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NASB | Hebrews 5:4 And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 5:4 And besides, one does not appropriate for himself the honor [of being high priest], but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. |
Bible Question:
Heb 5:1,4 For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God,... And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was. This passage brought up several questions as to how the Levitical selection of the high priest may have (or not) illustrated God's plan in sending the Son to be the great High Priest. 1) How were the high priests selected from among the other priests (other than Aaron and Christ of course)? (This is my central question). I'm not aware of any guideline laid out in the Scriptures, yet they had to be specially recognized and designated in some way. Is there an oral tradition regarding how the high priest was chosen, how long the same high priest remained in office, etc.? Were they simply chosen by lot? Is there something clear in the Bible that I am missing in this regard, or was the method left open by God? Is the Roman Catholic leadership's selection of the Pope (and-or the early selection of other bishops throughout the church) purported to be patterned in some way after the Levitical priests' selection of the high priest at the time of Christ? Any clear insights on this would be much appreciated. |
Bible Answer: Excellent question, Brent! Here's a quote that I'll share with you.. "5:1-4 No angel with supernatural power could serve as High-Priest. Only men with the weaknesses of humanity could serve as High-Priest (v.2; 7:28). The position of High-Priest in the Levitical system was by appointment only. No man could legitimately appoint himself High-Priest. The use of the present tense in these verses would seem to indicate that the Levitical system still was being practiced at the time of this epistle.." [MacArthur Study Bible, pg. 1903, Word Publishing] Aaron was appointed to the position by God Himself (Ex. 28:1), as were his successors (Num. 20:23-28; 25:10-13). Those who challenged Aaron's call or appointed themselves as priests were put to death by God (Num. 16). Christ did not call Himself to the office of High Priest; the Father called Him to the honor (Psalm 2:7; 110:4). I hope this helps! Blessings to you, Nolan |