the Baptist's Person and Preaching. Articles of Religion of the Reformed Episcopal Church in America. ... A Table of the Chief Things. The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close. In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ... Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii. The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus The Counsel of Gamaliel. Resources What does it mean that Jesus is our High Priest? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is meant by High Church and Low Church? | GotQuestions.org What is Jesus' High Priestly Prayer? | 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) |
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