Functions of Priests
Task | Reference |
Supervise and administrate sacrifices and offerings | |
Distinguish between sacred and common | |
Distinguish between clean and unclean | |
Purify accrued pollution of sin in holy place | |
Purify people from impurity | |
Keep gradations of holiness distinct | |
Protect purity of sanctuary | |
Interpret skin diseases and bodily discharges | |
Serve as occasional judges | Deut 17:8–13; 19:16–17; 21:1–5 (see also Num 5:11–31) |
Determine times of rituals | |
Assess and collect tithes | Lev 27:1–33; Exod 30:11–16 (compare Num 18:8–32; Deut 14:22–29; 18:1–8; 26:1–15) |
Interpret cultural and religious practices | |
Pronounce divine blessing on people | Num 6:22–27; Deut 10:8 (compare Lev 9:22) |
Teach God’s commands | Lev 10:10; Deut 33:10; 2 Chr 35:3 (compare Deut 31:9–13; Ezek 22:26; Hag 2:11–13) |
Give oracles via Urim and Thummim | Num 27:21; Deut 33:8; Ezra 2:59–63 (compare 1 Sam 14:41; 28:6; Neh 7:63–65) |
Give speeches before battle | |
Sound sacred trumpets | Num 10:1–10 (compare Num 31:6) |
Supervise the ark of God† | |
Give oracles regarding war | |
Supervise decisions to destroy banned spoils of war |
† The Levites hauled the ark of God, but the priests supervised the process (see Num 3:31–32; Deut 31:9, 25)
About Faithlife Study BibleFaithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text. |
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