Kohanim (priestly) Covenant

Adam Kohanim (Priesthood)

Adam, the first son of Elohim, was originally designated as the inaugural Kohen Gadol (High Priest) of creation. This esteemed title was intended to be inherited by his eldest son, Cain. However, Cain's lack of interest and devotion to YAHUWAH, his Elohim and Grandfather, rendered him unsuitable for the role. Consequently, the title was transferred to his brother Abel, who tragically met his demise at the hands of Cain in his youth. Ultimately, the mantle of High Priest fell upon Seth, Adam's third-born son.

In ancient times, within the lineage of the sons of Elohim, separated from the Gentile descendants of Cain, the title of the High Kohen invariably vested in the eldest male. This individual assumed dual roles as both the head of the clan and the High Kohen of the assembly. However, should the firstborn prove unrighteous and unsuitable for the position, it would then pass to the most righteous and dedicated member of the family.

Therefore, the title of High Kohen and chief of the clan passed successively from Seth to his firstborn, Enos, then to Kenan, Mahalalel, Yaled, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamach, and Noah, ultimately resting with Shem. During Shem's time, the entire earth once again fell into disarray, and the Kohanim ceased until the era of Melchizedek and Abraham.

                                                        Melchizedek and Abrahamic Kohanim (Priesthood)

Melchizedek, the king of Salem (the future Yahusalem), reinstated the order of Kohanim (priesthood) and later passed it on to Abraham because he foreknew that through Abraham's lineage would come the Messiah, the Savior, and the set-apart Israel, the chosen nation (*Gen 14:18).

Thus, Abraham, counted among the twenty-four elders, initiated the lineage of the Kohanim, passing it down to Isaac, and then from Isaac to Yacob. However, Yacob's eldest son, Reuben, was bypassed due to his transgression against his father's concubine. As a result, the roles of clan chief and High Kohen were split between his two younger brothers: Levi and Judah. Descendants of Levi assumed the mantle of High Kohanim, while those of Yahudah became kings of the tribes.

                                                                                            Aaron & Levite Kohanim 

Following the establishment of the nation of Israel, the Kohanim order gained significant prominence, firmly integrated into both Israel's constitution and the covenant bestowed upon them by Elohim. This covenant granted the Kohanim and the Levites exclusive rights to serve in the Temple, partake in burnt offerings, and receive other priestly gifts.

The covenant is referred to as 'a covenant of salt forever,' with salt symbolizing permanence due to its use as a preservative, and 'a statute forever' (*Num 18:19-24).

There, Elohim exclusively selected Aaron and his descendants for ministry service from among the other tribes of Israel. The Torah forbids non-Aaronides or Levites from offering the Ketoret offering in the inner chamber of the Tabernacle, approaching the chamber or the Qodesh HaKodashim, or receiving the priestly gifts (Numbers 17 & 18).

                                                                                Messianic Kohanim (Priesthood)

Upon the arrival of the Messiah, those who believe in and follow Him—His disciples, both present and future (*Jh 10:14-16)—are granted authority and restored to the status of both sons of Elohim and kohanim (*Jh 1:12/1 Peter 2:9), with Yahoshea Hamashiach serving as the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). Together, they will minister to Elohim alongside the Messiah throughout the ages.