Topical Bible: The High Priest: The Deputy of had Oversight of the Levites

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The role of the High Priest in ancient Israel was a position of significant religious and administrative authority, serving as the chief religious leader and the primary mediator between God and the people. The High Priest held a unique position within the Levitical priesthood, which was established by divine command through Moses and Aaron, as recorded in the Pentateuch.

Biblical Foundation and Duties

The High Priest was a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses, from the tribe of Levi. The book of Exodus outlines the initial appointment of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood: "Bring near to you your brother Aaron and his sons with him, from among the Israelites, to serve Me as priests" (Exodus 28:1). The High Priest's primary responsibilities included performing sacrifices, maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), and overseeing the various religious festivals and rituals prescribed in the Law.

One of the most significant duties of the High Priest was to enter the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to make atonement for the sins of the people. Leviticus 16:32-34 describes this solemn occasion: "The priest who is anointed and ordained to succeed his father as high priest is to make atonement. He is to put on the sacred linen garments and make atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, and for the priests and all the people of the assembly."

Oversight of the Levites

The High Priest also had oversight of the Levites, who were responsible for various duties related to the Tabernacle and Temple services. The Levites were set apart for service to God, as described in Numbers 3:5-10: "The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 'Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. They are to perform duties for him and for the whole community at the Tent of Meeting by attending to the service of the tabernacle.'"

The High Priest functioned as the deputy of oversight, ensuring that the Levites fulfilled their roles in accordance with God's commandments. This included the maintenance of the sacred space, the preparation of offerings, and the teaching of the Law to the people. The High Priest's leadership was crucial in maintaining the spiritual and ritual purity of the nation.

Symbolism and Typology

The High Priest's role was rich in symbolism, foreshadowing the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament. The book of Hebrews elaborates on this typology, stating, "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands, that is, not of this creation" (Hebrews 9:11). Christ's once-for-all sacrifice and His eternal priesthood fulfill the Old Testament priestly system, providing believers with direct access to God.

Historical Context and Evolution

Throughout Israel's history, the role of the High Priest evolved, especially during the Second Temple period. The political and religious landscape of the time saw the High Priesthood becoming a position of considerable influence, sometimes subject to political appointments and corruption, as seen in the accounts of the Maccabean and Herodian periods.

Despite these challenges, the High Priest remained a central figure in Jewish religious life until the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, which marked the end of the traditional sacrificial system and the High Priest's role as it was known in ancient Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 3:32
And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Josiah
... 9. And when they came to Hilkiah the high priest, they delivered ... He could work this
time by deputy. ... Perhaps he knew how Joash had been balked by the knavery of ...
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