The role of the High Priest in ancient Israel was multifaceted, encompassing religious, judicial, and sometimes prophetic functions. As the chief religious leader, the High Priest was responsible for performing sacrifices, entering the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement, and representing the people before God. However, there are instances in Scripture where the High Priest was also enabled to prophesy, serving as a conduit for divine revelation.

Biblical Instances of Prophetic High Priests

One of the most notable instances of a High Priest prophesying is found in the New Testament, in the Gospel of John. Caiaphas, the High Priest during the time of Jesus, unwittingly prophesied about the significance of Jesus' death. In John 11:49-52 , it is recorded: "But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, 'You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.' He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not only for the nation but also to gather together into one the children of God who were scattered abroad."

This passage highlights the unique role of the High Priest as an instrument of God's revelation, even when the individual may not be consciously aware of the prophetic nature of their words. Caiaphas' statement, intended as a political strategy, was used by God to reveal a deeper spiritual truth about the atoning work of Christ.

The Urim and Thummim

In the Old Testament, the High Priest also had access to the Urim and Thummim, mysterious objects used to discern God's will. While not prophecy in the traditional sense, the use of the Urim and Thummim was a means by which the High Priest could receive divine guidance. Exodus 28:30 instructs, "Put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD."

The Urim and Thummim were used in various instances to seek God's direction, such as in the selection of Saul as king (1 Samuel 10:20-22) and in the inquiry about going to battle (1 Samuel 14:41). While not direct prophecy, this method underscores the High Priest's role in communicating God's will to the people.

The High Priesthood and Prophetic Authority

The prophetic role of the High Priest was not a regular or ongoing function but occurred at specific times according to God's sovereign will. The High Priest's primary duties were centered around the sacrificial system and maintaining the holiness of the sanctuary. However, these instances of prophetic activity demonstrate that God could use the office of the High Priest to reveal His purposes and plans.

The High Priest's ability to prophesy, as seen in the case of Caiaphas, serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to use any means to accomplish His divine will. It also points to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills the roles of priest, prophet, and king, providing the ultimate revelation of God to humanity.John 11:49-52
And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said to them, You know nothing at all,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

An Awful Contrast
... That very omnipotence, which would have enabled him to ... Sometimes, vividly to realize
a truth even once, is ... Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/an awful contrast.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... and nation;" and to seek to be enabled, as a ... of sacrifice by the priesthood was
sometimes sprinkled; and ... in contrast with Christ, the great High Priest of our ...
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Faustus Willing to Believe not Only that the Jewish but that all ...
... the world,"sometimes in plain announcements, sometimes in figure ... but, since he was
high priest, he prophesied. ... The prophetic unction enabled him to prophesy ...
/.../faustus willing to believe not.htm

Directions How to Hear Sermons
... For when Jesus Christ, that great High-priest, had through ... be highly displeasing
to the Most High God, as ... It does indeed sometimes happen, that God, to magnify ...
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Acts IX
... familiarity with the Greek, which enabled him, in ... that, upon requisition of the high
priest, the authorities ... his personal ministry, Jesus sometimes spoke pardon ...
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The Original, Nature, Property, and Use of the Law
... By this they were, likewise, enabled to offer him a ... It is true, the word is sometimes
so understood ... forehead," (the type of our great High-Priest,) "that Aaron ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 34 the original nature.htm

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
... Lord?" The same spirit which enabled him to ... As also when the high priest commanded
him illegally ... and honest indignation, are sometimes excusable, oftentimes ...
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Prophets and Prophets. (xxiii. 9-32, xxvii-xxix, Etc. )
... For prophet and priest alike 11 Are utterly godless.(533) E ... to Israel had been and
however high His designs ... us how the will of God was sometimes suggested to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/2 prophets and prophets xxiii.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... this reason, the last three are sometimes denominated THE ... candlestick with oil which
alone enabled them to ... Robespierre acted the 'high-priest of Reason' on the ...
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Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... a figure of Jesus Christ, the true High Priest of our ... Sometimes they give clear
explanations, while at other times ... members of His body who are enabled, in holy ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm

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