Introduction
In Exodus 28:1 we learn that Aaron and his sons were set apart to fill the office of priest in the Tabernacle. The subject of their office, garments, and consecration is introduced here because these things are to be viewed as part of the Tabernacle and its services. As revealed in Exodus 39:32 the Tabernacle was not complete until the priestly garments were made.1. A General Description
A. Since the entrance of sin into the world men have always felt the need of a priest. Even pagan religions include a special priestly class to stand between the devotee and their god. This desire for a priest is caused by man's feeling of guilt and his need for a mediator between himself and God.
B. The Levitical priests were ordained of God under the Old Covenant to serve in the Tabernacle and Temple worship. Their work was symbolic and typical of the true priestly work of Jesus Christ our great high priest.
C. The work of these priests is summed up in Hebrews 5:1-2. They were to be descendants of Aaron and were to meet strict qualifications (Leviticus 21). Their uniform is described in Exodus. All the services of the Tabernacle was under their care. They offered sacrifices, sprinkled blood, burned incense, replaced shewbread, and moved the Tabernacle when necessary. Many of the duties connected with the ceremonial purity of Israel was also in their hands (Leviticus 12-15 give us an example of this). Finally the priests were to instruct the nation in God's law (Deuteronomy 33:10).2. The Typical Significance Of The Levitical Priesthood
A. The Levitical priesthood was instituted to foreshadow the priestly office and work of our Lord. These Jewish priests illustrated the work of Christ by way of both comparisons and contrasts. The contrasts reveal the superiority of His priesthood. Notice first the following comparisons:
(1) Levitical priests were anointed into their office (Exodus 29:7, Leviticus 8:12). Jesus is the Christ. Christ means "the anointed one."
(2) Our Lord like the Old Testament priests was made a priest by divine authority (Hebrews 5:4-5).
(3) The Levitical priests were men and could therefore feel empathy for the people (Hebrews 5:1-2). Christ Jesus took upon Himself human nature so that He could be a compassionate high priest for His people (Hebrews 2:14-18).
B. The Levitical priests offered sacrifices for the people and interceded with God on their behalf (Hebrews 5:1-2). Christ as our great high priest gave Himself as our sacrifice and lives to intercede for us (Hebrews 9:11-12, 24-28).
C. The qualifications for the Old Covenant priesthood ensured that at least ceremonially and officially they were holy. Our Lord truly was perfectly holy (Hebrews 7:26).
D Notice now some of the contrasts between Christ and the Levitical priests:
(1) While the Levitical priests were merely men our great high priest was both God and man. The Epistle to the Hebrews which speaks so much of Christ's priesthood begins with a chapter asserting His deity (Hebrews 1:1-14). As both God and man Christ can truly act as our mediator (I Timothy 2:3-5).
(2) While the Levitical priests were earthly priests over an earthly house our Saviour is a heavenly priest over a heavenly house (Hebrews 8:1-2, 9:24).
(3) While there was no oath connected in the consecration of the Levitical priests our Lord was made a priest by the oath of God (Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 7:21 & 28).
(4) The earthly priests were sinful and needed cleansing by sacrifice. Our Saviour was sinless and holy (Hebrews 7:26-28).
E. The Levitical priests never sat down in their work because it was never finished. Their offerings never really put away sin (Hebrews 10:11). Our Lord’s sacrifice put away sin once and for all. He is now set down at the right hand of God (Hebrews 10:11-13)
F. The sacrifices of the Levitical priests were many because as mere types they could not cleanse away sin (Hebrews 10:1-4). Christ offered one sacrifice which is forever enough to save His people (Hebrews 10:10-14).
G. The Levitical priests were many while our true priest is but one (Acts 4:12).
H. The Old Testament priests died while our Saviour ever lives (Hebrews 7:22-25).
I. The Levitical priests belonged to a typical and temporary system based on a covenant which was to be done away with. Our Lord has a real and unchanging priesthood (Hebrews 7:11-12, 24-25).
J. Finally, the Levitical priests were of a different order than our Lord. He was a priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:17). This will be explained in the next section.3. The Priesthood of Melchizedek
A. We learn a great deal about our Saviour by contrasting the Levitical priesthood with that of Melchizedek. Let us study the necessary background information and then make the important contrasts.
B. In Genesis 14:18-20 we meet Melchizedek. This mysterious person was both a priest of God and a king of Salem (Jerusalem). Abraham recognizing his greatness, paid him tithes. In Psalm 110:4 we are told that Messiah would be priest after the order of Melchizedek. The author of Hebrews uses this to teach some great truths:
(1) Abraham was the father (ancestor) of the Levitical priests yet he recognized that Melchizedek was his superior and paid tithes to him. It therefore is obvious that the priesthood of Melchizedek is greater than that of Aaron (Hebrews 7:1-10). Logically Christ as a priest after the order of Melchizedek is superior to the Levitical priests.
(2) The Levitical priesthood was based on human descent and lineage. Levitical priests were born into a certain family and thus became priests. There is no record of Melchizedek's lineage (Hebrews 7:3). Our Lord like Melchizedek was not a priest by virtue of descent from Aaron (Hebrews 7:12-15).
(3) Levitical priests were many because they died and needed successors. There is no record of the death of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:2-3). Likewise our Lord needs no successors for He ever lives to carry out His saving work (Hebrews 7:15-17, 23-25).
(4) Unlike the Levitical priests Melchizedek was a priest and a king. Our Saviour is also a priest and a king to which we might add that he also is a prophet. Christ alone is prophet, priest, and king; the anointed one.Conclusion
We might conclude that the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews uses the oath of Psalm 110:4 to prove that the Levitical priesthood was temporary. The Levitical priesthood was not perfect or God would not have promised the coming of another type of priest. The Levitical priesthood would only last until the coming of the Saviour (Hebrews 7:11-22) who would do away with the Old Covenant (Hebrews 10:9).================
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