J. O. CORLISS by John O. Corliss

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 8, 1910

J. O. CORLISS

By John O. Corliss

History of the Jewish Priesthood—No. 2

J. O. CORLISS

The Favored Tribe of Levi

It is altogether probable that the principal reason for choosing the tribe of Levi to bear the responsibilities of the priesthood, was that Moses and Aaron, the leaders of the whole people, were of that tribe. Tribal relations of that time did not cement the people as closely as more modern nationalities have adhered; hence the influence of the leaders would be more sure to sway the nation if it could be directed through the tribe of which they were members.

There is perhaps another ground for conferring moral pre-eminence upon the tribe of Levi, and this is the earnest zeal with which “all the sons of Levi” rallied about Moses, to slay the worshipers of the golden calf. So intensely did they espouse the cause of their great leader, that their eyes spared no guilty soul. They slew neighbor and brother, so that “about three thousand men” paid the penalty of their unwarranted course. Ex. 32:26-28; Deut. 33:8-11.

The Levites were naturally a warrior race. Of the head of that tribe it was said that instruments of cruelty were in his habitation; his anger was fierce, and his wrath cruel. Gen. 49:5-7. Associated with his brother Simeon, he ruthlessly slew the defenseless Shechemites, and robbed them of their wealth of sheep, oxen, and asses, and even carried away their wives and children into captivity. Gen. 34:25-29. Probably it was to this event that Jacob referred when he said of the two, “O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honor, be not thou united.” Gen. 49:6.

This manifestation of indomitable will perhaps entered as a factor in determining the choice of the tribe of Levi to act the leading part to which they were so many times called. At any rate, their subsequent history shows that the same invincible determination, and that without remorse, uniformly attended their movements.

When Zimri, a prince of the house of Simeon, boldly brought into camp a wife from the chief house of Midian, Phineas, the grandson of Aaron, immediately set upon them, and thrust them through with his javelin.

It would almost seem that this sort of sentry service was the method by which the pedigree of Abraham’s seed was to be preserved, and the Levites were chosen for the place because of their distinguished valor. At least we find this act of Phineas highly commended, and the assurance given that because of it a “covenant of peace” was proclaimed for the seed of Aaron, as a promise that theirs should be an “everlasting priesthood.” Num. 25:11-13.

But we can not think that the severe methods adopted by these Levitical priests were in the original design of their calling. Their consecration to office would give the idea that theirs was intended to be a typical service of the love of God, and the sacrifice of Christ for the redemption of sinners. The first prince of the house of Levi, and chief priest of the nation, was Aaron, whose badge of authority was the budding almond staff. Num. 17:8. He, as well as all the inferior priests, was subjected to a peculiar service, which was the sign of consecration for every faculty of their bodies.

Together they were brought before Moses, where a ram was offered for a burnt-offering. This having been done with appropriate ceremony, another ram was brought forward, upon the head of which the incipient priests laid their hands. Moses then killed the victim, and with the blood, touched the right ear-tip, the right-hand thumb, and the great toe of the right foot of each one. This touch of blood to the principal members of each individual person signified that these were henceforth dedicated to the service of the Most High.

The “right” ear, representing both organs of hearing, was thus consecrated to hear and comprehend all that God might speak. The right-hand thumb was made to represent the service of both hands. These, being in this manner set apart, were always to be ready for the performance of what had been received through the ears. Likewise were the feet consecrated to run upon errands made known by the voice of Jehovah.

This, however, was but the closing part of the service which consecrated Aaron and his sons to the priesthood. Prior to this blood anointing, the priests had been thoroughly cleansed in water, then clad in the beautiful garments specially prepared for the purpose. Aaron’s robe bore significant badges not shown on the garments of his sons. The high priest’s equipment carried a breastplate, which supported the urim and thummim. His head also was adorned with a miter not worn by the under-priests.

The official garments of all the priests were, however, of a pure white linen, which was to indicate the purity of their priestly character and work. The probable reason for the selection of such conspicuous garments, also the significance of the ephod and the breastplate, must be reserved to be told in another paper.

Mountain View, Cal.