Leviticus 21 gives special instructions for the priests.. the sons of Aaron and their descendants. "They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God, for they present the offerings by fire to the Lord, the bread of their God; so they shall be holy." (v6)

The position of priest carried a great amount of personal sacrifice as well as great responsibility for the spiritual health of the nation.  The priests were forbidden to "defile themselves " by being in the presence of anyone who died.. except for immediate family.  But the high priest could not even mourn for any person.. not even his own parents.  There were specific directions for marriage, for clothing, and even for how they cut their hair or beard.  Anyone of Aaron's line who had any kind of physical defect could not serve in the role of priest.  It was not an easy calling.Every priest had to be holy.. separated to the Lord.. to the highest degree. 

As we know, the priesthood became as corrupt as... or even more... than the rest of the people of Israel.   Jeremiah spoke these words.. " For from the least of them even to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for gain. And from the prophet even to the priest everyone deals falsely. And they have healed the brokenness of My people superficially , saying 'Peace, peace' But there is no peace." ( Jeremiah 6:13-14) 

Malachi also spoke about the priests.. ".. O priests who despise My name.."  the Lord said.. He condemned them for offering defiled food on the altar of the Lord. Malachi  wrote, "For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge and men should seek instruction from his mouth.. but as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi.. " (Malachi 1:6; 2:7-8)

We know that the priests at the time of Jesus were also corrupt and despised the Lord.  They had fallen so far away from the Lord's plan for them.. that they did not even recognize the Lord, Himself. 

Thankfully, the Lord God sent Jesus.. our perfect High Priest.. who did all that the levitical priesthood could not do.  He offered the perfect sacrifice.. His own life on the cross.  He spoke truth and fulfilled the covenant of the Law, while giving us a new and better covenant.  He separates us from our sin and the death we deserve and sets us apart by His Holy Spirit to be made holy to our God. 

Praise God! Praise God! From Whom all blessings come to those who call upon the Name of Jesus!

Father we thank You and praise You for this great salvation in Christ Jesus! Amen