The Priestly Garments
In this study, two areas need to be considered: the Rabbinic interpretations and the Messianic interpretations..
(i) Rabbinic – these interpretations are based upon the physical form and function; the what and the how; a reminder to Yahuah of His people.
(ii) Messianic – these interpretations are based upon the spiritual and type; the why; a reminder to the people of their `Elohiym.
These two are not mutually conflicting, where the Messianic interpretation is mostly built upon the Rabbinic foundation.
Both the High priest and the other priests all wore garments reflecting their righteous nature before Yahuah, whereas the High Priest also wore garments in consideration of the glory, splendour and majesty of his office.
Exod. 28:3 – “You shall speak to all who are wise-hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aharon’s garments to sanctify him, that he may minister to me in the Priest’s office.”
wise-hearted – The heart is the biblical base for the intellect, not the feelings. Multiple Scripture references (thoughts Gen. 6:5; saying Gen. 7:17), have the heart as the seat of reasoning. Modern science is constantly discovering aspects of the human anatomy, that have been known in Scripture (Gen. 3:15). There are many anecdotal accounts of organ transplant patients having received some personality trait of the donor, known as Donor and Donation Imagery (D.D.I.), Cellular Memory, Epigenetic Memory (DNA changes), and Energetic Memory. In particular, cardiologists have recorded such phenomena and recently attributed this to Heart-Brain Connection, where the heart has its own neural network (psychologytoday.com).
whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom – These artisans would have plied their trade in Egypt, prepared by Yahuah. However, HaRuakh has further imbued them with the wisdom to complete the garments and furnishings.
28:4 – “These are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, and an efod, and a robe, and a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash: and they shall make set apart garments for Aharon your brother, and his sons, that he may minister to me in the Priest’s office.”
28:5 – “They shall take the gold, and the blue, and the purple, and the scarlet, and the fine linen”.
The gold thread was “They beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, in the purple, in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, the work of the skilful workman.” (Exod. 39:3). Gold does not tarnish and so is symbolic of eternal Deity. Gold is found in the garments but not in the Tabernacle furnishings (Slemming p. 48).
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The blue dye may have come from an Egyptian method of heating a mixture of minerals, metals and plants. The blue dye known as tekhelet, made from the excretions of the marine snail, Murex, was used in later times once the Yisra`elites settled in the Land. Blue is symbolic of Divinity that can be seen in the blue of the sky and of the sea, and from a human point of view are endless expanses. Blue is also symbolic of grace and mercy, the attributes of Divinity (Slemming p. 50).
The scarlet dye would be produced from the worm kermes vermilio (Lat. coccus ilicis), being a dark, blood-like colour, with kermes stemming from the Arabic al-qirmiz meaning crimson (Random Groovy Bible Facts). It is symbolic of humanity, both in the colour of blood and of the red earth from which Man was made, “Yahuah `Elohiym formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Gen. 2:7), and represents the sin of Humanity.
The purple dye would be a combination of the blue and crimson dyes. This is the colour of an emperor, or king of kings. It is symbolic of the Yah-Man, the Messiah Yahusha, in which He was both Divine (blue) and Man (red). As such He was the perfect intercessor and Mediator. Purple, therefore can be considered as the meeting place of Deity with Humanity; of grace and mercy with sin and judgement.
Fine linen was a product of Egyptian craftsmanship (Hertz p. 126 quoting Ibn Ezra), given as part of the Exodus bounty as opposed to the artisans amongst the People producing the cloth. The Egyptian Linen was highly sought after throughout the known world and was synonymous with flawless purity. It was a costly symbol of authority and sovereignty (cf Gen. 41:42) and would not be coloured, but bleached white (cf Mar. 9:3). White is typical of righteousness (Isa. 1:18; Rev. 7:14). However, Man has no righteousness of himself and is clothed in rags, “Now Yahusha was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the angel. He answered and spoke to those who stood before him, saying, ‘Take the filthy garments off of him.’ To him he said, ‘Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with a change of clothing.’ (Zec. 3:3, 4). The High Priest, Yahusha, was given, not only a change of clothing but a change of status, “I will greatly rejoice in Yahuah, my soul shall be joyful in my `Elohiym; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” (Isa. 61:10). The white linen is thus, symbolic ofnecessity of appropriating Yahuah’s salvation.
