EXODUS 28
Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron, to give him dignity and honor
(Exodus 28:2).
Two chapters of the Bible are given to a description of the priestly garments worn by Aaron and his sons as they served God (Exodus 28 and 39; see also Leviticus 8). Two sets of garments are described. Aaron, as High Priest, wore splendid and highly symbolic apparel while his sons wore less glorious clothes.
The garments of the ordinary priests included linen undergarments that reached from the waist to the thigh, specifically said to cover the “flesh,” that is, the private parts (Exodus 28:42). Aaron also wore these undergarments. The ordinary priests were given tunics of fine linen, a sash of embroidered work, and a turban of fine linen. The Bible identifies white linen as symbolic of holiness. Just as the Israelite layman had to wash and be clean ceremonially in order to enter the courtyard of the Tabernacle (Leviticus 11–15), so the priest had to be arrayed in white in order to draw near the altar and the Tabernacle.
The High Priest’s garments went a step further, from white and holiness to the rainbow colors of glory. Over his white undergarments the High Priest wore a robe entirely of blue cloth (blue was the most expensive dye in the ancient world). The opening at the top was woven like a coat of mail, indicating the High Priest was God’s paramount holy warrior. At the bottom were cloth pomegranates made of yarn alternating with golden bells that tinkled as Aaron walked.
Over the robe was the “ephod,” a garment consisting of a waistband with gold chains running up and over the shoulders. On the shoulders were two onyx stones engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel. Attached to the ephod in the front was a breastpiece, like armor, but with twelve precious stones representing the twelve tribes. The breastpiece included a pouch for two mysterious items called Urim and Thummim, which were used as oracles of judgment. Finally, the High Priest wore a turban with a golden plate in front on which were inscribed the words “Holy to the Lord.”
CORAM DEO
1 Chronicles 28–29
John 11:45–57
Coram Deo means “acknowledging that we live before God’s face.” When Aaron went before God’s face his brow was covered with the golden plate. Why? (Genesis 3:19; 2 Chronicles 26:19.) Also, before God’s face Aaron bore Israel on his shoulders (ephod) and on his heart (breastpiece). How does Jesus Christ fulfill this symbolism? Allow today’s lesson to give you more confidence in your prayer life.
For further study: Luke 9:28–31 • Revelation 19:6–16
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