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Commentary on Exodus 28 verses 31–39
Here is, 1. Direction given concerning the robe of the ephod, Exo 28:31-35. This was next under the ephod, and reached down to the knees, was without sleeves, and was put on over their head, having holes on the sides to put the arms through, or, as Maimonides describes it, was not sewed together on the sides at all. The hole on the top, through which the head was put, was carefully bound about, that it might not tear in the putting on. In religious worship, care must be taken to prevent every thing that may distract the minds of the worshippers, or render the service despicable. Round the skirts of the robe were hung golden bells, and the representations of pomegranates made of yarn of divers colours. The pomegranates added to the beauty of the robe, and the sound of the bells gave notice to the people in the outer court when he went into the holy place to burn incense, that they might then apply themselves to their devotions at the same time (Luk 1:10), in token of their concurrence with him in his offering, and their hopes of the ascent of their prayers to God in virtue of the incense he offered. Aaron must come near to minister in the garments that were appointed him, that he die not. It is at his peril if he attend otherwise than according to the institution. This intimates that we must serve the Lord with fear and holy trembling, as those that know we deserve to die, and are in danger of making some fatal mistake. Some make the bells of the holy robe to typify the sound of the gospel of Christ in the world, giving notice of his entrance within the veil for us. Blessed are those that hear this joyful sound, Psa 89:15. The adding of the pomegranates, which are a fragrant fruit, denotes the sweet savour of the gospel, as well as the joyful sound of it, for it is a savour of life unto life. The church is called an orchard of pomegranates. 2. Concerning the golden plate fixed upon Aaron's forehead, on which must be engraven, Holiness to the Lord (Exo 28:36, Exo 28:37), or The holiness of Jehovah. Aaron must hereby be reminded that God is holy, and that his priests must be holy. Holiness becomes his house and household. The high priest must be sequestered from all pollution, and consecrated to God and to his service and honour, and so must all his ministrations be. All that attend in God's house must have Holiness to the Lord engraven upon their foreheads, that is, they must be holy, devoted to the Lord, and designing his glory in all they do. This must appear in their forehead, in an open profession of their relation to God, as those that are not ashamed to own it, and in a conversation in the world answerable to it. It must likewise be engraven like the engravings of a signet, so deep, so durable, not painted to be washed off, but sincere and lasting; such must our holiness to the Lord be. Aaron must have this upon his forehead, that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things (Exo 28:38), and that they may be accepted before the Lord. Herein he was a type of Christ, the great Mediator between God and man, through whom it is that we have to do with God. (1.) Through him what is amiss in our services is pardoned. The divine law is strict; in many things we come short of our duty, so that we cannot but be conscious to ourselves of much iniquity cleaving even to our holy things; when we would do good evil is present; even this would be our ruin if God should enter into judgment with us. But Christ, our high priest, bears this iniquity, bears it for us so as to bear it from us, and through him it is forgiven to us and not laid to our charge. (2.) Through him what is good is accepted; our persons, our performances, are pleasing to God upon the account of Christ's intercession, and not otherwise, Pe1 2:5. His being holiness to the Lord recommends all those to the divine favour that are interested in his righteousness, and clothed with his Spirit; and therefore he has said it was for our sakes that he sanctified himself, Joh 17:19. Having such a high priest, we come boldly to the throne of grace, Heb 4:14-16. 3. The rest of the garments are but named (Exo 28:39), because there was nothing extraordinary in them. The embroidered coat of fine linen was the innermost of the priestly garments; it reached to the feet, and the sleeves to the wrists, and was bound to the body with a girdle or sash of needle-work. The mitre, or diadem, was of linen, such as kings anciently wore in the east, typifying the kingly office of Christ. He is a priest upon a throne (Zac 6:13), a priest with a crown. These two God has joined, and we must not think to separate them.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 28:37 provides meticulous instructions for the placement of the golden plate, inscribed with "HOLINESS TO THE LORD," upon the High Priest's mitre. This verse, a critical component of God's detailed directives for the sacred priestly garments, underscores the divine imperative for the High Priest to visibly embody and perpetually declare God's absolute holiness. This prominent display was essential to ensure that his service and the offerings presented by the people of Israel were acceptable and consecrated before the Lord.