Exodus 28:38

And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

And it shall be upon Aaron's {H175} forehead {H4696}, that Aaron {H175} may bear {H5375} the iniquity {H5771} of the holy things {H6944}, which the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} shall hallow {H6942} in all their holy {H6944} gifts {H4979}; and it shall be always {H8548} upon his forehead {H4696}, that they may be accepted {H7522} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

over Aharon's forehead. Because Aharon bears the guilt for any errors committed by the people of Isra'el in consecrating their holy gifts, this ornament is always to be on his forehead, so that the gifts for ADONAI will be accepted by him.

And it will be worn on Aaron’s forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD.

And it shall be upon Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before Jehovah.

Commentary

Exodus 28:38 (KJV): "And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD."

Context

Exodus chapter 28 details the garments prescribed by God for Aaron and his sons to wear while serving as priests. These garments were not merely ceremonial but symbolic, signifying holiness, authority, and the mediatorial role of the priesthood. Verse 38 specifically refers to the plate of pure gold (often called the "holy crown" or "plate of the mitre") that was to be worn on the forefront of Aaron's turban. Engraved upon this plate were the words "HOLINESS TO THE LORD". This verse explains the purpose of this specific adornment.

Key Themes

  • Bearing Iniquity: A central theme is the high priest's role in "bearing the iniquity of the holy things." This doesn't mean the gifts themselves were sinful, but that even the Israelites' most sacred offerings and acts of worship, coming from imperfect people, carried the stain of human sin and imperfection. The high priest, through his office and symbolic garments, represented the people and bore this imperfection before God, preventing it from disqualifying the offerings entirely.
  • Holiness and Acceptance: The plate inscribed with "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" constantly before God symbolized the perfect holiness required for worship and acceptance. By wearing it, Aaron, in his representative capacity, bridged the gap between the people's imperfect holiness and God's absolute holiness, ensuring their "holy gifts" could be "accepted before the LORD."
  • Mediation: The high priest served as a mediator between God and Israel. This verse highlights how his specific attire and role were essential for the people's access to God and the validity of their religious acts.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "iniquity" here is 'avon, which often refers to sin, guilt, or punishment for sin. In this context, it speaks to the defect or imperfection associated with human attempts at holiness, even in worship. The phrase "holy things" translates qodesh, emphasizing the consecrated nature of the gifts and offerings. "Accepted" comes from the root ratzah, meaning to be pleased with, to accept favorably, or to delight in.

Reflection

This verse provides a powerful picture of the need for mediation in approaching a holy God. Even the best efforts of imperfect people require a covering or intercession to be acceptable. The high priest's role in bearing the iniquity of the holy things points forward to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. Unlike Aaron, whose priesthood was temporary and whose own imperfections required sacrifice, Christ is our perfect High Priest who is without sin and bears our iniquities completely (Isaiah 53:6). Through His sacrifice, our worship and lives, though imperfect, can be accepted before God because we are seen in His perfect holiness. The constant presence of the plate on Aaron's forehead symbolizes the continual need for this representation, a need fully met in Christ's ongoing intercession for us.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 2:24 (8 votes)

    Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

  • Numbers 18:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.

  • Leviticus 10:17 (6 votes)

    Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it [is] most holy, and [God] hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD?

  • John 1:29 (5 votes)

    ¶ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

  • Hebrews 9:28 (5 votes)

    So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

  • Leviticus 22:9 (4 votes)

    They shall therefore keep mine ordinance, lest they bear sin for it, and die therefore, if they profane it: I the LORD do sanctify them.

  • 1 Peter 2:5 (4 votes)

    Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.