Daily reading assignment: Exodus 28-29
Exodus 28 describes the clothes Aaron and his sons were to wear as priests. The rich detail and beauty of their priestly garments was to reflect the eminent role of those who minister for the people before the LORD (28:2). The garments of the high priest were particularly beautiful, well-crafted, and rich in color and detail (28:3-5).
Various stones adorned an ephod worn by the high priest. An ephod being a garment made of linen cloth that crossed the shoulders, the back and breast of the high priest (28:6-14).
The high priest also wore over the ephod a breastplate that was a symbol of judgment. Embedded in the breastplate were stones on which were engraved the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (28:15-29).
Great attention was given to the robes of the priesthood (28:15-30) down to the bells about the hem of his robe whose sound gave witness to the movement of the high priest within the Tabernacle and his acceptance in the LORD’s presence (28:31-26).
The LORD instructed Moses to perform a formal ceremony consecrating Aaron and his sons to the priesthood in Exodus 29. A ceremonial ritual of washing and adorning priestly garments is described (29:1-7), followed by a ceremony of sacrifices in which Aaron and his sons were commanded to lay their hands on the heads of beasts to be offered, consecrating themselves and the altar of sacrifice (29:8-37).
I close with an observation of a sad irony I see in today’s church.
“Dressing down” has become the style of those who occupy the pulpit and the pew. A casual demeanor is reflected in the whole atmosphere of 21st century worship.
If ripped jeans, shorts, sandals and t-shirts are appropriate for worship, I am left wondering what became of the God who demanded beautiful robes and dedicated priests who were holy and consecrated to the LORD.
Surely the LORD is no less holy today than He was in Israel’s day!
Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith