The role of the High Priest in ancient Israel was one of profound spiritual significance and responsibility. As the chief religious leader, the High Priest served as the primary mediator between God and the people, performing sacred rituals and offering sacrifices on behalf of the nation. Central to this role was the expectation of tenderness and compassion, qualities that were essential for effectively ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of the people.

Biblical Foundation

The High Priest's duties are outlined in the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. The High Priest was required to be a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses, as established in Exodus 28:1: "Bring near to you your brother Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites to serve Me as priests—Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar." This hereditary office underscored the continuity and sanctity of the priestly line.

Tenderness and Compassion

The High Priest's role demanded a heart of tenderness and compassion, reflecting God's own nature. In Hebrews 5:2, the High Priest is described as one "who can deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is beset by weakness." This verse highlights the necessity for the High Priest to empathize with the people, understanding their struggles and weaknesses.

The High Priest's compassion was also evident in the Day of Atonement rituals, as described in Leviticus 16. On this solemn day, the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the nation. This act of intercession required a deep sense of empathy and a desire for reconciliation between God and His people.

The Example of Jesus Christ

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate High Priest, embodying perfect tenderness and compassion. Hebrews 4:15 states, "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." Jesus' earthly ministry was marked by acts of compassion, healing the sick, comforting the brokenhearted, and offering forgiveness to sinners.

Jesus' role as High Priest is further emphasized in Hebrews 7:25, which declares, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." His eternal intercession for believers is the ultimate expression of His tender and compassionate heart.

The High Priest's Garments

The garments of the High Priest, as described in Exodus 28, also symbolized his role as a compassionate mediator. The breastpiece, adorned with twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel, was worn over the heart, signifying the High Priest's deep concern for the people he represented before God. The ephod, robe, and turban were crafted with intricate detail, reflecting the dignity and solemnity of his office.

Conclusion

The High Priest's calling to be tender and compassionate was integral to his ministry, enabling him to serve as an effective mediator between God and the people. This role finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest, whose life and sacrifice exemplify perfect compassion and love.Hebrews 5:2
Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Our Compassionate High Priest
... invited confidence. I should think that all the people were glad when the
high priest was very tender and compassionate. Possibly that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/our compassionate high priest.htm

Preface
... Saviour of sinners, the Sun of Righteousness, the merciful High Priest, the Healer
of all human maladies and diseases, the tender, compassionate Friend, the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/preface.htm

The Holy Spirit and the World.
... is not the tender, loving and compassionate Savior who ... and comforting proof of the
Savior's tender sympathy with ... with the Father," our "High Priest who maketh ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the holy spirit and the.htm

Soldier Priests
... He is a merciful and faithful High Priest, and He consecrates His brethren to ... of
heroic devotion; and of all that is calm, still, compassionate, tender in the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/soldier priests.htm

Out of the Deep of Doubt, Darkness, and Hell.
... Be ye tender-hearted, compassionate, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's
sake, has forgiven you;" and again, "We have a High Priest who can be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/out of the deep/v out of the deep.htm

The First Cry from the Cross
... when the cruel iron rent his tender nerves, and ... heaven there stands the great High
Priest, who pleads ... are the objects of his compassionate intercessions, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 15 1869/the first cry from the.htm

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... just as some excellent physician or compassionate teacher; though ... is Jesus Christ
who came a High-Priest of the ... Thou art called a Christian: be tender of the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

Prayer Born of Compassion
... his heart was strangely warmed with tender compassion for ... everything else, we have
a compassionate Saviour, one ... Him for being the Great High Priest of Adam's ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/x prayer born of compassion.htm

Christianity a Light.
... "Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the dayspring [sun ... Compassionate. ...
Harmlessness. "For such an high priest became us, "That ye may be blameless and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i christianity a light.htm

How Christ is to be Made Use of as Our Life, in Case of ...
... 1.) That Christ is a compassionate, tender-hearted Mediator ... soul-comforting relations,
as a tender brother, a ... shepherd, a fellow-feeling high priest, a loving ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxii how christ is.htm

Why is God described as God Most High? | GotQuestions.org

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What was the biblical role of the high priest? | GotQuestions.org

High: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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