Leviticus 8:9

KJV

And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, [even] upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he put {H7760} the mitre {H4701} upon his head {H7218}; also upon the mitre {H4701}, even upon his forefront {H6440}{H4136}, did he put {H7760} the golden {H2091} plate {H6731}, the holy {H6944} crown {H5145}; as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He set the turban on his head, and on the front of the turban he affixed the gold plate, the holy ornament, as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

Moses also put the turban on Aaron’s head and set the gold plate, the holy diadem, on the front of the turban, as the LORD had commanded him.

American Standard Version

And he set the mitre upon his head; and upon the mitre, in front, did he set the golden plate, the holy crown; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 8:9 meticulously details the final stage of Aaron's investiture as High Priest, specifically the placement of the mitre and the golden plate, or "holy crown," upon his head. This act concludes the elaborate dressing ritual, signifying Aaron's full consecration and readiness to assume his unique mediatorial role. The verse underscores the divine origin and authority of the priesthood, emphasizing that every detail of the ceremony, down to the High Priest's attire, was precisely "as the LORD commanded Moses," establishing the sacredness and divine mandate of this pivotal office in Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 8:9 is situated within the broader narrative of Leviticus 8, which meticulously records the seven-day consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests. This chapter serves as the practical implementation of the detailed instructions for the priesthood and the Tabernacle given earlier in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Instructions for Priestly Garments") and [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests"). Following the anointing with oil and the dressing of Aaron in his elaborate garments, verse 9 marks the culmination of this investiture, specifically the placement of the most distinctive elements of the High Priest's headwear. This act precedes the sin offering and burnt offering, which further sanctify Aaron and his sons for their service, as described in [Leviticus 8:14-30](/leviticus/8-14 "Leviticus 8:14-30 - Sacrifices for Consecration"). The entire chapter emphasizes the divine mandate and the meticulous adherence to God's commands for establishing a holy priesthood to mediate between God and Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The consecration of Aaron and his sons took place at the newly constructed Tabernacle, which had just been erected and consecrated according to God's instructions in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected and Consecrated"). This event marked a critical transition point in Israel's history, moving from a direct, albeit limited, interaction with God through Moses, to a structured system of worship and mediation through a consecrated priesthood. The priestly garments, particularly the mitre and the golden plate, were not merely decorative but were imbued with profound symbolic meaning. They visually distinguished the High Priest, setting him apart as the one who could enter the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")) and bear the iniquity of the holy things before the Lord ([Exodus 28:38](/exodus/28-38 "Exodus 28:38 - High Priest Bears Iniquity")). The rigid adherence to divine command ("as the LORD commanded Moses") highlights the absolute necessity of following God's prescribed order for approaching His holy presence, a concept central to ancient Israelite worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mitre (Hebrew, מִצְנֶפֶת, _mitznephet_):** This term refers to a distinctive turban or head-dress worn exclusively by the High Priest. Unlike the caps worn by common priests, the _mitznephet_ was a more elaborate, perhaps conical or wound, turban, signifying Aaron's unique and elevated status among the priesthood. It served as a visible emblem of his sacred office and separation unto God, distinguishing him as the primary mediator between God and the people.
* **Golden Plate (Hebrew, צִּיץ, _tzitz_):** Literally meaning "blossom," "flower," or "shining plate," this refers to a thin, rectangular plate of pure gold. Its name likely alludes to its polished, reflective surface or its decorative placement. This plate was inscribed with the profound declaration "Holiness to the LORD" (קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה, _qodesh l'Yahweh_) and was affixed to the forefront of the mitre. It was the most prominent and symbolically potent part of the High Priest's headwear, serving as a constant visual reminder of God's absolute sanctity and the High Priest's consecrated purpose to bear the iniquity of the holy things, ensuring Israel's offerings were acceptable to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he put the mitre upon his head;":** This clause describes Moses' action of placing the distinctive turban upon Aaron's head. This was a crucial step in the investiture, visually distinguishing Aaron as the High Priest and marking him as set apart for his unique mediatorial role. The mitre, as a sacred piece of attire, symbolized his authority and consecration.
* **"also upon the mitre, [even] upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown;":** Following the mitre, Moses affixed the golden plate to its forefront, directly above Aaron's brow. This golden plate, often referred to as the "holy crown" due to its significance and inscription, was the crowning glory of the High Priest's vestments. Its placement on the "forefront" meant it was highly visible, perpetually declaring "Holiness to the LORD" and symbolizing the High Priest's role in representing a holy God to an unholy people, and vice versa, bearing their iniquity.
* **"as the LORD commanded Moses.":** This concluding phrase is a recurring motif throughout Leviticus 8, emphasizing the divine origin and authority behind every aspect of the consecration ceremony. It underscores that the priesthood was not a human invention but a divinely instituted office, with every detail meticulously prescribed by God Himself. This phrase validates the entire process, ensuring its legitimacy and efficacy in God's eyes, and highlighting the importance of obedience to divine revelation.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 8:9 employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, as every element of the High Priest's attire, particularly the mitre and the golden plate, is laden with theological meaning. The mitre symbolizes the High Priest's unique authority and separation, while the golden plate, inscribed with "Holiness to the LORD," powerfully symbolizes God's absolute sanctity and the High Priest's consecrated role in mediating holiness. The phrase "holy crown" itself is a form of **Metonymy**, where the plate is called a "crown" because it signifies the regal and sacred authority of the High Priest's office. Furthermore, the recurring phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons") functions as a form of **Repetition** and **Affirmation**, reinforcing the divine mandate and the meticulous obedience required in establishing the priesthood. This repetitive affirmation underscores the foundational principle that all legitimate worship and service must originate from and adhere strictly to God's revealed will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 8:9, through the meticulous investiture of Aaron, powerfully conveys the themes of divine appointment, holiness, and mediation. The High Priest's elaborate garments, culminating in the mitre and the golden plate inscribed with "Holiness to the LORD," visually represented the profound separation and sanctity required to approach God. This entire ceremony underscored that access to God's presence was not casual but strictly regulated by divine command, emphasizing God's transcendent holiness and the need for a consecrated mediator. The High Priest served as a living symbol of Israel's relationship with a holy God, bearing their names and their iniquities before Him. This Old Testament system, while temporary, laid the groundwork for understanding the ultimate need for a perfect mediator.