All the materials thus represent the propitiation of the Messiah Yahusha accomplished at the Cross and Resurrection in His Deity, Divinity, Humanity, Mediatorship and Righteousness. However, in the repetition of the words fine (linen), skilful (workmen) and pure (gold), Yahuah stresses that only the very best of materials and sacrificial offerings will be acceptable. There is nothing second best about the sacrifice made by the Master Yahusha as seen in the repetition of without spot or blemish.
28:6, 7 – “They shall make the efod of gold, of blue, and purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the skilful workman. It shall have two shoulder-pieces joined to the two ends of it, that it may be joined together.”
(i) Rabbinic: this was an apron-loke garment wrapped around the back and open at the front, to be closed by the belt. It was worn between the rib cage and the ground, and hung from two shoulder straps that were sewn to the efod.
(ii) Messianic: See 28:5 materials.
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28:8 – “The skilfully woven band, which is on it, that is on him, shall be like its work and of the same piece; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.”
(i) Rabbinic: This was also known as the curious girdle. Unlike the shoulder straps, this band was woven into the efod, forming a single item and tying at the front.
(ii) Messianic: Although the High Priest would not carry out manual labour in his regalia, the band was to be tied tight as though the efod was part of the man. It was associated with service, “Yahusha, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He came forth from Yahuah, and was going to Yahuah, arose from supper, and laid aside His outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around His waist. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.” (John 13:3-5).
28:9-12, – “You shall take two shoham stones, and engrave on them the names of the children of Yisra`el: six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the six that remain on the other stone, in the order of their birth. With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shall you engrave the two stones, according to the names of the children of Yisra`el: you shall make them to be enclosed in settings of gold. You shall put the two stones on the shoulder-pieces of the efod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Yisra`el: and Aharon shall bear their names before Yahuah on his two shoulders for a memorial.”; “The stones shall be according to the names of the children of Yisra`el, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.”
(i) Rabbinic: The shoham stones were probably a precious material such as onyx, found at the joint between the shoulder straps and efod, and securely fastened. Upon each stone was engraved, in order of their birth, the names of six of the sons of Ya`akob. Yosef was thus included and Efrayim and M`nasheh were excluded. The stones were a reminder to all the tribes of their common ancestry and of the shared Covenants and unity. Thus, Aharon brings all the community into the presence of Yahuah.
(ii) Messianic: The Messiah Yahusha bears all Believers whether natural born or grafted-in, into the presence of Yahuah, “Now in the things which we are saying, the main point is this. We have such a High Priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which Yahuah pitched, not man.” (Heb. 8:1, 2); “Who is he who condemns? It is the Messiah who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of Yahuah, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of the Messiah? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (Rom. 8:34, 35).
28:13, 14 – “You shall make settings of gold, and two chains of pure gold; you make them like cords shall, of braided work: and you shall put the braided chains on the settings.”
(i) Rabbinic: Gold is the material that is symbolic of royalty (Hertz p. 340), and due to the High Priest’s status as Yahuah’s anointed, would the de facto be the leader of People.
(ii) Messianic: See 28:5 materials and 28:25 lacings.
28:15 – “You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of the skilful workman; like the work of the efod you shall make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, shall you make it.”
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(i) Rabbinic: The breastpiece of Judgement or Khosen (meaning to sparkle) Mishpat, was fitted over the heart of the High Priest and made from the same materials as the efod. It was called the Khosen Mishpat because it contained the Urim and Tummim a means by which judicial decisions would be made.
(ii) Messianic: See 28:5, 28:22-27, 28:28.
28:16 – “Into a square it shall be doubled, a span its length and a span its width.”
(i) Rabbinic: A piece of the same material as for the efod, two cubits long and one cubit wide is doubled over and fastened at the top, to form a pouch. All the combination of materials represents the glory of Yahuah. There is some confusion as to whether the breastpiece was one cubit by one cubit, or two cubits by one cubit folded over. However, the significance of the breastpiece, as worn by the High Priest being four-square would indicate that, as fitted, it would form a square. The term four-square is repeated in the furnishings of the Tabernacle in the Bronze Altar (Exod. 27:1, 2) and the Incense Altar (Exod. 30:1, 2).
