QUEST TO UNDERSTAND ELEMENTARY SCRIPTURAL TRUTH

Sinai instructions – Holy Clothing

Exodus 25-31 · Pastor Craig R. Jarvis

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1The Workers in the Sanctuary

The priesthood was chosen from the tribe of – specifically from the house of Aaron (Moses’ brother). Exodus 28:1
Character and conduct of the High Priest:
- The office was hereditary, but the character prescribed. (Lev.21:6-8, 12, 14)
- Must not show grief for the dead – even his own father and mother – by removing his headdress or letting his hair go unkept.
- Must not tear his clothes in grief or go near a dead body.
- Must not leave his duties even in the case of death of a loved one.
- Must marry only a “virgin of his own people.”
- He was such an important part of the social makeup of the Israelites that upon his death; all those in the Cities of Refuge were set free.
became a specific pointer to set these workers apart from the others. Exodus 28:2-3
The priest’s clothing pointed to the : God’s presence. Exodus 28:4-5
- The clothing came from the contributions of the people (like the Tabernacle).
- The clothing was made from the same material as the Tabernacle curtains.
- Even the clothing of the priests was to reflect the truth of God with us.

2Clothing Details and Implications

The . Exodus 28:6-14
- The purpose of this piece of linen is unknown.
- Onyx stones were attached to the shoulder pieces of the ephod.
- Each onyx stone had 6 names inscribed on it of the Children of Israel.
- The names of the Children of Israel sat on the high priest’s shoulders to symbolize his position as their representative.
The - . Exodus 28:15-30
- Not a “plate” (KJV), but a “piece” of cloth.
- Purpose: to hold the Urim and Thummim.
- Never specifically explained in Scripture as to their manner of use.
- Traditionally understood as “dice.” (CF: 1 Sam.14:37-41)
- Maybe thrown as dice, maybe picked out of the pocket?
- Never specifically explained in Scripture as to their appearance.
- Why does God speak in different ways throughout history? Should this cause us distress?
The High-Priest’s . Exodus 28:31-35
The robe went under the ephod. Lev.8:7-8
- Around the hem was an imitation pomegranate and bells intermittently placed.
- Pomegranate represented fertility of the land?
- Bells so that the priests would know if the High Priest was struck dead in the Holy place?
- “So that he will not die” – indicated the “method” of appearance before God (not if he dies you can drag him out).
- The High Priest must follow ALL these requirements before approaching God or he will die.
The . Exodus 28:36-38
- The headdress was to have a golden plate with an engraving upon it – “Holy to Yahweh.”
The headdress was in the form of a turban and worn continually. v.39-43
The , , and . Exodus 28:39-43
- The tunic was probably a covering going to the palms and the feet.
- The turban was the covering for the head which held the plate of gold.
- The sash was probably a girdle worn over the tunic and under the robe.
- QUESTION: Why all this detail ad nauseam?
- Good intentions never substitute for Biblical mandates.