In Leviticus 21 In What Ways Does The High Priests Role Foreshadow The Work Of Christ?
The High Priest in Leviticus 21: Foreshadowing the Work of Christ
The role of the high priest in the Old Testament, especially as described in Leviticus 21, is rich with significance and points forward to the ultimate High Priest—Jesus Christ. By examining the regulations and responsibilities for the high priest, we can see how these ancient truths illuminate the person and work of Christ in the New Testament.
The High Priest: Set Apart for Holiness
Leviticus 21 outlines the qualifications and expectations for priests, with even stricter requirements for the high priest. He was to be wholly dedicated to God, set apart from the rest of the people and even from other priests.
They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of Jehovah made by fire, the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy. - Leviticus 21:6 ASV
The high priest’s holiness was necessary because he alone could enter the Holy of Holies and make atonement for the people’s sins (Leviticus 16:17 ASV). This separation and holiness foreshadows Christ’s perfect sinlessness:
For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. - Hebrews 4:15 ASV
The High Priest as Mediator
The high priest stood as a mediator between God and Israel, offering sacrifices for sin and interceding on behalf of the people. This mediatorial role prefigures Christ’s ultimate mediation:
For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus. - 1 Timothy 2:5 ASV
Unlike the Old Testament high priests who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offered Himself once for all as the perfect sacrifice:
Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place year by year with blood not his own; ... but now once at the end of the ages hath he been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. - Hebrews 9:25-26 ASV
Perpetual Priesthood and Incorruptibility
Leviticus 21 also emphasizes the unbroken nature of the high priesthood—he was not to defile himself, even for family, and was to remain ritually pure at all times (Leviticus 21:10-12 ASV). This points to Jesus’ eternal priesthood:
But he, because he abideth forever, hath his priesthood unchangeable. Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. - Hebrews 7:24-25 ASV
The High Priest’s Garments and Anointing
The high priest was clothed in special garments and anointed with oil, symbolizing God’s chosen servant (Leviticus 21:10 ASV). These outward signs pointed to the spiritual reality fulfilled in Christ, who is anointed not with oil, but with the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18 ASV).
Summary: Christ, Our Great High Priest
In summary, the Old Testament high priest’s role as described in Leviticus 21 is a type, or foreshadowing, of the ultimate work of Christ. Where the high priest was set apart, mediated between God and man, and maintained ritual purity, Christ fulfills these shadows perfectly—He is the holy, eternal, and perfect mediator who offers Himself as the once-for-all sacrifice for our sins.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus... let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith. - Hebrews 10:19 ASV