Levitical priesthood
Levitical priesthood
Institution founded by God when He chose Aaron and his sons to minister to Him in the sanctuary (Ex. 28). The essential notion of the Levitical priesthood was that of mediator between God and man (Joel, 2). The original duties of the priests were the following:
to offer the daily sacrifice in the court of the Tabernacle or Temple (Exodus 29; 3 Kings 8)
to sprinkle the blood of the victims on the altar (Leviticus 1)
to burn the victims on the altar (Leviticus 1)
to renew the loaves of proposition every Sabbath (Leviticus 24)
to offer incense morning and evening (Exodus 30)
to supply the lamps in the sanctuary with oil every day (Exodus 27)
to inspect the lepers (Leviticus 14)
to purify women after childbirth (Leviticus 12)
to teach and interpret the Law to the people (Leviticus 10)
to pray for the people (Leviticus 5)
New Catholic Dictionary