7377 high priest, in OT

The OT emphasises the spiritual importance of the high priest, especially as the one who makes atonement for the sins of the nation. It also sets out his duties and responsibilities.

The role of the high priest

Making atonement on the Day of Atonement Lev 16:3 See also Lev 16:1-34

Teaching Dt 33:10 See also Ezr 7:12; Ne 8:2

Providing oracles Lev 8:8 See also Nu 27:21; Dt 33:8

Interceding Ezr 9:5

Administering the sanctuary Nu 3:38

Anointing kings 2Ki 11:12

Supervising censuses Nu 26:1-2

Encouraging soldiers Dt 20:2

Titles used to refer to the high priest

The priest Ex 31:10

The anointed priest Lev 4:3 See also Ex 30:30; Lev 4:5,16; Lev 16:32

The high priest Lev 21:10 See also Hag 1:12-14; Hag 2:2-4; Zec 3:1-8; Zec 6:11

Melchizedek, the king-priest

Ge 14:18; Ps 110:4 David’s son, as king-priest, is appointed to the order of Melchizedek, a priesthood superior to that of Aaron; Heb 7:11

High priesthood in the law

Only certain people might be high priests Nu 3:10

Consecration of a high priest Lev 8:30

Dignity of the high priesthood Dt 17:12 See also Lev 21:10

Dress of the high priest Ex 28:4 See also Lev 8:7-9; Lev 16:4

Other high priests mentioned in the OT

1Sa 1:9 Eli; 1Sa 21:2 Ahimelech; 1Ch 24:3 Zadok; 2Ki 16:10 Uriah; 2Ki 22:4 Hilkiah; 2Ki 25:18 Seraiah; Ne 3:1 Eliashib

See also