1. Name / Role
Priests
2. Category
Religious Roles
3. Time Period / Biblical Context
Spanning from the time of Moses and the establishment of the Tabernacle (circa 15th century BC) through the Temple periods in Jerusalem. Priests were central figures in both Old Testament Israel and Second Temple Judaism, with continued relevance in the New Testament during the life and ministry of Jesus.
4. Origin / Background
Priests were descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses, from the tribe of Levi (Exodus 28:1). While all priests were Levites, not all Levites were priests. The role was hereditary, and the office of High Priest held preeminent authority, especially during the Temple period. The priesthood was central to Israel’s sacrificial and ritual system.
5. Primary Role / Function
Priests mediated between God and the people. They offered sacrifices, maintained the rituals of purity, taught the Law, and conducted religious festivals and daily worship in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The High Priest entered the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).
6. Key Characteristics / Traits
- Hereditary role (descendants of Aaron)
- Held sacred responsibility for Temple rituals
- Custodians of holiness, sacrifice, and ceremonial law
- Operated within strict purity codes
- Central to national and religious life
7. Symbolism / Spiritual Significance
Priests symbolised intercession, sacrifice, and holiness. They foreshadowed Christ, the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–5:10), who offers not animal sacrifices but Himself. The priesthood also pointed to the future reality of the “priesthood of all believers” (1 Peter 2:9), where every Christian has access to God through Christ.
8. Notable Figures / Examples
- Aaron – The first High Priest (Exodus 28)
- Eleazar and Phinehas – Faithful priestly descendants (Numbers 25)
- Eli – High Priest during Samuel’s time, whose sons were corrupt (1 Samuel 1–4)
- Zadok – Loyal priest during David’s reign (1 Kings 1:32–40)
- Caiaphas – High Priest who played a role in Jesus’ trial (John 18:13)
- Zechariah – Father of John the Baptist; a righteous priest (Luke 1:5–25)
9. Related Bible References
- Exodus 28–29 – Institution of the priesthood
- Leviticus 8–10 – Consecration and duties of priests
- Hebrews 4–10 – Christ as High Priest
- Malachi 2:1–9 – Rebuke of unfaithful priests
- Luke 1:5–23 – Zechariah’s priestly service
- John 18:13–14 – Role of Caiaphas in Jesus’ trial
10. Summary / Reflection
Priests were foundational to the worship and spiritual structure of Israel. Appointed by God and consecrated for holy service, they offered sacrifices and maintained ritual purity on behalf of the people. While many served faithfully, others became corrupt, leading to prophetic rebukes. In the New Testament, the priesthood finds its fulfilment in Jesus Christ, the eternal High Priest who grants believers direct access to God. The priestly role ultimately reflects God’s desire for holiness, mediation, and restored relationship between Himself and humanity.