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

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Topical Encyclopedia

The role of the High Priest in ancient Israel was a position of significant spiritual and administrative authority, serving as the chief religious leader and the primary mediator between God and the people. The High Priest held the responsibility of overseeing the Tabernacle, the sacred dwelling place of God's presence among the Israelites during their wilderness journey and later in the Temple in Jerusalem.

Biblical Foundation and Appointment

The office of the High Priest was established by God through Moses, with Aaron, the brother of Moses, being the first to hold this esteemed position. The High Priest was chosen from the tribe of Levi, specifically from the descendants of Aaron, as outlined in Exodus 28:1: "And you are to summon your brother Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites to serve Me as priests—Aaron and his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar."

Duties and Responsibilities

The High Priest's primary duty was to perform the most sacred rituals and sacrifices, particularly on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). On this day, the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies, the innermost part of the Tabernacle, to offer sacrifices for the atonement of the sins of the people. Leviticus 16:32-34 describes this solemn duty: "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."

In addition to these sacred duties, the High Priest was responsible for the overall supervision of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, ensuring that all rituals and sacrifices were conducted according to the laws given by God. This included the maintenance of the sacred space, the management of the other priests and Levites, and the safeguarding of the holy artifacts and vestments.

Symbolism and Vestments

The High Priest's garments were rich in symbolism, representing the holiness and authority of the office. These included the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, each with specific instructions for their creation and use as detailed in Exodus 28. The breastplate, known as the Breastplate of Judgment, contained the Urim and Thummim, tools used for divination and decision-making, signifying the High Priest's role in seeking God's guidance for the nation.

Spiritual Significance

The High Priest served as a foreshadowing of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who, according to the New Testament, offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 4:14-15 reflects on this connection: "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin."

Historical Context and Evolution

Throughout Israel's history, the role of the High Priest evolved, especially during the Second Temple period, when political influences began to affect the appointment and duties of the High Priest. Despite these changes, 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.

The High Priest's role as the deputy of oversight of the Tabernacle underscores the importance of maintaining a sacred space for worship and the need for a mediator between God and humanity, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 4:16
And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertains the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Pilgrim's Progress
... My name is Secret;[21] I dwell with those that are high. ... Had my Lord granted you
a conductor, you would not neither so have bewailed that oversight of yours ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm