-
The Priesthood: Leviticus 8-10
In establishing the Israelites as His people, God ordered that there be a priesthood established from the house of Aaron. Though one must have been a Levite to be a priest, not all Levites were priests. However, the Levites were given special duties relating to the work of God, particularly in the tabernacle.
The idea of the “priesthood” was that these special servants could “draw near” to God for the people (Exod. 19:22; 30:20). They were to tend to the work of God, offer up sacrifices for the sins of the people, and direct the people’s attention to the Law. Thus, the priesthood was given by God to maintain a fellowship between the Holy God and the sinful nation. They brought the gifts and sacrifices of the people to God, and they conveyed God’s gifts and blessings to the nation (Leviticus 8-10).
Moses gives a good overview of the idea of the priesthood in Numbers 16:5, when dealing with the rebellion of Korah. First, they were chosen by God to be His servants. Second, the primary qualification was that they were to be holy; and third, their essential function was that they would draw near to God for the people. The High Priest was the the culminating point of the priesthood. Aaron was the first. Their requirements were very stringent.
The significance of the priesthood today is that it foreshadowed Jesus as the great High Priest, and all Christians as those who could draw near to God through Jesus (Hebrews 8:1-6; 10:19-22; 1 Peter 2:5, 9).
Discussion
1. What is the idea of a “priesthood”? How were they to carry out their function?
2. What were the primary qualifications of one who would be a priest?
3. Who was the first High Priest?
4. What was the work of the Levites?
5. What did the priesthood foreshadow? Why is this significant to us today?
6. Describe the New Testament priesthood.