* [Exodus 28:36-38](/exodus/28-36 "Exodus 28:36-38 - The Holy Crown and its Purpose")
* [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron and his Sons Appointed to the Priesthood")
* [Hebrews 9:1-10](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-10 - The Earthly Sanctuary and its Limitations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Aaron's consecration, particularly the placement of the mitre and the holy crown, serves as a profound reminder of the gravity and sanctity of God's call to service. It teaches us that approaching a holy God, whether in worship or service, requires intentionality, purity, and adherence to His revealed will. While the Old Testament priesthood has been fulfilled in Christ, the principles of holiness, reverence, and divine mandate remain timeless. As believers, we are called a "royal priesthood" ([1_peter/2-9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Holy Priesthood")), tasked with offering spiritual sacrifices and declaring God's praises. This means our lives, our worship, and our service should reflect the "Holiness to the LORD" that was inscribed on Aaron's forehead. We are to live set apart, not by external garments, but by an internal transformation that seeks to honor God in all things, recognizing that our access to Him is not earned but graciously granted through our perfect High Priest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Aaron's consecration challenge my own approach to worship and service?**
* **In what ways can I, as a "holy priesthood" in Christ, practically live out the principle of "Holiness to the LORD" in my daily life?**
* **What does the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" teach me about the importance of obedience to God's Word in my spiritual walk?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "golden plate" or "holy crown" on the High Priest's forehead?**

Answer: The golden plate, or _tzitz_, was the most symbolically significant part of the High Priest's headwear. It was inscribed with "Holiness to the LORD" (קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה, _qodesh l'Yahweh_). Its primary significance was to symbolize God's absolute holiness and the High Priest's unique role in mediating between a holy God and the people of Israel. According to [Exodus 28:38](/exodus/28-38 "Exodus 28:38 - High Priest Bears Iniquity"), it also served to "bear the iniquity of the holy things," meaning it symbolically covered or atoned for any imperfections in the offerings or sacred acts of the Israelites, ensuring their worship was acceptable to God. It was a constant visual declaration of the sanctity required to approach the divine presence.

**Why was it so important that every detail of the consecration was "as the LORD commanded Moses"?**

Answer: The repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons") underscores the divine origin and authority of the priesthood and the Tabernacle worship system. It emphasizes that this entire framework for approaching God was not a human invention but a direct divine mandate. This meticulous adherence to God's instructions ensured the legitimacy, efficacy, and sanctity of the priestly office and the sacrificial system. It taught Israel that proper worship and service to God must always be based on His revealed will, not on human innovation or preference, a principle that remains foundational for all who seek to honor God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The elaborate investiture of Aaron, culminating in the placement of the mitre and the "holy crown," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. Aaron's garments, particularly the golden plate declaring "Holiness to the LORD," symbolized a holiness that was external and representative, a constant reminder of the need for a mediator who could bear the iniquity of the people. Yet, Aaron, being human, was imperfect and required consecration and repeated sacrifices for himself as well as for the people ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). Jesus, however, is the High Priest "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ Our Perfect High Priest")). He needed no consecration for Himself, for He is inherently "Holiness to the LORD" personified. Unlike Aaron, who entered an earthly tabernacle with the blood of animals, Christ entered "the greater and more perfect tent" of heaven itself, "not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption" ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice and Priesthood")). His once-for-all sacrifice perfectly fulfilled the symbolic bearing of iniquity, making true and lasting access to God possible for all who believe ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")). Jesus is the true "holy crown," not merely bearing an inscription of holiness, but embodying and bestowing it upon His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Philippians 2:9

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Philippians 2:11

And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Exodus 39:28

And a mitre [of] fine linen, and goodly bonnets [of] fine linen, and linen breeches [of] fine twined linen,

Exodus 39:30

And they made the plate of the holy crown [of] pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, [like to] the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

Exodus 28:36

And thou shalt make a plate [of] pure gold, and grave upon it, [like] the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

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.

Zechariah 6:11

Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set [them] upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;