Final answer:
The statement is false; the primary role of priests was related to ritual and worship, not proclaiming God’s messages, which was the role of prophets.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the primary role of priests was to proclaim God’s messages to the people of Israel is false. In the religious practices of the ancient Israelites, there was a clear distinction between the roles of priests and prophets. A priest's role was largely centered on performing rituals, conducting worship, and maintaining the temple or sanctuary, serving as a mediator between the people and the divine through sacrificial systems and ritual purity. Priests derived their authority from their position within the religious institution and the scripture. On the other hand, prophets were individuals who claimed to have direct communication with the supernatural realm and often addressed issues of justice, morality, and fidelity to the covenant with Yahweh. Prophets, such as Moses, proclaimed God's messages, including calls for repentance and adherence to divine laws like the Ten Commandments.
Throughout history, whether in Mesopotamian cities, where priests sought to soothe the wrath of gods, or in the Prophetic Movement among the Hebrews, there was a prominent distinction between the duties of priests and the vocation of prophets. The role of a prophet included proclaiming divine messages, which could be especially compelling during times of social crisis or moral decline, as these individuals spoke on behalf of a higher power and advocated a return to spiritual and ethical standards.