(ii) Messianic: The Bronze Altar represents the completed sacrificial work of the Master Yahusha, and the Incense Altar represents His continual intercessory work. There is a further mention of the term four-square, and that is at the end of calculated time, “One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls, who were loaded with the seven last plagues came, and it spoke with me, saying, ‘Come here. I will show you the wife, the Lamb’s bride.’ It carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the set apart city, Yerushalayim, coming down out of heaven from Yahuah, having the glory of Yahuah. Her light was like a most precious stone, as if it was a diamond, clear as crystal; having a great and high wall; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Yisra`el. On the east were three gates; and on the north three gates; and on the south three gates; and on the west three gates… The city lies foursquare… The foundations of the city’s wall were adorned with all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper (various colours); the second, sapphire lapis-lazuli); the third, chalcedony (grey/yellow, blue, purple); the fourth, yahalom (diamond) ; the fifth, sardonyx (reddish orange-brown sard/white-black onyx); the sixth, sardius (carnelian/deep red); the seventh, chrysolite (peridot/deep yellow-green); the eighth, beryl (agate/ green-gold); the ninth, topaz (green-yellow); the tenth, chrysoprasus (deep apple green); the eleventh, jacinth (dark blue/black); and the twelfth, amethyst (violet/purple).” (Rev. 21:10-20 parentheses mine).
28:17-20 – “You shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of odem (sardis/carnelian/ruby), pitdah (topaz), and bareqeth (emerald) shall be the first row; and the second row a nofekh (turquoise), a sappir (sapphire/lapis-lazuli), and an yahalome (diamond);and the third row a lehshem (jacinth) , an shebo (agate), and an akhlamah (amethyst);and the fourth row a tareshish (beryl), an shoham (astrios/white onyx), and a yahshefay (jasper/chalcedony): they shall be enclosed in gold in their settings.” (parentheses mine). There are some differences in translations of the various stones, hence the keeping of the Hebrew and use of the parentheses.
(i) Rabbinic: Each stone was set in its own gold setting, giving the breastpiece its name of Khosen (sparkling). The gold fixture was to secure the individual stones firmly to the material of the breastpiece. The careful placing of the stones suggests that Yahuah is the `Elohiym of order and not chaos. Each stone was considered to have similar properties to each son/tribe as to the character from the Patriarchal blessing (Gen. 49 1-28) and the wilderness order camp (Num. 2:3-31). These being odem/Y`hudah; pitdah/Yissakhar; bareqeth/Z`bulun; nofekh/Re`uben; sappir/Shim`on; yahalome/Gad; lehsham/Effrayim; shebo/M`nasheh; akhlamah/Binyamin;
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tareshish/Dan; shoham/Asher; yahshefay/Naftali. This order does not include Levi, from whom the priests came, and Yosef as the designated First-born of Ya`akob (Gen. 48: 8-20) and as such received a double portion, being allocated to Effrayim and M`nasheh.
(ii) Messianic: The square beastpiece would cover the chest, and hence the heart, of the High Priest, “even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be set apart and without blemish before Him in love; having predestined us for adoption as sons through Yahusha the Messiah to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His desire,” (Eph. 1: 4, 5). All the gold and stones were made at the Creation of the earth. The order of the tribes appears differently in the end times (Rev. 7:5-8). This is because Yosef enters as Ya`akob’s First-born and Effrayim was subsumed into the tribe of M`nasheh in the Land. Levi is added because the Levitical priesthood no longer officiates at the Temple, and Dan is excluded because of the idolatry displayed in the Land.
28:21 – “The stones shall be according to the names of the children of Yisra`el, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.”;
(i) Rabbinic: At first glance, this seems a repetition of 28:9-12. However, upon careful consideration an important difference can be detected. In 28:9-12, the twelve names were of the sons of Ya`akob, in order of birth. In this verse, the names are for the twelve tribes. Effrayim and M`nasheh have replaced Levi and Yosef.
(ii) Messianic: By designating the twelve tribes, as opposed to the sons of Ya`akob, it includes those Gentiles that have been grafted-in to the commonwealth of Yisra`el, having no partiality between Jew and Gentile (Rom. 11:17; Eph. 2:11-16, Rom. 10:12). The two onyx stones on the shoulder straps bear witness to the unity whereas the stones of the breastpiece signifies diversity. However their designation, the over-arching factor in both sets, is that the stones are precious, “Precious in the sight of Yahuah is the death for His set apart ones.” (Psa. 116:15).
