Inside out – The Priest’s Holy Garments

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭28:1‭-‬4‬ ‭ESV‬‬
[1] “Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priests—Aaron and Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. [2] And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. [3] You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with a spirit of skill, that they make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him for my priesthood. [4] These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons to serve me as priests.

How do we dress for church? Are we concerned with our appearance? How about Easter Sunday? A new dress maybe? A new suit or tie? Do we think about how others see us? Do we think about how we represent? Is my wife going to be impressed? Is my husband going to think I look pretty today? If I wear this suit, will I look like I represent the Kingdom of God on Earth? But wait, does this tie scream ‘righteous ambassador’ or ‘fashion disaster’? Tough decision.” Often we spend more time thinking about the way we look than the way we are. We are kings and priests to our God. Is His Glory and His Beauty evident to everyone around us? It sure was obvious with the High Priest in Israel!

Introduction

In Exodus 28, the intricate details of the priest’s holy garments unfold, weaving a rich tapestry of symbolism and spiritual significance. Each element is meticulously designed, not only for ceremonial purposes but also as a profound reflection of divine truths. As we explore these garments, we’ll delve into their specifics and draw connections to the New Testament and our Great High Priest, revealing how they serve as a prophetic picture of Jesus Christ and how imputed righteousness is reflected in the garments of believers.

Bringing beauty and glory to the outside

The High Priest and his garments bring the beauty and the glory on the inside of the Tabernacle to the outside. He alone was allowed into the Holy of Holies. He alone was allowed into the very presence of God’s glory. The garments were intricately connected to the design and symbolism of the Tabernacle. The connection between the high priest’s garments and the Tabernacle’s interior design can be understood through various elements

The Beautiful Colors

The colors of the high priest’s garments were specified and held symbolic meaning. For example, blue, purple, and scarlet were used in the priestly garments, and these colors were also prominent in the curtains and coverings of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:1, 31, 36:8). The colors represented different aspects of God’s character, authority, and holiness.

Blue is often associated with the heavens, emphasizing the transcendence and divine nature of God. It can represent the sky, reminding people to look upward to the Creator. In the Bible, blue is also linked to the law and commandments of God.

Scriptural Reference: Numbers 15:38-39 mentions the use of a blue cord in the Israelites’ garments, serving as a reminder of God’s commandments.

Purple is a color historically associated with royalty and majesty. It signifies the sovereignty and kingship of God. In the context of the Tabernacle, purple may symbolize the exalted and regal nature of God’s dwelling place.

Scriptural Reference: In the New Testament, purple is associated with royalty, as a purple robe was placed on Jesus during the mocking before His crucifixion (Mark 15:17).

Scarlet, a deep red color, often symbolizes blood and sacrifice. It is a reminder of the atonement and the shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sins. Scarlet is also associated with the earthly and sacrificial aspects of worship.

Scriptural Reference: The use of scarlet is prominent in descriptions of sacrificial rituals, and it is linked to the cleansing of sins (Isaiah 1:18).

Gold represents purity, value, and the divine. It is a precious metal, symbolizing the precious and holy nature of God. Gold is associated with God’s glory and the majesty of His presence.

Scriptural Reference: Gold is extensively used in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, the golden lampstand, and other sacred items within the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:10-22). Gold is often described in the Revelation of Jesus.

The Beauty of the Design

The high priest’s garments were made of specific materials such as fine linen, gold, and precious stones. These materials mirrored the opulence and beauty of the Tabernacle’s interior, including the use of gold in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant and other sacred furnishings (Exodus 25:10-22).

Symbols and Embroidery:

The high priest’s ephod and breastplate were adorned with specific symbols and precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:6-30). This reflects the idea of the high priest carrying the people of Israel on his heart, just as the high priest represented the people before God in the Tabernacle. The onyx stones with their names subscribed on them were worn on his shoulders. Six on each side and convey the thought of God looking down from heaven upon the twelve tribes.

Holiness and Consecration:

The consecration process for the high priest involved anointing with oil, similar to the anointing of the Tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 29:7, 30:25-30). This emphasized the holiness and set-apart nature of both the high priest and the Tabernacle.

The Urim and Thummim:

The breastplate of the high priest held the Urim and Thummim, objects used for seeking God’s guidance. This reflects the communication and interaction between God and the high priest, mirroring the presence of God in the Most Holy Place within the Tabernacle (Exodus 28:30).

By carefully following the instructions for the high priest’s garments, the Israelites were reminded of the sanctity of their worship and the connection between the high priest and the Tabernacle. The garments served as a visible representation of the divine order and the intricate symbolism embedded in the Tabernacle’s design. His garments brought the beauty and the glory of the inside to the outside in the sight of the people.

The Glory of his garments

The Ephod:

The priest’s attire begins with the ephod, a sleeveless garment intricately woven with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet threads. Fastened by a skillfully crafted breast piece adorned with twelve precious stones, the ephod represents the priest’s role as a mediator between God and His people. This resonates with the New Testament depiction of Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, bridging the gap between humanity and God (Hebrews 4:14-16).

“14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

The Breastpiece:

Embedded within the ephod, the breast piece boasts twelve precious stones, each engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. This symbolizes the priest carrying the people on his heart as he enters the Holy of Holies. Similarly, Jesus, our High Priest, bears our names before the Father, interceding on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25).

“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

The Robe:

Next in line is the robe, a seamless garment woven in blue. This seamless design points to the unity and perfection of Christ, emphasizing His divine nature (John 19:23). The hem of the robe is adorned with pomegranates and golden bells, representing the fruitfulness and melodious presence of God. In the New Testament, Jesus’ seamless robe becomes a powerful symbol, as the soldiers at the crucifixion cast lots for it (John 19:23-24).

“23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.’ This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,

‘They divided my garments among them,

and for my clothing, they cast lots.’

So the soldiers did these things.”

The Turban and Golden Plate:

Completing the ensemble is the turban, adorned with a golden plate inscribed with the words “Holy to the Lord.” This emphasizes the consecrated nature of the priest, set apart for divine service. In the New Testament, believers are considered a royal priesthood, echoing the idea of being set apart for God’s holy purpose (1 Peter 2:9)

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

What are we wearing?

Let’s consider New Testament scripture references that connect with the concepts related to the high priest’s garments and the righteousness of the saints:

Consecration and Holiness:

1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV)”but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.'”

Identification and Representation:

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)”For our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Access to God:

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)”Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Symbolism of Colors:

Revelation 19:8 (ESV)”it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.”

Service and Ministry:

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)”For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

In these New Testament passages, we see connections to the themes of holiness, righteousness, access to God, and the righteous deeds of believers. The symbolism and principles associated with the high priest’s garments find echoes in the New Testament teachings on the righteousness of the saints through faith in Christ.

Are we bringing His Glory and Beauty to the people? Can they see His Glory by your righteous garment?

Conclusion:

The priest’s holy garments in Exodus 28 transcend mere ceremonial attire; they serve as a profound illustration of Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest. From the ephod to the turban, each element carries spiritual significance, portraying Christ’s mediation, intercession, perfection, and consecration. As we explore these Old Testament symbols, we find a beautiful tapestry woven by the divine hand, pointing forward to the redemptive work accomplished through Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Knowing these things and their beauty will increase our understanding of the significance of the types of Christ in the Old Testament. They reveal to us our privilege to reflect Jesus to the world by the righteousness imputed to us as believers. The only righteousness we have is the clothing that Jesus provides. Don’t be intimidated as you read and study the pages as you will find Jesus through it all. And don’t miss the beauty of it all!