The role of the High Priest in the Old Testament is a profound typology of Christ's intercessory work. The High Priest served as the principal mediator between God and the Israelites, a role that foreshadows the ultimate mediation of Jesus Christ. This typology is deeply rooted in the sacrificial system and the Day of Atonement, where the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people.

Old Testament Role of the High Priest

The High Priest was appointed to offer sacrifices and prayers on behalf of the people, acting as a bridge between the holy God and sinful humanity. In Exodus 28:1, God commands Moses, "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." The High Priest wore special garments, including the ephod and breastplate, which symbolized his unique role in bearing the names of the tribes of Israel before the Lord (Exodus 28:29).

On the Day of Atonement, described in Leviticus 16, the High Priest would enter the Most Holy Place with the blood of a bull and a goat to atone for his own sins and the sins of the people. Leviticus 16:34 states, "This shall be a permanent statute for you, to make atonement for the Israelites once a year because of all their sins." This annual ritual underscored the need for a mediator to intercede on behalf of the people.

Christ as the Fulfillment of the High Priest

The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest, who fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament priesthood. Hebrews 4:14-15 declares, "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."

Unlike the Levitical priests, who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Christ offered Himself once for all. Hebrews 7:27 states, "Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself." This singular, perfect sacrifice underscores the sufficiency and finality of Christ's atoning work.

Intercession of Christ

Christ's intercessory role is ongoing, as He continually mediates on behalf of believers. Romans 8:34 affirms, "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." This intercession is not limited to a specific time or place but is an eternal ministry, as Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father.

The High Priest's role in the Old Testament was a shadow of the greater reality found in Christ. As the ultimate High Priest, Jesus not only offered the perfect sacrifice but also continues to intercede for His people, ensuring their access to the Father and securing their salvation. This typology highlights the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, the eternal High Priest.Numbers 16:43-48
And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 7:25
Why he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come to God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

How to Make Use of Christ for Taking the Guilt of Our Daily Out ...
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groan, on Christ the Mediator ... his hand, who is a faithful high priest, and a ...
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Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... Let none but Christ be the high-priest and sacrifice for your souls to God; and
none but that doctrine which is apostolical, be to you as the mouth of Christ ...
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High: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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