Skip to the content
Icon of Christ
› ›

Priests in the Old Testament

ZoxsasiZoxsasi
edited December 1969 in Coptic Orthodox Church
Hello,

Can someone tell me what was the function of the priests in the OT?

What did they have to do exactly?

Thanks

Comments

  • ilovesaintmarkilovesaintmark
    Hello Zoxsasi,

    In response to your aforementioned inquiry;


    Offer sacrifice:

    Burnt offerings--animals, incense, meal

    Administer the temple

    Offer prayers

    Supervise over the lower levites

  • ZoxsasiZoxsasi
    Thanks ILSM,

    Is that it? Is that all they did?
  • peterfarringtonpeterfarrington
    If you read from Exodus 28 onwards it describes the institution of the priesthood, and then if you read Leviticus it describes all the service which the priesthood was to conduct.

    There is an old book which has a chapter on the Jewish priesthood here...

    http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=h50uAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA448&dq=jewish+priesthood&hl=en&ei=9XL3TPuDI8_MswaU863DDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCYQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=jewish priesthood&f=false

    I am not sure how much detail you want, but there are quite a few other books about the Jewish priesthood listed on Google books.

    Father Peter
  • TITLTITL
    Father! This is a Protestant book!  :o

    Just kidding. I like getting under people's skin.
  • peterfarringtonpeterfarrington
    Yes, I know. But in relation to the narrow topic of Jewish priesthood it is probably safe.

    I read about 20 pages and it said nothing outrageous.

    It is particularly the modern Protestant books I find deficient they are usually more like a self-help book.

    Father Peter
  • TITLTITL
    lool self-help book.

    I agree with you.
  • ZoxsasiZoxsasi
    I'm asking, because if you read Zachariah Chapter 6, it says:



    9 The word of the LORD came to me: 10 “Take silver and gold from the exiles Heldai, Tobijah and Jedaiah, who have arrived from Babylon. Go the same day to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah. 11 Take the silver and gold and make a crown, and set it on the head of the high priest, Joshua son of Jozadak.[d] 12 Tell him this is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the LORD. 13 It is he who will build the temple of the LORD, and he will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne. And he[e] will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmony between the two.’ 14 The crown will be given to Heldai,[f] Tobijah, Jedaiah and Hen[g] son of Zephaniah as a memorial in the temple of the LORD. 15 Those who are far away will come and help to build the temple of the LORD, and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. This will happen if you diligently obey the LORD your God.”

    As far as I can see, it clearly states that Christ is a Priest. Priests don't usually sit on thrones, only Kings sit on Thrones. So He is a Priest and a King.

    As a function of a priest, they offered the sacrifice on behalf of the people. Didn't they? Which would make perfect sense, as Christ was offered as the atonement for our sins.
  • peterfarringtonpeterfarrington
    Melchizedek was also a priest and king.

  • ZoxsasiZoxsasi
    [quote author=Father Peter link=topic=10078.msg123194#msg123194 date=1291300298]
    Melchizedek was also a priest and king.




    Is there a parallel between Melchizedek and Jesus Christ?

    Surely the significance of Christ being a Priest on the Throne of a King is to present His role as a redemeer and someone who offered sacrifices on behalf of the people? Would that be correct?

  • peterfarringtonpeterfarrington
    This Messianic Psalm draws the analogy between the Messiah and Melchizedek, and also speaks of the kingship of the Messiah as well as his priesthood.

    Psalms 110:1-7  A Psalm of David.

    (1) The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

    (2) The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. 

    (3)  Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. 

    (4)  The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. 

    (5)  The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. 

    (6)  He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries. 

    (7)  He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.
Sign In or Register to comment.