1. Lecture 4: Levitical Priesthood
Dr. Ann T. Orlando
17 February 2017

2. Outline Biblical Background: Exodus and Leviticus Origen
Homilies on Leviticus
Apostolic Constitutions

3. Background on Exodus Second book of Pentateuch (Torah)
Traditionally written by Moses
Tells story of salivation of people Israel from Egyptians and time in desert
Outline
Birth an dearly life of Moses
Call of Moses
Passover and deliverance from Pharaoh
Time in the desert, 10 commandments
Design of Ark of Covenant
Establishment of Levitical (hereditary) priesthood through Aaron (Ch 28-30)
Golden calf and punishment of the people
Building tabernacle, ark of the covenant and altar of incense

4. Background on Leviticus
Third book of Pentateuch (Torah)
Traditionally written by Moses
Could be considered a manual for newly created Levitical priesthood
Outline
Types of sacrifices
Ordination of priests
Aaron’s sons offer an impure sacrifice
Household laws
Purification of the sick
Day of Atonement
Ritual and moral holiness
Conduct of priests
Festivals

5. Origen Born in Alexandria in 185, died (a martyr) in 254
Born into a Christian family
His father, Leonides, martyred when Origen was a teenager
Influenced by Philo of Alexandria
Prominent in the catechetical school in Alexandria
Wrote an important apology opposing philosophical arguments against Christianity, Contra Celsum
Then established important school is Palestine, focused on study of Scripture
Extensive dialog and debates with Jewish rabbinic school
Although he suffered heroically for the faith, later controversies led to his condemnation
For political/theological reasons Origen was condemned by Justinian in the 6th C and at the Second Council of Constantinople

6. Origen and Scripture
‘Systematic’ approach to Scripture described in On First Principles
Literal
Moral
Spiritual
Hexapla
Wrote many complete commentaries and homilies on almost all books of Scripture
Most lost as a result of 6th C condemnations
Most surviving works reconstructed from Latin or other translations

7. Origen Homilies on Leviticus
Probably written near end of Origen’s life
Only Rufinus’ Latin translation is available (c. 400)
Rufinus admits in his preface that he amended some aspects of Origen
Focus on function of Christian presbyter using his analysis of Leviticus
Presbyter (preacher) should understand the letter and Spirit
Must be able to present this to others less advanced in the faith (change his vestments for his audience)
Importance of sacrifice of Christ
Homilies 1, 4 and 5

8. Origen and Rabbinic Scholars
There was significant discussion/debate between Origen and his disciples at the school in Palestine and local Rabbis
Contested interpretations of many of the Old Testament books
Song of Songs
Genesis
Leviticus
Key turns on ‘literal’ interpretation without including a spiritual interpretation

9. Augustine Continuation of CoG XVII
How Aaronic priesthood is related to prophets (Samuel in particular)
See XVII.5-6
The ‘priesthood’ of Moses, Aaron and Samuel See Exposition of Psalm

10. Enerrationes in Psalmos
‘Enerrationes’ first used by Erasmus
The longest and most complex of Augustine’s works
Carried out over 30 years, from his ordination as priest to completion around 415
But always intended as one ‘work,’ although not written in order of the Psalms
Most were not sermons; Augustine believed that fully analyzing the Psalms could only be accomplished carefully in writing
By far the most comprehensive commentary on Psalms from any Patristic author
More than twice as long as all other commentaries combined
New City Press, 6 vol
“In my uncertainty I turn to Christ, for he it is whom I am seeking in this psalm…” En. Ps98.4

11. Apostolic Constitutions
(Early?) Fourth Century collection of sayings, decrees, liturgies which purport to be from the Apostles
Organized in 8 (unrelated) books
Contains elements of other works such as Didache and Liturgy recorded by Hippolytus
Unknown in Latin, West, until Renaissance
Explores another line of thought on deacons (and deaconesses) as Levites

12. Book II: Church Hierarchy and Organization
On role of bishops and deacons see Book II. xxv-xxxv
Describes deacons as ‘levites’
Attempts to establish a metaphor of bishops (and priests) related to Moses while deacons are associated with Aaron and Levites
Seems to be an attempt to reconcile Order of Melchizedek with Order of Levites

13. Assignments Origen, Homilies on Leviticus Homilies 1, 4, 5
Augustine, CoG, XVII.5-6
_____Exposition of Psalm
Apostolic Constitutions II.xxv-xxxv
Prepare Paper #4