READ: Ex. 28:1–43: … you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty …
The LORD calls Aaron and his sons to occupy the priesthood. Aaron, as high priest, symbolizes the priesthood of Christ, particularly with respect to atonement. His sons will assist him as priests.
Heb. 5:1–5 speaks of the earthly high priest: “For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness.
Because of this he is required, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins. And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.”
The priestly garments are to be made by skilled craftsmen. They are intended to give the priests dignity and distinction (literally: honor and splendor). This belongs to the Old Testament dispensation, in which such matters are visibly expressed.
The official garments also symbolize consecration to the LORD, so that the priests may serve Him. The garments point to the holiness of Christ, the ultimate High Priest. This is especially true of the golden plate bearing the inscription “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” on the turban of the high priest. Failure to wear these garments is punishable by death, so seriously does the LORD regard this matter (v.43).
Each part of the garments has symbolic meaning. The ephod is a splendid vestment with two onyx stones in the shoulder pieces, associated with the Urim and Thummim for decision-making, and with a breastpiece containing twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes. This signifies that the high priest acts on behalf of the entire people.
Attached to the ephod are pomegranates as a continual reminder of God’s law, and golden bells to assist the high priest. In this way the other priests can also hear what he is doing behind the veil.
How is our attention directed to Christ’s high-priestly work?
Sing: Ps. 50:11