Matthew 23:1-3 “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.”
The “chief seats” in a synagogue were the seats nearest to the sacred scrolls, seats that were occupied by the “prayer leader” and the “reader.” Those “chief seats” faced the congregation and one of them was known as “Moses’ seat.” The top religious leaders from among the Scribes and Pharisees sat in those seats and instructed the people about how they should live. They reminded the people of the multitudinous rules, some of which came from the OT Law and some of which were added by people like themselves. Jesus said to His disciples and to the multitude, “Do what your leaders say, but do not do as they do.” Unfortunately, it is possible to have a position but be a hypocrite, which was the problem with the Pharisees and Scribes.