It is remarkable that this title occurs but seldom in the Old Testament (Lev. 21:10; Num. 35:25; Josh. 20:6; 2 Kings 12:10; 2 Chron. 24:11, and others). Aaron was constantly called “the priest”; but as his sons were also called priests, he was necessarily the “chief” and would correspond to what is called high priest in the New Testament. His office is summed up in few words: he “is ordained for men in things pertaining to God” that he might offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. He stood for the people to God: he offered up the sacrifices which put the people in relation with God (Lev. 9), also those on the day of atonement (Lev. 16), and he blessed them as from God. He, as taken from among men, was one who could have compassion on, or forbearance toward, the ignorant and the erring; for that he himself was compassed with infirmity (Heb. 5:1-2). Aaron did not take the honor upon himself, nor did Christ (Heb. 5:4-5). Having accomplished redemption by the offering of Himself, He passed through the heavens and sat down on the right hand of God. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, having been Himself tempted as we are, apart from sin. He ever lives to make intercession for us, He is also the minister of the sanctuary—He appears in the presence of God for us, and is the great Priest over the house of God (Heb. 4:14-15; Heb. 8:1). See AARON, AARONIC PRIESTHOOD, MELCHISEDEC.