Exodus teaches that intercession through priests was essential for maintaining fellowship between a holy God and His sinful people. The priests acted as mediators, offering sacrifices and prayers on behalf of the nation, demons/”>demonstrating that access to God required a representative and atonement.
Exodus 28:29 highlights this role:
“So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the Lord continually.”
By bearing the names of the tribes, the high priest symbolically carried Israel into God’s presence, reminding the people that they could not approach Him directly. Their prayers and worship were accepted through the ministry of the priesthood, not independently.
Intercession was not limited to prayer but included sacrifices to cover sin. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest entered the Most Holy Place with blood to make atonement for himself and for the people (Leviticus 16:17). This showed that forgiveness and fellowship with God depended on an appointed mediator who acted according to God’s commands.
This system foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Intercessor. Unlike the priests of Exodus who were themselves sinners, Jesus is sinless and offers a once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 7:27). He now intercedes continually for believers at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34), ensuring that those who trust in Him have permanent access to the Father.
Exodus teaches that intercession is vital because sin separates man from God. It points to the greater reality that Christ alone bridges that gap perfectly and eternally.
