The high priest in the Old Testament held a significant role in the religious life of Israel, acting as a mediator between God and His people. This role, with its intricate responsibilities, ceremonies, and symbols, foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest. In this comprehensive post, we will explore the duties and garments of the high priest, the sacrificial atonement process, the significance of the Holy of Holies, the tools used in the tabernacle, and how these elements pointed to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of this sacred office.
The Role of the High Priest
The high priest was the highest-ranking spiritual leader among the Israelites, responsible for offering sacrifices for the atonement of sins and maintaining the sanctity of worship in the tabernacle (and later the temple). His primary role was to represent the people before God, especially on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This annual event was when the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies, the innermost and most sacred part of the tabernacle, to make atonement for the sins of the nation.
Leviticus 16 provides a detailed account of the Day of Atonement: “Then Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, concerning all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a suitable man” (Leviticus 16:21). This ceremony involved the use of two goats—one as a sin offering and the other as the “scapegoat”—symbolizing the removal of sin from the people.
The Sacrificial Atonement Process
Sacrificial atonement was central to the high priest’s duties. Sin offerings required the shedding of blood as a means to cover the sins of the people, aligning with Leviticus 17:11: “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 makes atonement for the soul.”
Throughout the year, the high priest conducted various sacrifices, but only on the Day of Atonement did he enter the Holy of Holies. The process involved several steps:
- Cleansing Ceremony: Before entering the Holy of Holies, the high priest underwent a stringent cleansing ritual, bathing himself and donning special garments. This act symbolized purity and readiness to enter God’s holy presence.
- Sacrificial Offerings: The high priest sacrificed a bull for his own sins and the sins of his household. Then he took two goats: one to be sacrificed for the sins of the people and the other to be released as the scapegoat.
- Entering the Holy of Holies: The high priest would enter with the blood of the sacrificed animal, sprinkling it on the mercy seat (the lid of the Ark of the Covenant), signifying that the sins of Israel were covered for another year.
The Holy of Holies and the High Priest’s Access
The Holy of Holies was the most sacred area in the tabernacle, separated by a thick veil. Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Hebrews 9:7). This restricted access symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin. The veil served as a reminder that the way to God’s presence was not yet open to everyone.
The High Priest’s Garments
The garments of the high priest were rich with symbolism, described in detail in Exodus 28. They were designed for “glory and for beauty” (Exodus 28:2) and included:
- The Ephod: The ephod was an intricately woven, sleeveless vest worn over a blue robe. It had two onyx stones on the shoulders, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:9-12). This symbolized the high priest bearing the people before God.
- The Breastplate of Judgment: Attached to the ephod, this square piece held twelve stones representing the twelve tribes. Each stone was set in gold, and the breastplate contained the Urim and Thummim, tools used for discerning God’s will (Exodus 28:15-30).
- The Robe: The robe of the ephod was blue, with pomegranates and golden bells sewn around the hem (Exodus 28:31-35). The bells served a practical purpose, allowing those outside to hear the high priest as he moved within the Holy of Holies.
- The Turban and Golden Plate: The high priest wore a white turban with a gold plate inscribed with “Holiness to the Lord” (Exodus 28:36-38), signifying his consecration to God.
- The Linen Tunic and Sash: Underneath these items, he wore a fine linen tunic and sash, completing the set.
The Tools and Furnishings of the Tabernacle
The tabernacle contained sacred tools and furnishings that played vital roles in worship and sacrifices:
- The Altar of Incense: Placed before the veil, this altar represented the prayers of the people rising to God (Exodus 30:1-10). The high priest burned incense on it daily.
- The Bronze Laver: Used for ceremonial washing, it ensured the priests’ hands and feet were clean before they entered the holy place or approached the altar (Exodus 30:17-21).
- The Golden Lampstand (Menorah): This provided light in the holy place and symbolized God’s eternal presence (Exodus 25:31-40).
- The Table of Showbread: Holding twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes, this table signified God’s provision (Exodus 25:23-30).
- The Ark of the Covenant: The most sacred object, it contained the stone tablets of the Law, Aaron’s rod, and manna. The mercy seat atop the Ark was where the high priest sprinkled blood for atonement (Exodus 25:10-22).
Jesus, Our Great High Priest
The role of the high priest in the Old Testament was a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, our eternal High Priest. The author of Hebrews explains this connection: “But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands” (Hebrews 9:11). Unlike the Levitical priests who entered the Holy of Holies yearly with the blood of animals, Jesus entered the heavenly Holy of Holies once for all with His own blood, obtaining eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12).
Jesus’ priesthood is said to be in the order of Melchizedek, an eternal and unique priesthood (Hebrews 7:17). Melchizedek, king of Peace and priest of the Most High God, is considered by many to be a Christophany—an appearance of Christ in the Old Testament (Genesis 14:18-20). This connection underscores Jesus’ role as both King and Priest, superior to the Aaronic priesthood.
The Sacrificial System as a Foreshadowing
The entire sacrificial system pointed to the need for a greater sacrifice. Hebrews 10:1-4 states that the law and its sacrifices were a shadow of good things to come, unable to perfect those who approached. The repetitive nature of animal sacrifices highlighted their inability to fully remove sin. In contrast, Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all: “And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:11-12).
The Veil Torn in Two
When Jesus died, the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), signifying that the barrier between God and humanity was removed. Access to God was now open to all through the finished work of Christ, our High Priest. This moment marked the end of the old sacrificial system and the beginning of a new covenant.
My Final Thoughts
The high priest of the Old Testament, with his intricate garments, sacred rituals, and the blood sacrifices, pointed forward to Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate High Priest who mediates a better covenant. The tools and ceremonies of the tabernacle highlighted humanity’s need for atonement and reconciliation with God, a need fulfilled perfectly in Jesus. By understanding the role and duties of the Old Testament high priest, we gain a richer appreciation for the significance of Jesus’ priesthood and the sufficiency of His sacrifice.
