What were the duties of the high priest? 

The high priest was the chief religious leader in ancient Israel and the central figure in the nation’s worship system. His position was hereditary, passed down from Aaron, the brother of Moses, according to God’s command in Exodus 28:1 and Numbers 18:7. Because of the sacred nature of his office, the man chosen to serve had to meet strict physical and spiritual requirements. Only a priest without physical defects, moral corruption, or ceremonial uncleanness could serve in this role.

The Old Testament refers to him several times as the “high priest,” although the literal Hebrew wording means “the great priest” or “the chief priest.” This title appears in places such as Leviticus 21:10 and Numbers 35:25 and 35:28. Among all the priests, he stood at the highest position, bearing responsibilities no one else could perform.

God instructed that all priests be anointed, but the high priest’s anointing was unique. He was anointed specifically upon the head, symbolizing the outpouring of God’s Spirit for sacred service. Exodus 29:7 describes this special anointing, and Leviticus 21:10 distinguishes him as “the priest that is anointed.” His anointing marked him as the spiritual leader of the nation.

Requirements of the High Priest

Because the high priest represented the entire nation before God, the regulations for his life were stricter than those for the regular priests. He alone could wear the special “golden garments” designed for beauty and holiness as described in Exodus 28. These garments included the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, and the golden plate on the turban engraved with the words “Holiness to the Lord.”

He was not permitted to uncover his head, a gesture associated with mourning, because doing so would remove the sacred golden plate. Likewise, he could not tear his garments, another common sign of grief. Leviticus 21 outlines these restrictions clearly. These prohibitions ensured that nothing about the high priest’s appearance diminished the dignity of his holy office.

He also had to avoid ceremonial defilement. Unlike ordinary priests, the high priest was not allowed to go near any dead body, even that of a close family member. Death represented the consequences of sin, and the high priest’s calling demanded that he remain ceremonially clean at all times in order to perform his duties faithfully.

Duties and Responsibilities of the High Priest

The high priest had many roles connected with the sanctuary. He represented the people before God, offering sacrifices on their behalf. Leviticus 16:15 and 16 emphasize that he stood as the mediator for the nation. When he carried out his duties, he symbolically bore the sins of Israel.

He also presided over the highest court in religious matters. Second Chronicles 19:11 identifies him as head of the tribunal that handled spiritual and ceremonial cases. This authority gave him significant influence over both worship and national life.

Only the high priest was permitted to wear the breastplate containing the Urim and Thummim. These were special objects used in ancient Israel to determine the will of God when difficult decisions arose. Exodus 28:30 and Numbers 27:21 show that the high priest sought divine guidance in this unique way.

He also offered a sin offering not only for the nation but for himself. Leviticus 4:3 to 21 describes his own need for forgiveness, showing that although he was a leader, he was still human and in need of atonement.

The high priest could also be used by God to prophesy. John 11:49 to 52 records that Caiaphas, though ungodly in character, gave an unintended prophecy through the Spirit. This illustrates how God can speak even through imperfect human instruments when He chooses.

Additionally, when a high priest died, all those who had fled to the cities of refuge were released and allowed to return home according to Numbers 35:28. His death symbolized the end of their guilt and restored their freedom.

The Day of Atonement and the High Priest

The most important responsibility of the high priest occurred once a year on the Day of Atonement, described in detail in Leviticus 16. This was the only day when he could enter the Most Holy Place, the inner chamber of the sanctuary that held the ark of the covenant and the mercy seat.

Before he entered, he had to offer a sacrifice for his own sins as well as for the sins of the people. Then he carried the blood into the Most Holy Place, sprinkling it before the mercy seat, symbolizing God’s throne. This act made atonement for the nation and cleansed the sanctuary from the accumulated sins of the past year.

This solemn service pointed forward to a greater reality in the plan of redemption. It foreshadowed the ministry of Jesus Christ, our true High Priest in heaven.

Christ Our High Priest

The earthly high priest was only a shadow of a far greater reality. Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ is now serving in heaven as the true and perfect High Priest for His people. Hebrews 9 explains this clearly: “But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands… not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood.”

Christ does not enter an earthly sanctuary that fades away; He ministers in the heavenly sanctuary. His sacrifice was not repeated yearly. It was offered once for all. Through His own blood He obtained eternal redemption. As First Timothy 2:5 reminds us, “There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”

Just as the high priest cleansed the earthly sanctuary on the Day of Atonement, Jesus performs a work of cleansing in the heavenly sanctuary. Hebrews 9 and 10 describe this special ministry. Daniel 8:14 speaks of this work when it says, “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” This prophecy points to the final phase of Christ’s heavenly ministry, in which He finalizes the atonement and prepares to return for His people.

Through this work, Christ confirms the decisions of those who have chosen to follow Him. He blots out the sins of the faithful, removing the record of guilt forever. When His mediatorial work closes, the final judgment is complete, and Christ will return in glory.

The high priest of ancient Israel served a vital role in the spiritual life of the nation. His ministry pointed toward the work of Jesus Christ, the true High Priest who intercedes for humanity in the heavenly sanctuary. Through His sacrifice and ongoing ministry, Christ provides forgiveness, cleansing, and eternal redemption for all who place their faith in Him.

See: What happened on the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur?