When we first get the priest’s role in Exodus we still have an almost vague understanding of who they are and what they do. Sure things are clearly defined in places, but I feel we get a huge and better definition of what the Priest does in Leviticus. And really there is a massive shift of the priest’s role from just being a priest here in Leviticus. For instance in Lev. 4:22 it mentions what to do when a “ruler” sins, however, when we get to the end of this section in v. 26 it clearly states that the “rulers” previously mentioned are the priests. So the first new role of priest we find is Ruler. Now ruler to what extent we’re not entirely clear on, but it is interesting to see this shift. There are repeated phrases of “ and the priest shall make atonement on your behalf for the error that you committed and you shall be forgiven” given throughout Leviticus and in this, chief among the new roles of the priest I think, makes the priest our scapegoat, or our interceder on our behalf for our sins, because we cannot do it for ourselves. Then in ch. 12-15 we see the Priest become a doctor of sorts, “examining” all of these unclean things and then making a diagnosis from this and how to cure it, or as they say make them clean again. Then there is an underlying sense too that the Priest has taken on a Judge like role as well, because the laws are given and when they are broken the people have to come to the priests for their offerings and subsequent forgiveness for sins. Then as we finally get to the end of the book of Leviticus around 27:23 the priest also becomes a sort of banker as well, “computing for it the proportionate assessment”. Wow. The Priest takes on a whole new role in Leviticus, a much broader, bigger role at that. One might even say he pretty much does it all as it were. To Recount:
i. He is a Priest
ii. He is a Ruler
iii. He is an Interceder
iv. He is a Doctor
v. He is a Judge
vi. He is a Banker
Not only this, but he gets fed by the people’s offerings, some of them anyway. I have to say the Priest has pretty much got it made. He of course does have the most responsibility, more money more problems as they say. But he is in charge of all of the holy stuff and communicating with God for us and carrying the Ark of the Covenant. Whew! I may have left out some underlining changes in the priest’s role and for that I apologize, but in these six things alone we see a major change in all that the Priest is and does. For me it is just interesting to take notice and I hope it is for you as well. I want to expound further on each role, but I don’t have the time or space so it is really key to see the shift and you can pretty much pick up in the meanings of most of them from the reading alone. Maybe relevantly speaking it might give us a sense as to why we rely on our priests and pastors for so much. Something to pounder . . . .
Kalos Elpis
No comments:
Post a Comment