What are the requirements for priests in the Old Testament?

In the Old Testament, the requirements for priests are meticulously detailed, reflecting the sacred and significant role they played in the religious life of the Israelites. The priesthood was established by God through Moses, with Aaron and his descendants appointed as the first priests. The primary sources for understanding these requirements are the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, which collectively form a substantial part of the Pentateuch.

The primary qualifications for the priesthood can be categorized into several key areas: lineage, physical and moral qualifications, ceremonial ordination, and duties and responsibilities.

Lineage

The first and foremost requirement for becoming a priest in the Old Testament was that one had to be a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses. This is explicitly stated in several passages. For instance, in Exodus 28:1, God commands Moses, "Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests." This hereditary aspect of the priesthood ensured that it remained within a specific family line, which was crucial for maintaining the sanctity and continuity of the priestly office.

Physical and Moral Qualifications

The priests were also required to meet specific physical and moral standards. Leviticus 21 outlines many of these requirements. For instance, a priest could not have any physical defects. Leviticus 21:17-23 states that no descendant of Aaron who has a defect may come near to offer the food of his God. This included being blind, lame, disfigured, or having any other physical deformities. The rationale behind this requirement was to reflect the perfection and holiness of God in those who served Him directly.

Moreover, priests were expected to maintain high moral standards. They were to be holy and set apart, reflecting the holiness of God. Leviticus 21:6 says, "They must be holy to their God and must not profane the name of their God. Because they present the food offerings to the Lord, the food of their God, they are to be holy." This included regulations regarding marriage and family life. For example, a priest could not marry a prostitute or a woman who had been divorced (Leviticus 21:7). The high priest had even stricter requirements, such as only marrying a virgin from his own people (Leviticus 21:13-14).

Ceremonial Ordination

The process of ordination was elaborate and symbolically rich, involving several key steps as outlined in Exodus 29 and Leviticus 8. The ordination ceremony included washing with water, dressing in sacred garments, anointing with oil, and offering sacrifices.

First, the prospective priests were washed with water at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting (Exodus 29:4). This act of washing signified purification and the removal of impurities, preparing them for their holy duties.

Next, they were clothed in specific garments that had been meticulously described by God to Moses. These garments included a tunic, a sash, a robe, an ephod, a breastpiece, and a turban (Exodus 28:4). Each piece of clothing had symbolic significance, representing various aspects of their ministry and the nature of God. For instance, the ephod was made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen, symbolizing the glory and beauty of God (Exodus 28:6).

Anointing with oil was another crucial part of the ordination ceremony. This act symbolized the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and the setting apart of the priests for their sacred duties. Exodus 29:7 states, "Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head."

Finally, sacrifices were offered. These included a bull for a sin offering, two rams—one for a burnt offering and the other for ordination—and unleavened bread, cakes, and wafers (Exodus 29:1-3). The blood of the sacrifices was used in various parts of the ceremony, such as placing some on the right ear lobe, thumb, and big toe of the priests, symbolizing the consecration of their hearing, work, and walk to the service of God (Leviticus 8:23-24).

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties of the priests were manifold and included offering sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, teaching the Law, and acting as mediators between God and the people.

One of the primary duties was offering sacrifices. The book of Leviticus is replete with instructions on various types of offerings, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. Each type of offering had specific regulations regarding its purpose, the manner of offering, and who could partake in it. For example, Leviticus 1:3-4 describes the process for a burnt offering, which was to make atonement for the offerer.

Maintaining the sanctuary was another critical responsibility. This included ensuring that the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) was kept pure and holy. They were responsible for lighting the lamps, burning incense, and placing the showbread on the table before the Lord (Exodus 27:20-21; Leviticus 24:5-9).

Teaching the Law was also an essential duty. The priests were to instruct the Israelites in God's commandments and statutes. Malachi 2:7 states, "For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth." This teaching role extended to discerning between holy and unholy, clean and unclean, and ensuring that the community lived in accordance with God's laws (Leviticus 10:10-11).

Moreover, priests acted as mediators between God and the people. This mediatorial role was most evident on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), described in Leviticus 16. On this day, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the entire nation. This involved a complex ritual with the sacrifice of a bull and a goat, and the sending away of a scapegoat bearing the sins of the people into the wilderness.

Conclusion

The requirements for priests in the Old Testament were comprehensive and multifaceted, reflecting the gravity and sanctity of their role. They had to be descendants of Aaron, meet specific physical and moral standards, undergo a detailed ordination process, and faithfully execute their duties. These requirements underscored the holiness of God and the need for purity and dedication in those who served Him. The priesthood in the Old Testament was a profound and sacred institution, integral to the spiritual life and worship of the Israelite community.