The Priesthood in the Old Testament Israel

The priesthood in the Old Testament Israel was different from today. Priests had to descend from the tribe of Levi through the line of Aaron. There were restrictions for this lineage, as those born into it could not choose not to be a priest. Leviticus 21 contains qualifications and requirements for the priests, such as clothing, food, and service expectations. The emphasis is on the fact that the Lord sanctifies them. The Lord is establishing the holiness and purity of these priests as representatives of the covenant community serving in the presence of God. The qualifications for priests were different from regular Israelites and included not making bald patches on their heads. The Lord's concern with outward appearance is related to replicating the way things were in Eden. These blemishes are an outworking of sin and are not to be in God's direct presence. The priesthood and the tabernacle in the Old Testament are a picture of the new creation, reflecting God's intention to restore all that was lost in Genesis 3.