Before the Israelites had a king, the role of the priests was very important in Hebrew society. They were responsible for performing religious rituals and offering sacrifices to God on behalf of the people. They also served as spiritual leaders and advisors, providing guidance and direction to the community.
After Israel had a king, the role of the priests continued to be important, but it shifted somewhat. The king now had a more central role in religious affairs, and the priests became more focused on serving the king and the royal court. They continued to perform religious rituals and offer sacrifices, but their primary role was now to serve the king and his government.
Overall, the role of the priests in Hebrew society changed from being primarily religious leaders to becoming more closely tied to the king and the political realm. This shift reflected the changing nature of Hebrew society as it transitioned from a loose confederation of tribes to a more centralized, monarchy-based system.