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs Symbolism extensively, where the physical elements of the priestly garments represent profound spiritual realities. The "blue lace" symbolizes heaven, divinity, and purity, connecting the High Priest's earthly role to a heavenly calling and the divine source of his consecration. The "mitre" itself is a potent symbol of authority, distinction, and sacred office. Most profoundly, the golden plate with its inscription "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" is the quintessential symbol of God's absolute purity and the High Priest's necessary dedication to Him. There is also a strong element of Emphasis achieved through repetition and precise detail. The verse reiterates the exact placement ("upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre"), underscoring the critical importance of the plate's visibility and its profound message. This meticulous instruction highlights the divine insistence on the High Priest's public declaration of holiness and the non-negotiable standard for approaching God.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 28:37 profoundly underscores the foundational theological theme of divine holiness and the absolute necessity of consecration for approaching God. The High Priest, bearing the inscription "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" on his forehead, served as a living emblem of the purity and set-apartness required for mediation between a holy God and His people. This visible declaration was not merely ceremonial; it was intrinsically linked to his ability to "bear the iniquity of the holy things" (Exodus 28:38), thereby ensuring that the offerings of an imperfect people were rendered acceptable to a perfect and unblemished God. This points to the foundational theological truth that God is utterly distinct from sin and requires those who draw near to Him to be consecrated, foreshadowing the ultimate perfect mediator who would perfectly embody and provide this holiness.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The High Priest's mitre, with its prominent inscription, served as a constant, visible reminder of God's absolute holiness and the consecrated nature of the priestly office. For believers today, while we do not wear physical garments, the concept of holiness remains central to our identity and calling. As a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), we are called to live lives set apart for God, bearing His holiness not on a physical plate, but in our character, conduct, and worship. Our commitment to God's purity should be as visible and undeniable in our daily lives as the golden plate was on the High Priest's forehead, influencing our thoughts, words, and actions. This means striving for moral purity, spiritual dedication, and a life that reflects the glory of the God we serve, making our lives a living testimony to His transforming power. We are to be living epistles, known and read by all, visibly displaying the transforming power of God's holiness in a world that desperately needs to see it.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the purpose of the blue lace in attaching the golden plate?
Answer: The blue lace served a dual and significant purpose in attaching the golden plate to the High Priest's mitre. Functionally, it was the specific and divinely prescribed means by which the golden plate, inscribed with "HOLINESS TO THE LORD," was securely fastened to the High Priest's turban, ensuring its prominent and stable display. Symbolically, the color blue (təkēleṯ) was highly significant in ancient Israel, representing heaven, divinity, and royalty. Its use in this context underscored the sacredness of the High Priest's office and the heavenly origin of his calling, emphasizing that the holiness he bore was not self-derived but from God Himself. The preciousness of the dye also highlighted the immense value and sanctity of the High Priest's role in mediating between a holy God and His people.
Why was it so important for the golden plate to be on the "forefront" of the mitre?
Answer: Placing the golden plate on the "forefront" of the High Priest's mitre was crucial because it ensured its maximum visibility to all who saw him. This prominent display was essential for several profound reasons. First, it served as a constant, public declaration of God's absolute holiness, reminding both the High Priest and the people of the divine standard required for worship and interaction with Yahweh. Second, it powerfully signified the High Priest's consecrated status and his unique function as the mediator who bore the iniquity of Israel's holy offerings, thereby making them acceptable before God (Exodus 28:38). The plate's visibility emphasized that his entire being, in his priestly capacity, was dedicated and set apart for the Lord, which was indispensable for his representative role before a perfectly holy God.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 28:37, with its profound emphasis on the High Priest bearing "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" on his forehead, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is our true and eternal High Priest, who perfectly embodies and eternally declares the holiness of God, not through an engraved plate, but through His very nature as the Son of God and His sinless, blameless life (Hebrews 7:26). Unlike Aaron, who needed to bear the iniquity of the people's offerings, Jesus, as the spotless Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, bore the iniquity of humanity itself, offering Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:26). His holiness is inherent, absolute, and eternal, making Him uniquely and perfectly qualified to represent us before the Father and secure our access to God's holy presence (Hebrews 10:19-20). Through His finished work on the cross, believers are now made holy and righteous in Him, becoming a "holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5) who can confidently draw near to God and offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and good deeds that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 13:15-16).