<P> The ceremonial of consecration, extending through an entire week (Exodus 28 - 29; Leviticus 8), included certain rites which all priests were required to undergo: purification; the sacrifices; the "filling" of the hands; the smearing with blood . But Aaron the high priest was anointed with sacred oil, hence the title of the "anointed priest"; other passages have it that all priests were anointed (Exodus 28: 41, 30: 30; Leviticus 7: 36, 10: 7; Numbers 3: 3). </P> <P> The first consecration was performed by Moses; the Bible does not state who consecrated subsequent high priests . Leviticus 21: 10 states emphatically that every new high priest shall be anointed; and Exodus 29: 29 et seq . commands that the official garments worn by his predecessor shall be worn by the new incumbent while he is anointed and during the seven days of his consecration (comp . Numbers 20: 28; Psalm 133: 2). </P> <P> The distinguished rank of the high priest is apparent from the fact that his sins are regarded as belonging also to the people (Lev . iv. 3, 22). He was entrusted with the stewardship of the Urim and Thummim (Num . xxvii. 20 et seq .). On Yom Kippur he alone entered the Holy of Holies, to make atonement for his house and for the people (Lev . xvi). He alone could offer the sacrifices for the sins of the priests, or of the people, or of himself (Lev . iv .); and only he could officiate at the sacrifices following his own or another priest's consecration (Lev . ix .). He also offered a meal - offering every morning and evening for himself and the whole body of the priesthood (Lev . vi. 14 - 15, though the wording of the law is not altogether definite). Other information concerning his functions is not given . Though other priests would serve only when it was their week on rotation and on feast days (and even then their function was decided by lot), he was privileged to take part at his own pleasure in any of the priestly rites at any time . Josephus contends that the high priest almost invariably participated in the ceremonies on Shabbat, the New Moon, and the festivals . This may also be inferred from the glowing description given in the Wisdom of Sirach i . of the high priest's appearance at the altar . </P> <P> The high priest is the chief of all the priests; he should be anointed and invested with the pontifical garments; but if the sacred oil is not obtainable, investiture with the additional garments (see Biblical Data, above) is regarded as sufficient . A high priest so invested is known as merubbeh begadim . This investiture consists of arraying him in the eight pieces of dress and in removing them again on eight successive days, though (the anointing and) the investiture on the first day suffices to qualify him for the functions of the office . The only distinction between the "anointed" and the "invested" high priest is that the former offers the bull for an unintentional transgression . </P>

The role of the high priest in the old testament