THE PRIEST: LEADING THE JEWISH COMMUNITY AT WORSHIP

Abstract

Pentateuch recounts the movement of the people of God from Egypt to the promised land. As they journeyed they worshipped God the way they knew best. As they became more sedentary, the institution of the priesthood began to gain greater importance. This can be seen by the improved manner of their worship of God. At different times and in various stages, they worshipped God according to the circumstance in which they found themselves. Over time, they developed some religious Institutions. Among them was the priesthood. The priest had a specific role. He was charged with the cultic responsibility. What this simply meant was that the priest had to concern himself with spiritual activities. His job had to do with establishing and maintaining relationship with God. This is done through the act of worship, which enables encounter with God. This essay, through the prism of Pentateuch examines the development of the priestly function, especially his role at worship. Utilizing Synchronic-diachronic approach while respecting Pentateuch canonical framework, the priest has been seen to occupy a central place in the worship tradition of the people. This role of the priest as a leader of the worshipping community will be helpful in the understanding of today’s priest. It is in this light that the paper is unambiguous about the character of the priest in relation to leading at worship. The outcome of the research is that the priest while serving the people is expected to lead them to God through daily worship of God.