High Priest

The most important religious leader in ancient Israel. God chose Aaron, Moses' brother, to be the first high priest (Exodus 28:1–3). Only one person could be high priest at a time. This position was usually passed down within Aaron's family.

The high priest had special duties that other priests could not do. His most important task happened once a year on the Day of Atonement. The high priest would enter the most holy part of the temple to ask God's forgiveness for all the people (Leviticus 16:1–19).

The high priest wore special clothes that showed his important role. These included beautiful robes and a breastplate with twelve precious stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:12–15). He also carried special objects called "Urim" and "Thummim" that were used to learn God's will for the people.

See Priests and Levites.