- Definition:
- A priest is one authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion, especially a mediator between man and God. (Webster)
- Priests in the Bible:
- The origin of dedicated priests is uncertain.
- Melchizedek, King of Salem, was a priest of God (Gen. 14:18).
- Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, was a priest of Midian. (Exodus 4:1)
- There were priests among the Israelites when they came out of Egypt. (Exodus 19:22, 24)
- False priests served false gods in various instances.
- Appointment and Designation of Priests:
- At Mount Sinai, God designated Aaron and his descendants to serve as priests. (Exodus 28:1, 44; 30:30; 40:13-15; Numbers 3:3)
- All priests were Levites, but not all Levites were priests.
- Only those designated could perform priestly duties.
- Qualifications for Priestly Service:
- Must be a male (Exodus 28:1)
- Must be a descendant of Aaron (Exodus 28:1) with a documented lineage.
- Must be between 30 and 50 years old. (Numbers 4:3)
- Must be unblemished (not lame or blind). (Lev. 21:16-23)
- Must have a proper marriage. (Leviticus 21:9, 14)
- Duties of the Priest:
- Teach the people. (Leviticus 10:8-11)
- Serve as judges to resolve controversy. (Deut. 21:5)
- Offer sacrifices. (Exodus 29:38-42) (Leviticus 13-15)
- Assess impurity. Burn incense. (Exodus 30:7-8)
- Bless the people. (Numbers 6:22-27)
- Keep the tabernacle. (Numbers 3:38; 4;16)
- The High Priests:
- Also called the chief priest. (2 Chronicles 19:11)
- God’s leader over the priests.
- The position continued through the time of Christ (Matthew 26:3) and apparently to the time of the destruction of the temple by the Romans in 70 A.D.
- Duties of the High Priest:
- Direct the work of the priests & Levites. (Numbers 3:4)
- Inquire of the Lord. (Judges 20:28)
- Consecration of the priests. (Exodus 29:1-37)
- Maintain the golden candlestand with its fire. (Lev. 24:1-4)
- Burning incense daily (Exodus 30:7-8), and in a special way on the Day of Atonement. (Leviticus 16:2, 12-13)
- Offering sacrifices on the Day of Atonement. (Hebrews 5:1)
Old Testament Priests & Priesthood
Faith & Reason Nexus 
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