Priests were teachers of the law, determined cleanness, mediated between people and God, bore the sins of the people — typologically pointing to Christ.

Priests taught the law, determined who was clean or unclean, served as a regular go-to source for inquiring of the Lord, and bridged the gap between the people and God as mediators bringing sacrifices. Typological significance: Adam represents all mankind; priests (especially the high priest) represent Israel supremely. The high priest bears the sins of the people before the ark, foreshadowing Christ who bore our sin on the cross. Jesus represents all mankind like Adam did.