Topical Encyclopedia The role of the High Priest in the Old Testament is a profound typology of Jesus Christ, illustrating the holiness and mediatorial work of the Messiah. The High Priest was the supreme religious leader among the Israelites, appointed to act on behalf of the people in matters related to God. This sacred office was established by divine command and was central to the religious life of Israel, as outlined in the Pentateuch.Divine Appointment and Holiness The High Priest was divinely appointed, beginning with Aaron, the brother of Moses, as recorded in Exodus 28:1: "Now bring near to you your brother Aaron and his sons with him from among the Israelites to serve Me as priests—Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar." This appointment underscores the sanctity and divine selection inherent in the office, prefiguring Christ's own divine appointment as our eternal High Priest. Hebrews 5:5-6 affirms this, stating, "So also Christ did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest, but He was called by the One who said to Him, 'You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.' And in another passage God says: 'You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.'" Mediatorial Role The High Priest served as a mediator between God and the people, a role that Christ fulfills perfectly. On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 16). This act of mediation is a shadow of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Hebrews 9:11-12 explains, "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. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." Holiness and Purity The High Priest was required to maintain a standard of holiness and purity, symbolized by his sacred garments and rituals. Exodus 28:2 describes these garments: "Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor." These garments included the ephod, breastplate, robe, and turban, each with specific significance and symbolism pointing to the purity and righteousness of Christ. Jesus, in His sinless life, embodies the ultimate holiness required of the High Priest, as stated in Hebrews 7:26 : "Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens." Intercessory Work The High Priest's intercessory work is another aspect that typifies Christ. The High Priest bore the names of the tribes of Israel on the breastplate over his heart when he entered the Holy Place, symbolizing his role in representing the people before God (Exodus 28:29). Similarly, Christ intercedes for believers, as described in Romans 8:34 : "Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us." Eternal Priesthood Unlike the Levitical priests, whose service was temporary and limited by death, Christ's priesthood is eternal. Hebrews 7:23-24 contrasts the two: "Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood." This eternal aspect of Christ's priesthood assures believers of a continual and unchanging intercession before God. In summary, the High Priest in the Old Testament serves as a profound typology of Jesus Christ, illustrating His holiness, mediatorial work, and eternal priesthood. Through the High Priest's divinely appointed role, we gain a deeper understanding of Christ's perfect fulfillment of this sacred office. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 21:15Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the LORD do sanctify him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 7:26 Library Fifth Sunday in Lent Scriptural Types. Entire Sanctification in Prophecy. Entire Sanctification in Type. On the Offices of Our Lord Jesus Christ Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The ... Index of Subjects. Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision The Difference Between the Two Testaments. 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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