The Priest – Part I
Leviticus 21:1–15 Bible Study Notes
Theme: The Calling, Conduct, and Consecration of the Priest
Introduction
In Leviticus 21, God establishes a higher standard for those who serve Him publicly. The priest was not just a worker in the tabernacle—he was a living representation of God before the people.
As New Testament believers, we are called a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), making these principles both historical and spiritually relevant today.
Verses 1–2
Leviticus 21:1–2 (KJV)
“And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, There shall none be defiled for the dead among his people:
But for his kin, that is near unto him, that is, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother,”
Teaching Point:
Priests were restricted from defilement but allowed compassion for close family. God balances holiness with humanity.
New Testament Connection:
2 Corinthians 6:17
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord…”
Verse 3
Leviticus 21:3 (KJV)
“And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled.”
Teaching Point:
God makes provision for responsibility and relationship. Holiness does not eliminate relational duty.
New Testament Connection:
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if any provide not for his own… he hath denied the faith…”
Verse 4
Leviticus 21:4 (KJV)
“But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.”
Teaching Point:
Leadership requires restraint. Position demands personal discipline.
New Testament Connection:
James 3:1
“…we shall receive the greater condemnation.”
Verse 5
Leviticus 21:5 (KJV)
“They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.”
Teaching Point:
God forbids pagan expressions. Holiness must not mirror worldly practices—even in grief.
New Testament Connection:
Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world…”
Verse 6
Leviticus 21:6 (KJV)
“They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God…”
Teaching Point:
The priest’s life protects the reputation of God. Your life speaks for Him.
New Testament Connection:
1 Peter 1:15–16
“…be ye holy; for I am holy.”
Verse 7
Leviticus 21:7 (KJV)
“They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband…”
Teaching Point:
Who the priest is joined to matters. Relationships impact spiritual integrity.
New Testament Connection:
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Be ye not unequally yoked together…”
Verse 8
Leviticus 21:8 (KJV)
“Thou shalt sanctify him therefore; for he offereth the bread of thy God…”
Teaching Point:
The priest is sanctified because of what he handles. What you carry determines your standard.
New Testament Connection:
1 Corinthians 10:31
“…do all to the glory of God.”
Verse 9
Leviticus 21:9 (KJV)
“And the daughter of any priest, if she profane herself… she profaneth her father…”
Teaching Point:
The priest’s household reflects his calling. Anointing extends into the family.
New Testament Connection:
1 Timothy 3:4–5
“One that ruleth well his own house…”
Verse 10
Leviticus 21:10 (KJV)
“And he that is the high priest among his brethren… shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;”
Teaching Point:
The High Priest carries a greater burden. Higher calling = higher standard.
New Testament Connection:
Hebrews 5:1–3
Describes the role and responsibility of the high priest.
Verse 11
Leviticus 21:11 (KJV)
“Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother;”
Teaching Point:
Total consecration requires complete separation—even from legitimate emotional ties.
New Testament Connection:
Luke 9:62
“No man, having put his hand to the plough… is fit for the kingdom…”
Verse 12
Leviticus 21:12 (KJV)
“Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary… for the crown of the anointing oil… is upon him…”
Teaching Point:
The anointing requires consistency. You cannot step in and out of consecration.
New Testament Connection:
John 15:4
“Abide in me…”
Verse 13
Leviticus 21:13 (KJV)
“And he shall take a wife in her virginity.”
Teaching Point:
Purity is required in covenant relationships.
New Testament Connection:
Ephesians 5:27
“…a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle…”
Verse 14
Leviticus 21:14 (KJV)
“A widow, or a divorced woman… these shall he not take…”
Teaching Point:
God protects the priestly lineage. Holiness is generational.
New Testament Connection:
2 Timothy 2:20–21
“…a vessel unto honour, sanctified…”
Verse 15
Leviticus 21:15 (KJV)
“Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the Lord do sanctify him.”
Teaching Point:
God Himself establishes and protects the priest. Sanctification is God-ordained.
New Testament Connection:
Hebrews 10:10
“…we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ…”
Closing Insight
The priest was not just called to serve—he was called to live differently.
Where the Old Testament priest had to guard against defilement,
Jesus Christ became our perfect High Priest—undefiled, yet able to cleanse us.
Key Takeaway
The Priest carries three responsibilities:
Separation – Set apart from the world
Representation – Reflecting God to people
Consecration – Fully devoted to God
Reflection Question
What areas of my life must rise to match the calling God has placed on me as His representative?
Closing Prayer
“Lord, as You have called us to be priests unto You, teach us to walk in holiness, discipline, and devotion. Let our lives reflect Your glory in every area. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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