Activities of the Priests

Both Philo and Josephus emphasize the exalted status and cosmic role of the priests and distinguish the Jewish Temple cult from the cults of other peoples. Philo suggests that the high priest prays and offers sacrifices not only on behalf of the Jewish people but also on behalf of the whole world, because he is in some sense the priest of the entire world. Josephus explains that there is one Jewish Temple because there is one God and that all the priests, led by the high priest, take part in Temple worship.