Priest is a spinoff of Seraiah. Seraiah was a serendipitous find that may put several posts into motion. The kohen or priest of God are found in most books of the Bible, especially if you remember that Jesus is our High Priest and Lord.  

The first priest of Got Most High is not a son of Aaron or a child of Abraham. It is a Gentile believer living in a very important place. He is Melchizedek. He is introduced in Genesis 14, associated with David in Psalm 110, and compared with Jesus in Hebrews. Why did God want Terah and Abram to go to Canaan? Was it to meet this righteous man? Yes, I know the legends associated with Melchizedek. God made a covenant with Abraham, then extended the blessing to Jacob’s children, but He had a heart and plan for the Gentiles.

A kingdom of priest – After the plagues and the Passover, through the Red Sea and several bouts of crumbling, God announced His plan for the Children of Israel in Exodus 19: 5 and 6. (Please note, this is before the Law was given and a golden calf was made.) God wanted His “called out people” to be priest. The key to this offer was that they had to be right with Him.

His chosen as priest – The above thought is seen again in 1 Peter 2: 5+9 where believers are called a holy and a royal priesthood. In Romans 15:16 Paul is in agreement with Peter as we are to minister the Good News of the Kingdom. (Modern translations, from 1599 to present, are split on adding “priestly duties” in that passage.) Revelations 1:6, 5:10, and 20:6 all say that we will be priest of God.

The Father has always wanted priest. He wants people who will spread the Good News of the Kingdom, because they have chosen to follow Jesus. These called and sent followers will love people, His world, and righteousness.

Hiereus vs Archiereus – O that is priest vs high/chief/ruling priest. If you are like I was you see no difference in these two groups. Between this study and a conversation with my wife that centered on an article she read, there is a difference. Josephus, the historian, was the source quoted in the article. In the Book of Matthew Jesus uses both terms, but it does not take many verses to realize that it was the Archiereus that He had trouble with. In Matthew 8 He sent the leper to the Hiereus to follow the Law of Moses. (Yes, another spinoff is starting to turn.) They were the ones who served the people in daily duties in the Temple.

The Archiereus actually bought the right to be in charge. In other words, Rome and Herod allowed them to hold office for a price. The coin exchange booths and the pre-approved sacrificial animals made it all about the Benjamins.