Meaning of Hebrews 5:1

This verse establishes the foundational role and nature of the Old Testament high priest, emphasizing his human origin and his divinely appointed mediatorial function. The high priest was not an outsider or a divine being, but rather someone chosen from among the people, making him relatable and capable of understanding the struggles and needs of those he represented. His primary responsibility was to act as a bridge between humanity and God, specifically in the realm of dealing with sin. This involved presenting offerings and sacrifices on behalf of the people, a solemn duty designed to atone for their transgressions and restore their relationship with a holy God. The selection process, the representation, and the sacrificial duties all underscore the gravity and necessity of mediation in approaching the divine.

Context and Background

The book of Hebrews, from which this verse is taken, was written to a community of Jewish Christians who were likely struggling with the transition from the Mosaic Law and its sacrificial system to the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. The author is meticulously demonstrating the superiority of Christ over the Old Testament priesthood and sacrificial system. Therefore, understanding the high priest as described in Hebrews 5:1 is crucial for grasping the argument that Jesus, as the ultimate High Priest, fulfills and surpasses all that the Levitical high priests represented. The Old Testament Levitical Priesthood, established in the book of Leviticus, was a specific lineage of men from the tribe of Levi, consecrated to serve God in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The high priest held a unique and supreme position within this system, performing the most sacred duties, including entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement.

Key Themes and Messages

• Humanity of the Priesthood: The phrase "selected from among the people" highlights that the high priest was a man, subject to the same human frailties and limitations as those he served. This is a critical point for the author of Hebrews, who later contrasts this with the divine nature of Christ.
• Mediatorial Role: The high priest's function was to "represent the people in matters related to God." This signifies his role as an intercessor and a go-between, facilitating communication and reconciliation between a sinful humanity and a holy God.
• Sacrificial Duty: The offering of "gifts and sacrifices for sins" was the tangible expression of this mediatorial role. These sacrifices were a divine provision for addressing the problem of sin, acknowledging its seriousness and the need for atonement.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse underscores the profound need for mediation in our relationship with God. Because of our sin, we cannot approach God directly on our own merit. The Old Testament high priest, though imperfect, pointed to a greater reality: the necessity of a perfect sacrifice and a perfect mediator. For Christians, this verse serves as a vital reminder of Jesus Christ's role as our High Priest. He, too, was selected from humanity (though uniquely conceived), perfectly understands our weaknesses, and has offered the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice for our sins. This understanding encourages believers to approach God with confidence through Christ, knowing that our mediator is both fully God and fully man, and that our sins have been fully atoned for.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Hebrews 5:1 is a pivotal point in the author's sustained argument for Christ's supremacy. The entire Old Testament sacrificial system, culminating in the role of the high priest, was a foreshadowing and preparation for the coming of Christ. This verse sets the stage for the author to introduce Melchizedek as a superior order of priesthood, and ultimately, to present Jesus as the High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek, who offered himself as the perfect sacrifice. The narrative moves from a system of repeated sacrifices performed by fallible men to a singular, perfect sacrifice offered by the sinless Son of God.

Analogies

One analogy for the Old Testament high priest is a specialized ambassador. Just as an ambassador represents their nation's interests and communicates with foreign powers, the high priest represented Israel's needs and communicated with God on their behalf. Another analogy is a skilled negotiator who bridges a divide between two parties who cannot communicate effectively on their own. The high priest, through his divinely prescribed rituals, bridged the gap between a holy God and a sinful people.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 28:1, 40-41: This passage details the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, establishing the lineage and duties of the Levitical priesthood. It provides the historical and legal framework for the high priest's office.
• Leviticus 16: This chapter describes the Day of Atonement, the most significant day in the Israelite calendar, where the high priest performed the most solemn sacrificial rites to atone for the sins of the entire nation.
• Hebrews 4:14-16: This passage explicitly identifies Jesus as "a great priest who has gone through the heavens," emphasizing His perfect humanity and His ability to sympathize with our weaknesses, contrasting Him with the imperfect high priests described in chapter 5.
• Hebrews 7:23-28: Here, the author elaborates on the superiority of Christ's priesthood, highlighting its eternal nature and the perfection of His sacrifice, which renders the Levitical priesthood obsolete.
• 1 Timothy 2:5: This verse directly states, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus," reinforcing the unique and ultimate mediatorial role of Christ in contrast to the multiple earthly priests.