The general concept of priesthood begins long before the law (Genesis 14:18; 41:45; Exodus 2:16; 18:1). But God waits until the law to reveal specific details about Israel’s priests and priestly services. The first high priest is Levi’s descendant, Aaron. Only his qualified male heirs serve as high priests and priests (Exodus 28:1). This is God’s choice, not man’s, in the covenant given through Moses. As Hebrews 5:4 says, “No one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.” Likewise, the priests’ special helpers are males from the other Levite families (Numbers 1:50-51; 3:9-39). While the Bible has instances of female prophets, the Old Testament’s priestly qualifications do not allow for female priests, a fact to which all inspired history attests. Male leadership is the norm in the new nation and is confirmed by the law of Moses. Here are a few examples:
- God identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Exodus 3:6, 15; 4:5).
- God appoints Moses and Aaron (Exodus 3, 4; 11:3).
- They deal first with the elders (Exodus 3:16; 4:29; 12:21).
- Fathers initiate Passover (Exodus 12:3, 21).
- Men wage war (Exodus 17:9-10; Numbers 31:3-6; Deuteronomy 3:18).
- Jethro and the elders feast before the Lord (Exodus 18:12).
- “Able men” are placed as chiefs, heads and judges over the people (Exodus 18:12-26; Numbers 11:16-25; Deuteronomy 1:13).
- Elders and key leaders meet God at Sinai (Exodus 24:1, 9-13).
- All males are to be circumcised (Exodus 12:48; Leviticus 12:1-3 cf. Genesis 12:10-14).
- Leaders represent the community with sacrifices and gifts (Leviticus 4:13-15; Numbers 7:2-3).
- Bezalel and Oholiab construct the tabernacle (Exodus 36:1; 38:22-23).
- Chief men spy out Canaan (Numbers 13:2).
- Judges and Phinehas execute rebels (Numbers 25:5-15).
- The future Mediator will be a male (Deuteronomy 18:18-19).
- Joshua is the next national leader (Deuteronomy 31:3, 23; 34:9).