The role of the priest was very important in Egyptian Society. The Egyptians believed the gods lived in the temples. Only the priest was allowed to enter the sacred area of the temple and approach the statue representing the god or goddess.
The priests could be male or female. Their job was to care for the needs of the god/goddess. They have no role to oversee or care for the people of Egypt. They did not try to educate the people on the religion or look after their morals.
The priest would care for the god in the following ways: In the morning, the high priest breaks the seal, lights a torch to walk the god, says prayers, lights incense, washes the statue (which may be solid gold), places fresh clothing and jewels on it and places offerings of food and drink near it. Singers offer hymns of praise to the god. At the end of the day, the priest backs out of the [temple], sweeping away his footprints as he goes, and seals the sacred area again. The Egyptians believed the priest played an important role in providing for the needs of the gods. If their duties were neglected, it was believed problems would arise. Due to the importance of their role for the society, the priest were well paid. http://historylink101.com/n/egypt_1/religion_role_of_priest.htm
Questions: Title: Priests
1. What was the job of the priests? 2. If priests did not teach about religion, how do you think people learned about gods and how to worship them? 3. What is one similarity they have to religious figures today? What about a difference? 4. What if I told you that the pharaoh was able to appoint priests. What might be a problem with this? Who might he appoint?