At the end of time, Yerushalayim is called the Lamb’s Bride having with her the glory of Yahuah, as represented by the gold city with the foundations of precious stones. Although not an exact equivalent to the breastpiece, sufficient is the characteristics of the stones that it can be said that the breastpiece over the High Priest’s heart is symbolic of the Lamb’s Bride, all true blood-bought, word-washed, spirit-filled Believers in the Messiah Yahusha.
28:22-27 – “You shall make on the breastpiece chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold. You shall make on the breastpiece two rings of gold, and shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastpiece. You shall put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastpiece. The other two ends of the two braided chains you shall put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder-pieces of the efod in the forepart of it. You shall make two rings of gold, and you shall put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its edge, which is toward the side of the efod inward. You shall make two rings of gold, and shall put them on the two shoulder-pieces of the efod underneath, in the forepart of it, close by the coupling of it, above the skilfully woven band of the efod.”
(i) Rabbinic: Two gold rings are to be fitted to the upper outer corners of the breastpiece to which a gold chain is to be attached and the other end to the front of the shoulder straps. Two gold rings are to be fitted to the inner edge of the corners of the breastpiece fold. The last pair of rings are to be attached to the front of the woven band of the efod.
(ii) Messianic: See 28:28.
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28:28 – “They shall bind the breastpiece by the rings of it to the rings of the efod with a twisted cord of blue, that it may be on the skilfully woven band of the efod, and that the breastpiece may not swing out from the efod.”
(i) Rabbinic: The lower gold rings of the breastpiece are each attached to the woven band of the efod by a twisted blue cord. The gold rings, chains and blue cords hold securely the breastpiece to the chest of the High Priest.
(ii) Messianic: The breastpiece covers the heart of the High Priest and is symbolic of the righteousness of the Messiah. Sha`ul may have had this in mind when he wrote to the Messianic Ephesian Assembly, “Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,” (Eph. 6:14). Believers put on the breastpiece only by thesovereign and divine will of Yahuah, the gold rings and chains of the heavenly attachment. It is only possible because mercy and grace found in Torah symbolized by the blue twisted cords that keep the Believer forever secured in the heart of the Messiah Yahusha, “Speak to the children of Yisra`el, and bid those who they make them tzitziyot in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put on the tzitzit of each border a twisted cord of blue: and it shall be to you for a tzitzit, that you may look on it, and remember all the commandments of Yahuah, and do them; and that you not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you use to play the prostitute; that you may remember and do all my commandments, and be set apart to your `Elohiym.” (Num. 15:38-40).
28:29 – “Aharon shall bear the names of the children of Yisra`el in the breastplate of judgment on his heart, when he goes in to the set apart place, for a memorial before Yahuah continually.”
(i) Rabbinic: Upon entering the Sanctuary, the breastpiece would be a silent prayer to Yahuah offered up for a blessing to all the descendants of Ya`akob on account of Ya`akob’s righteousness (Gen. 49:1-28; Heb. 11:21).
(ii) Messianic: The judgement due for all people has been taken by the Messiah Yahusha only upon the merit of the righteousness of His completed work and of nothing that Mankind can claim (Eph. 2:8, 9).
28:30 – “You shall put in the breastpiece of judgment the Urim and the Tummim; and they shall be on Aharon’s heart, when he goes in before Yahuah: and Aharon shall bear the judgment of the children of Yisra`el on his heart before Yahuah continually.”
(i) Rabbinic: The wellbeing of the tribes of Yisra`el is to be always on the heart, and prayers, of the High Priest. The Urim (Lights) and Tummim (Perfections) were to be used for making decisions on behalf of the nation. There are many various suggestions as to what these consisted, but many were a parchment with letters or names. When a decision was required, specific instructions would be required and certain letters would appear to stand out or shine, issuing a series of directions. However, these sound like divination, but, “There shall not be found with you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices sorcery, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer…For whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahuah: and because of these abominations Yahuah your `Elohiym does drive them out from before you.” (Deut. 18:10, 12).
