The Priestly Service
Letter of Aristeas 92–95
2nd Century BCE
92Now the service of the priests is not to be surpassed by anything in physical strength or in its state of decorum and silence. For all, of their own accord, work diligently at a greatly laborious task, and each is concerned with what has been assigned. And they serve unceasingly, some the supply of wood, others the oil, others the fine flour…
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In this passage, Aristeas describes in glowing terms the physical strength and reverence of the priests he sees serving in the Temple. The pseudepigraphic Letter of Aristeas likely dates to the second century BCE.
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Temple Sacrifices and Rituals
2nd Century BCE–3rd Century
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Temple and Priesthood in Ancient Judaism
4th Century BCE–6th Century CE
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What Are the Pseudepigrapha?
ca. 200 BCE–200 CE
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