High Priests of Israel (List and Timeline)
Quick Summary
The high priests of Israel played a central role in the worship, sacrifices, and spiritual life of the nation. Appointed from the line of Aaron, these men served in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, acting as mediators between God and the people. This post provides a list of high priests from Aaron through the Second Temple period.
The Role of the High Priest
The high priest was the chief religious leader of Israel. His duties included:
Offering sacrifices, especially on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16)
Overseeing the Tabernacle (and later the Temple)
Wearing sacred garments like the ephod and breastplate (Exodus 28)
Entering the Holy of Holies once a year to atone for the people
The position was hereditary, descending from Aaron, the brother of Moses. Initially, it was a spiritual office, but over time, especially during the Second Temple period, it became increasingly politicized.
High Priests During the Tabernacle Period
Aaron – First high priest, consecrated by Moses (Exodus 28–29)
Eleazar – Aaron’s son; served during the conquest of Canaan (Numbers 20:25–28)
Phinehas – Zealous for God’s holiness (Numbers 25:10–13)
Abishua – Mentioned in genealogies (1 Chronicles 6:4)
Bukki
Uzzi
Zerahiah
Meraioth
Amariah
Ahitub – Ancestor of Eli and Zadok (1 Samuel 14:3)
High Priests in the Time of the Judges and Early Monarchy
Eli – Served as priest and judge; mentor to Samuel (1 Samuel 1–4)
Ahijah – Possibly the same as Ahitub’s son (1 Samuel 14:3)
Abiathar – Served David but was removed by Solomon (1 Kings 2:26–27)
Zadok – Appointed by Solomon; became the line of high priests (1 Kings 2:35)
High Priests During the First Temple Period
From Solomon's reign to the Babylonian exile:
Azariah I
Johanan
Azariah II
Hilkiah – Found the Book of the Law during Josiah’s reign (2 Kings 22)
Seraiah – High priest at the time of the Babylonian exile (2 Kings 25:18)
High Priests During the Return from Exile
These priests ministered during the rebuilding of the Temple:
Jehozadak – Taken into exile (1 Chronicles 6:15)
Jeshua (Joshua) – Returned with Zerubbabel (Ezra 3:2)
Joiakim – Son of Jeshua (Nehemiah 12:10)
Eliashib – High priest during Nehemiah’s reforms (Nehemiah 3:1)
Joiada
Jonathan (Johanan) – Mentioned in Josephus and Nehemiah 12
Jaddua – Served during time of Alexander the Great
High Priests in the Second Temple Period
After Jaddua, much of our knowledge comes from historical sources like Josephus and the books of Maccabees.
Onias I
Simon the Just (Onias II)
Onias III
Jason – Bought the office through bribes
Menelaus – Controversial, not from priestly line
During the Maccabean/Hasmonean Era
Alcimus – Appointed by Seleucids
Jonathan Apphus – Maccabean leader, became high priest
Simon Thassi – Brother of Jonathan; gained independence
John Hyrcanus
Aristobulus I
Alexander Jannaeus
During the Roman Period
Hyrcanus II – Deposed by Herod
Ananelus – Appointed by Herod
Aristobulus III – Murdered by Herod
High Priests in the New Testament Era
Annas – Former high priest, influential figure (Luke 3:2; John 18:13)
Caiaphas – Son-in-law of Annas; presided over Jesus’ trial (Matthew 26:57)
After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, the role of the high priest effectively ceased.
Themes and Reflections
Holiness: The high priest's role symbolized Israel’s calling to holiness.
Atonement: Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies to intercede for the people.
Corruption and Reform: The office was sometimes misused, particularly in the Second Temple period.
Fulfillment in Christ: Hebrews 4–10 presents Jesus as the ultimate high priest who offered himself once for all.
Meaning for Today
The high priests of Israel remind us of the deep need for intercession, holiness, and leadership rooted in God’s presence. While their role was unique to the old covenant, their purpose is fulfilled in Jesus, who now intercedes on our behalf.
The garments, rituals, and lineage pointed ahead to a more perfect priesthood. And in Christ, that priesthood is not only fulfilled—it is shared, as believers are now called a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9).
