Topical Encyclopedia In the religious hierarchy of ancient Israel, the High Priest held a position of supreme spiritual authority and was often referred to simply as "The Priest." This title underscores the unique and singular role the High Priest played in the religious life of the Israelites, serving as the primary mediator between God and His people.Biblical References and Duties The High Priest's role is extensively detailed in the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. The High Priest was responsible for performing the most sacred rituals, including the annual Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) sacrifices, as described in Leviticus 16. On this day, the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies, the innermost part of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), to offer sacrifices for the atonement of the sins of the people. Leviticus 16:32-33 states, "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." Symbolism and Garments The High Priest's garments were rich in symbolism and prescribed by divine command. Exodus 28 provides a detailed description of these garments, which included the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash. Each piece held symbolic significance, representing various aspects of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The breastplate, for instance, contained twelve stones, each inscribed with the name of one of the tribes of Israel, signifying the High Priest's role in representing the entire nation before God. The Priesthood Lineage The High Priesthood was established through the line of Aaron, the brother of Moses, as recorded in Exodus 28:1 : "And bring near to you your brother Aaron and his sons with him from among the Israelites to serve Me as priests—Aaron and his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar." This hereditary office was passed down through Aaron's descendants, ensuring continuity in the priestly functions and maintaining the sanctity of the office. Role in the New Testament In the New Testament, the role of the High Priest is often referenced in the context of Jesus Christ's ministry and His fulfillment of the Old Testament priesthood. The Epistle to the Hebrews presents Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, who surpasses the Aaronic priesthood by offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 4:14-15 states, "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." Significance in Worship and Community Life The High Priest was not only a religious leader but also a central figure in the community life of Israel. His role extended beyond the confines of the Temple, influencing legal and social matters. The High Priest's authority was recognized in various aspects of governance, and his presence was integral to maintaining the spiritual and moral order of the nation. In summary, the High Priest, often referred to simply as "The Priest," was a pivotal figure in the religious and communal life of ancient Israel, serving as the primary intermediary between God and His people and prefiguring the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, in the New Testament. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 29:30And that son that is priest in his stead shall put them on seven days, when he comes into the tabernacle of the congregation to minister in the holy place. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 7:65 Library The Trial Before the High Priest. Christ as Righteousness; as the Demiurge, the Agent of the Good ... Concerning John of Gischala. Concerning the Zealots and the High ... Priest and victim The Bells on the Priest's Robe were a Figure of the Apostles. The Two Boy Kings. Retiring Before the Sanhedrin's Decree. Epistle Lxiv. To Rogatianus, Concerning the Deacon who Contended ... Peter Thrice Denies the Lord. The Family from which I am Derived is not an Ignoble One... Resources Why did Solomon worship at a high place? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a high Sabbath? | GotQuestions.org Did the high priest have a rope tied to him when he entered the Holy of Holies? | 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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