Topical Bible: The High Priest was Called: Ruler of the People

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Topical Encyclopedia

The title "Ruler of the People" ascribed to the High Priest reflects the significant religious and socio-political role held by this office in ancient Israel. The High Priest was not only a spiritual leader but also a central figure in the governance and judicial systems of the Israelite community.

Biblical Foundation

The role of the High Priest is deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law, where Aaron, the brother of Moses, was appointed as the first High Priest (Exodus 28:1). The High Priest was responsible for performing sacred rituals, including the annual Day of Atonement sacrifices, and maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle and later the Temple.

Ruler of the People

The designation "Ruler of the People" underscores the High Priest's authority beyond religious duties. In the absence of a king, especially during the period of the Judges, the High Priest often served as a de facto leader, providing guidance and making critical decisions for the nation. This role is exemplified in the leadership of Eli and later in the influence of the High Priesthood during the monarchy and post-exilic periods.

Judicial Authority

The High Priest held a prominent position in the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court, which further solidified his status as a ruler. Deuteronomy 17:9-12 outlines the judicial responsibilities of the priests and Levites, with the High Priest playing a crucial role in interpreting the Law and ensuring justice. The Berean Standard Bible states, "You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict" (Deuteronomy 17:9).

Symbol of Unity

As a ruler, the High Priest symbolized the unity of the twelve tribes of Israel. His garments, particularly the breastplate with twelve stones representing each tribe, served as a constant reminder of his role in maintaining the spiritual and communal cohesion of the nation (Exodus 28:15-21).

Intercessor and Mediator

The High Priest acted as an intercessor between God and the people, offering sacrifices and prayers on their behalf. This mediatory role is highlighted in Hebrews 5:1, "Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins" . This function further established the High Priest as a central figure in the spiritual and communal life of Israel.

Historical Context

Throughout Israel's history, the influence of the High Priest varied. During the Hasmonean period, the High Priesthood became intertwined with political power, with the High Priest often assuming the role of a political leader. This dual role continued into the Roman period, where the High Priest held significant sway over Jewish affairs under Roman oversight.

Conclusion

The title "Ruler of the People" aptly describes the multifaceted role of the High Priest in ancient Israel. As a spiritual leader, judicial authority, and symbol of unity, the High Priest was integral to the religious and political life of the nation, guiding the people in adherence to the covenant with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 22:28
You shall not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of your people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 23:5
Then said Paul, I knew not, brothers, that he was the high priest: for it is written, You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Epistle Lxiv. To Rogatianus, Concerning the Deacon who Contended ...
... that humility which taught us also to be humble, He still called him a priest whom
He ... blow, and it was said to Him, "Answerest thou the high priest so?" He ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxiv to rogatianus concerning.htm

Acts xxii. 17-20
... people?" For if he were not the ruler, was it ... because (Ananias) did not deserve to
be called this, but ... did not know that it was the high priest, [1084] since ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xlviii acts xxii 17-20.htm

Epistle Lxviii. To Florentius Pupianus, on Calumniators.
... 1. Cyprian, who is also called Thascius, [2784] to Florentius ... I wist not, brethren,
that he was the high priest; for it ... shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxviii to florentius pupianus.htm

The Events which Took Place in Jerusalem During the Reign of Nero.
... these things were done at will as if in a city destitute of a ruler. ... not high priest
at this time, but that he had been high priest and was called so on ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xx the events which took.htm

That the Ruler Relax not his Care for the Things that are Within ...
... The ruler should not relax his care for the ... is platos, streets (plate??) have been
so called from their ... appear in the vestment of the high-priest within the ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter vii that the ruler.htm

Chapter xix.
... [174] But since the face cannot be called right and left ... I wist not, brethren, that
he was the high priest; for it ... Thou shall not speak evil of the ruler of thy ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xix.htm

The Jews Become Confederates with Caesar when He Fought against ...
... Jamblicus the ruler, and Ptolemy his son, and Tholomy ... Jews, who dwelt in the country
called Onion, would ... the epistles of Hyrcanus the high priest, wherein he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the jews become.htm

How, Upon the Death of Solomon the People Forsook his Son Rehoboam ...
... day, and appointed Jeroboam to be the ruler of their ... And when he had called those
ten tribes together over ... the heifer, and undertook to be high priest himself. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 how upon the.htm

Paul Before the Council.
... Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy ... Ignorance of the person of the
high-priest would not have ... he was reviled, reviled not again," called Herod the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvi paul before the.htm

Acts XXIII
... Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy ... excuse himself, by urging that the
high priest deserved all ... the resurrection of the dead I am called in question. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxiii.htm