Journal: Southern Baptist Journal of Theology
Volume: SBJT 23:1 (Spring 2019)
Article: How A Kingdom Of Priests Became A Kingdom "With" Priests And Levites: A Filial-Corporate Understanding Of The Royal Priesthood In Exodus 19:6
Author: David Schrock

SBJT 23:1 (Spring 2019) p. 23

How A Kingdom Of Priests Became A Kingdom With Priests And Levites: A Filial-Corporate Understanding Of The Royal Priesthood In Exodus 19:6

David Schrock

David Schrock is Pastor of Preaching and Theology at Occoquan Bible Church, Woodbridge, Virginia, and adjunct professor of systematic theology at Indianapolis Theological Seminary and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He earned his PhD in systematic theology from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is an associate research fellow for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. He has written for The Gospel Coalition, Credo Magazine, 9Marks Journal, Desiring God, Southern Baptist Journal of Theology, Southeastern Theological Review, Criswell Theological Review, and is awaiting publication a book on the priesthood for Crossway’s Short Studies in Biblical Theology series.

When we examine the priesthood in the Pentateuch, at least four surprising facts emerge: (1) “kingdom of priests” is never used after Exodus 19:6; (2) Leviticus only speaks of “Levites” four times, all in one passage (25:32–33); (3) Aaron is never called the “high priest,” that title is reserved for his sons only after his death (Num 35:25, 28, 32); and (4) “Levitical priesthood,” which Hebrews 7:11 uses, only appears in Deuteronomy (17:9, 18; 18:1; 24:8; 27:9), where the priests and Levites possess different but related roles in service to God, his house, and the nation of Israel.1

SBJT 23:1 (Spring 2019) p. 24

These four observations are surprising because, among conservative pastors and theologians, such fine distinctions are not always appreciated. For instance, when doctrinal confessions speak of Christ as priest, they often focus on his work as mediator and intercessor,2 but overlook his priestly role of teaching and guarding.3 Likewise, when the subject of priesthood is considered theologically, Hebrews gets all the attention, not Numbers. As a result, the fulfillment of the Law is rightly perceived in Christ’s finished work, but the inner workings of the ...