Priestly Regulations

Leviticus 21

The job of a priest was one of the highest positions in Israel. They were called to be an example to the people by how they lived. They also had a higher code of conduct that they needed to follow. They had the responsibility of handling the sin of the people. If they were not clean then the people could not become clean. They needed to make sure they were always right with the Lord.

Funerals

The priest was not able to partake in funeral services unless it was for a close relative. The reason was because dead bodies were unclean and a priest was to remain clean because they needed to be the one offering the sacrifices for the people. This may sound harsh but they needed to obey what God requires about being clean. Nothing unclean can come into the court of God and a priest was required to be clean in order to be present before God. Leviticus 21:6 tells us why, “They must be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God.”

Priests were allowed to marry. Verse 4, commentators have wondered what it means to make a husband among himself because they needed to be married and have children so that the men of his household will one day become priests too. Some interpret this verse referring to a husband who would have lost someone in their family and must not act like the other husbands of the household would act. Part of the different mourning rituals would be shaving parts of the head, shaving the corners of their beards, and mutilation of the body. These customs were practiced by Canaan and God did not want his leaders following after their customs. 

Marriage

The priests could marry but the woman they marry must have never been with a man before. They needed to make sure even their spouse was undefiled because it would carry onto them. This shows how husband and wife need to be pure together.

The Chief Priest

The high priest or chief priest was one who was over all of the other priests. He has a greater responsibility than the priest. Since he has more responsibility he needs to make sure he follows what God has required more so. He is required not to profane God and with mourning of the death of a loved one he must stay clear. He can not let his hair go crazy or tear his clothes which is a sign of mourning for the Jews. He can not leave the sanctuary because his obligation is to the service of the Lord. 

I would compare the Old Testament priests to all believers because we are called to live differently than this world. We are called to be a light and salt to the earth. We are the example and we must follow what Christ has given us to live by. We may not have the restrictions like the priests did, but we still need to make sure we do not cause other people to stumble (1st Corinthians 10:32). How do you live your life? Is it one that shows the glory of God? Do you show the glory of yourself? We must try to be aware of how we live because there is always someone watching.