Bible in 365 Days

Exodus 28-29

Exodus 28

The account of the calling and the hallowing of the priests for the exercise of their sacred office is given in detail. The outstanding values are revealed in certain clear statements. That of the purpose of the robing of the priests is stated in the words, ". . . make Aaron's garments to sanctify him, that he may minister unto Me in the priests' office." A careful study of the description of these garments will reveal very much that is important to an understanding of the divine thought concerning priesthood.

Taking them briefly, not in the order here described but in that of the actual robing, we notice first that the undergarments were to be of fine linen, symbolic of the necessity for personal purity. Covering this was the robe of the ephod, all of blue-this in Eastern imagery suggesting the necessity for familiarity with heavenly things. The alternating bell and pomegranate on the skirts of the priest's robe were typical of his obligation to testimony and fruit bearing. Over these was placed the ephod itself, the essential garment of the priestly function, while on the head rested the sacred miter, or priestly crown. Completing the glorious apparel were ornaments of great beauty. Attached to the miter on the head was a plate bearing the inscription, "HOLY TO THE LORD," the significance of which is self-evident. On the shoulders onyx stones engraved with the names of the tribes indicated the office of bearing their burdens. On the heart rested the breastplate, with the names of the tribes inscribed there also on precious stones. In the center of this was the mystic Urim and Thummim. All this was intended to emphasize that the office of the priest was to carry the people on his heart in discovering the divine mind and will concerning them.

Exodus 29

The hallowing of the priests consisted in a threefold function: ablution, arrayal, and anointing. Approaching with sacrifices and offerings, there was first to be the washing in water and then the arrayal in the holy garments. The ceremony of consecration, with its sacrifices and anointing, emphasized the purity necessary on the part of those exercising the office of the priesthood.

Aaron, cleansed and anointed, proceeded to service, and the ceremonies emphasized that the consecration of the priest must be expressed in actual service. All these rites and ceremonies were to be observed, not by Aaron alone, but also by his sons.

After these instructions concerning the hallowing of the priests, we find instructions concerning the daily offerings. These are dealt with more in detail in the Book of Leviticus. In the provision made for the offering of a lamb morning and evening, together with a meal offering and a drink offering, Jehovah promised that by this means He would meet with them and dwell among them and make them know Him. Thus the truth, at once symbolic and glorious, was to be kept perpetually before the people, that God could meet with them only by way of sacrifice and on condition of their devotion to Himself.

Through all these detailed provisions for the organization of the people it is of the utmost importance that we keep in mind the fuller intention of God that other nations might come to know the blessedness of the people directly governed by Himself.