FUNCTIONS OF THE HIGH PRIEST
The function of a high priest is to sprinkle blood on the ark of the covenant. Since blood symbolizes God’s spoken word, and since the ark of the covenant is the pure heart of New Covenant disciples, we interpret the high priest’s function as follows:

• • • Slay (i.e. cause the death) of offering animals (i.e.beasts.)
    • The high priest speaks (i.e. sprinkles) God’s words (i.e. blood) on the altars (i.e. hearts) of people.
    • When people hear God’s words in their hearts, they are saved from the sin of religion.

These literal tasks are symbolic representations of Jesus’ ministry functions. This is not helpful to know, however, unless we understand the symbolism of slaying animals and sprinkling blood.

Animals are people.

Old/First Covenant religious people are unclean animals.