What Is The Significance Of The High Priests Role In The Old Testament?
The High Priest in the Old Testament: Shadow of the Ultimate Mediator
Throughout the Old Testament, the high priest held a position of profound spiritual and symbolic significance within Israel’s worship and relationship with God. Understanding this role not only deepens our grasp of Israelite life and worship but also powerfully foreshadows the work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest.
The High Priest: Who Was He?
The high priest was the chief religious leader of Israel, beginning with Aaron, the brother of Moses (Exodus 28:1 ASV). He was set apart by God and anointed for a unique ministry in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies—the innermost sanctuary—once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to make atonement for the sins of the people.
And Jehovah said unto Moses, Take unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. - Exodus 28:1 ASV
Key Responsibilities of the High Priest
- Mediator Between God and the People: The high priest represented the people before God by offering sacrifices for sin and interceding on their behalf (Leviticus 16:15-17 ASV).
- Day of Atonement: Once a year, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to sprinkle blood on the mercy seat, symbolizing the covering of the nation’s sins (Leviticus 16:34 ASV).
- Teacher of the Law: The high priest instructed the people in God’s commandments and ensured the purity of worship (Malachi 2:7 ASV).
For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of Jehovah of hosts. - Malachi 2:7 ASV
Symbolic Significance
The high priest’s elaborate garments, the sacrifices he offered, and his exclusive access to the Holy of Holies all pointed to deeper spiritual realities:
- Holiness: The high priest was set apart for God’s service, symbolizing the holiness required to approach God (Leviticus 21:6 ASV).
- Substitutionary Atonement: By offering sacrifices, the high priest illustrated the principle that “without shedding of blood there is no remission” (Leviticus 17:11 ASV).
- Intercession: The high priest’s prayers and offerings prefigured the need for a mediator between sinful humanity and a holy God.
For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh atonement by reason of the life. - Leviticus 17:11 ASV
Foreshadowing Christ: The Ultimate High Priest
The New Testament reveals that the Old Testament high priest was a type (a foreshadow) of Jesus Christ, who is the perfect and final High Priest:
- Perfect Mediation: Jesus is the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5 ASV).
- Once-for-All Sacrifice: Unlike the Old Testament high priests, who offered sacrifices continually, Jesus offered Himself once for all as the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-12 ASV).
- Eternal Intercession: Jesus continually intercedes for believers before the Father (Hebrews 7:25 ASV).
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 7:25 ASV
Thus, the Old Testament high priest points us to Christ, who fulfills and surpasses all the hopes and symbolism of the ancient office, making a way for us to approach God with confidence (Hebrews 4:14-16 ASV).
Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. - Hebrews 4:14 ASV
In Summary
The high priest’s role in the Old Testament was central to Israel’s worship and relationship with God. He was a picture of holiness, sacrifice, and mediation—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest and Savior. Through Christ, all believers have direct access to God and the assurance of eternal redemption.