Israel was to be a kingdom of priests, meaning every Jew was intended to become a priest or go-between, bringing the knowledge of God to the Gentile world.
According to Les Feldick, a priest is a go-between, and Israel's role was not just internal worship but to be intermediaries between God and the Gentiles. This calling was conditional on obedience, as stated in Exodus 19. The ultimate purpose was to declare the name of the one true God to all nations.
Exodus 19:6 — This verse directly contains the phrase 'kingdom of priests' and is the foundation of Israel's calling.
In Exodus 19, God speaks to Israel after bringing them out of Egypt. He reminds them of His deliverance and then makes a conditional promise: 'Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.' (Exodus 19:5-6). The Bible clearly states that Israel was to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, with the condition of obedience to God's covenant.
Les teaches that the concept of a 'kingdom of priests' means that every Jew was intended to become a priest, a go-between, not just the Levites. This role was to reach out to the Gentiles, bringing them to a knowledge of the one true God. The calling was conditional: Israel would be a special treasure and a holy nation only if they obeyed God's commands and covenants. Les connects this to the Abrahamic promises and the future hope that a redeemed Israel would fulfill this purpose, as seen in Zechariah 8.
Les emphasizes that a priest is a go-between. Israel's role was not just for themselves but to be go-betweens between God and the Gentiles. He notes that every Jew was intended to become a priest of God, and this was the prospect set before the nation from the time they came out of Egypt.
Yes, as Les teaches, Israel's promise to become a kingdom of priests was conditional on their obedience to God's commands and covenants. The Bible records God's conditions in Exodus 19:5. Les points out that even though Israel failed, God's purpose remains, and a future believing Israel will fulfill this call.
Les explains that Israel's priesthood was meant to be a channel of blessing to the Gentiles. Every Jew was to be a go-between, bringing the knowledge of God to the Gentile world. This is supported by Old Testament prophecies and the promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him.
Les references Isaiah 42 and Zechariah 8 as examples of Israel's intended role. In Zechariah, ten men from all nations will take hold of the skirt of a Jew, saying we will go with you for we have heard that God is with you. This illustrates the function of Israel as priests and go-betweens to the nations.
Israel's Role as Vehicle to the Nations
Les affirms that Israel's role is to bring the knowledge of their God to all nations, quoting a rabbi's comment that aligns with this teaching.
Definition of a Priest
Les defines a priest as a go-between, and clarifies that Israel was to be go-betweens between the Gentiles and God.
Conditional Promise
Les explains that Israel's promise to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation was conditional on obedience to God's commands.
Understanding Priest as Go-Between
Les illustrates the role of a priest as a go-between, comparing it to the Catholic understanding, and applies it to Israel's calling.
Every Jew to Be a Priest
Les highlights that every Jew was intended to become a priest to bring pagan Gentiles to the knowledge of God.
Why God Chose Abraham: Israel's Purpose Finally Explained
"...and you shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, or a set -apart nation. These are the words which you must speak to the children of Israel." Now most people can't understand that this is the purpose of Israel, that they were to be a kingdom of go-betweens. Thank you for watching Through the Bible with Les Feldick, a weekly Bible study.
Future Fulfillment
Les connects the future scenario of Gentiles seeking Jews, as in Zechariah, to the fulfillment of Israel being priests.
Israel as Light to Gentiles
Les reinforces that throughout the Old Testament, Israel's prospect was to be a nation of priests, bringing salvation to the world.
Exodus 19:6: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
This is the key verse directly stating the concept of a kingdom of priests.
Exodus 19:5: Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
Shows the conditional nature of Israel's special status.
Zechariah 8:23: Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.
Illustrates the future role of Israel as priests leading Gentiles to God.
In the Bible, 'kingdom of priests' refers to the nation of Israel being called to serve as priests, or go-betweens, between God and the Gentile nations. This role was conditional on their obedience to God's covenant.
No, Les Feldick teaches that every Jew was intended to become a priest, not just the Levites. The calling was for the entire nation to be a kingdom of priests.
Les explains that Israel's calling was conditional on obedience, and they failed to obey. However, God's purpose will be fulfilled in the future when a redeemed Israel will fulfill this role.
Watch the Teaching: Why Every Jew Was Meant to Be a Priest — Exodus 19