Archetypal priest

In the account of his origins Adam served as an archetype with all humanity represented in him. In his priestly role he serves as a representational agent serving on behalf of humanity; all humans are represented by him.

Adam’s role must then be understood in light of the role of the priests in the ancient world. When we read the Bible, We often think of priests as ritual experts and as those instructing the people in the ways of the Lord and the law. That is true, but those tasks fit into a larger picture. The main task of the priest was the preservation of sacred space.—The Lost World of Adam and Eve, p. 108 (emphasis original)