Functions of Priests during the Babylonian Exile

[Benay]

In reading the Prophets (Bible Study) we find that there were different levels, types, functions and requirements (including geneology) of Judaic Priests in terms of before and after the exile. I could find nothing at all about what function the Priests served during the Babylonian exile.

Am I searching for data that is merely historical? Or was the Priesthood changed during the exile because there was no temple and no sanctuaries in Babylon? Did the exile, itself, create the need for Synagogues and alter the function of Priests from giving sacrifice to a treaching role?

Since the destruction of the Temple at Jerusalem and the diaspora, Jewish worship services have been conducted in local Synagogues by Rabbis.Is this a result of the Diaspora or did this shift in focus come about during the Exile? I can’t seem to find out much about the Exilic period in Babylon from my biblical reference sources.

Just curious.

 

[NotWorthy]

The current form of Judaism resulted from a council of Pharisees that met in Jamnia as a result of the destruction of the Temple.

I haven’t seen anything on what the priests did during the exile. I would imagine that, whatever new roles they took on, they did it on a personal level. In other words, some stepped up and attempted to bolster the faith of the exiles, while others simply assumed a normal life.

 

[Benay]

Thanks for your response.

 

[patrick457]

Did the exile, itself, create the need for Synagogues and alter the function of Priests from giving sacrifice to a treaching role?

Well, the exact origins of the synagogue is shrouded in obscurity. There have been various claims as to when and where exactly the whole concept of synagogue started, and scholarly debates on this matter is too hot and heavy, like all scholarly debates are. The idea that the synagogue had its origins in the Babylonian Exile (something popularized by the humanist Carolus Sigonius in the late 16th century, with what seems to be support from later rabbinic sources) was once repeated as fact, at least until the 1970s-1980s, when this view itself came under serious questioning. Now, people are more reluctant to give a location and date.

Since the destruction of the Temple at Jerusalem and the diaspora, Jewish worship services have been conducted in local Synagogues by Rabbis.

To be more correct, within Rabbinic Judaism, any Jew sufficiently educated to know what he is doing can lead a religious service, and a service led by such a Jew is every bit as valid as a service led by a rabbi. It is not unusual for a community to be without a rabbi, or for Jewish services to be conducted without a rabbi, or for members of the community to lead all or part of religious services even when a rabbi is available.

 

[Benay]

Thank you Patrick, that was very helpful. I will share your reply with my Bible Study group.