(ii) Messianic: The best suggestion is that the Urim and Tummim are stones of near identical dimensions of shape, size and weight, one stone being black, the other white. A simple question would be asked that required only a yes or no answer, right or left, stop or go, guilty or innocent. The High Priest would enquire of HaRuakh
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depending upon His guidance to the hand withdrawing one of the stones. This is probably the basis of the Messiah Yahusha’s message, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes, to him I will give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he who receives it.” (Rev. 2:17).
28:31 – “You shall make the robe of the efod all of blue.”
(i) Rabbinic: The woollen robe was knitted in a single material and colour, “You shall not wear a mixed stuff, wool and linen together.” (Deut. 22:11). It was a full- length garment, from the neck down to the feet, signifying high rank or status. The blue was representative of Yahuah’s Throne of Glory and it was a memorial for Yahuah to remember the people. There is another consideration that states the robe atoned for the sin of evil speech.
(ii) Messianic: The blue garment was symbolic of the grace and mercy of Yahuah as found in the Messiah Yahusha, and the people looking upon the High Priest were always reminded of this fact. The long robe was emblematic of royalty signifying the type of priesthood of the Messiah Yahusha, after the order of Malki-Tzedek, “This is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Malki-Tzedek there arises another Priest, who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly command, but after the power of an endless life: for it is testified, ‘You are a Priest forever, According to the order of Malki-Tzedek.” (Heb. 7:15-17; Psa. 110:4).
28:32 – “It shall have a hole for the head in the midst of it: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of a coat of mail, that it not be torn.”
(i) Rabbinic: The robe was of one piece with holes for the head and arms and was drawn over the head. This would cause great wear and stress on the neck band and so this had to be reinforced.
(ii) Messianic: The grace and mercy of Yahuah knows no limits and is impossible to break.
28:33, 34 – “On its tzitzit you shall make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, around its tzitzit; and bells of gold between them round about: a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, on the tzitzit of the robe round about.”
(i) Rabbinic: There were thought to be seventy-two bells and seventy-two pomegranates and, in keeping with the idea that the robe atoned for evil speech, this alluded to the seventy-two shades of white skin possible for a leper, the result of gossip. The pomegranate was one of the fruits that the murmuring Yisra`elites cited in their complaint, “Why have you made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in to this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.” (Num. 20:5). Murmuring or lashon hara was the reason that Yahuah smote Miryam, “The cloud removed from over the Tent; and, behold, Miryam was leprous, as white as snow: and Aharon looked at Miryam, and, behold, she was leprous.” (Num. 12:10).Tradition states that the pomegranate contained 613 seeds, representing the 613 commandments.
(ii) Messianic: The woven pomegranates between the bells allows the bells to ring clearly and not to hit one another. This fruit is symbolic of peace (Slemming p. 43), it is fitting that the robe of our great High Priest, Tsar Shalom, should abound with this symbol, having won for all Believers, eternal peace on the Cross.
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28:35 – “It shall be on Aharon to minister: and the sound of it shall be heard when he goes in to the holy place before Yahuah, and when he comes out, that he not die.”
(i) Rabbinic: The bells would tinkle as the High Priest walked and would allow people to know that the High Priest was still alive during his visit into the Qodesh Qodeshim at Yom HaKippurim. However, this would contradict the express commandment to wear only the white garments, “He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches on his body, and shall put on the linen sash, and he shall be dressed with the linen turban. They are the holy garments. He shall bathe his body in water, and put them on.” (Lev. 16:4) and divest himself of all the trappings of grandeur found in the colourful garments and gold fittings. Therefore, it could only be the Qodesh, the Holy Place, this was accessible to the High Priest in all his regalia. It may have been possible that two sets of linen garments were available, one for daily service (known as the Golden Vestments) and the second one (known as the White Vestments) kept solely for the ministry within the Qodeh Qodeshim of the Yom HaKippurim ceremony. However, this may have been a future adaptation once the Yisra`elites eneter the Land.
(ii) Messianic: Bells have been used from the earliest of times to draw people’s attention to an authoritative proclamation, the ignoring of such may lead to dire consequences. This fringe is a declaration of the Good News of peace between a Most Set Apart and Just Yahuah and sinful Man, wrought so dearly by the Master Yahusha on the Cross, the ignoring of such has eternally dire consequences.
28:36 – “You shall make a plate of pure gold, and engrave on it, like the engravings of a signet, ‘HOLY YAHUAH’”
(i) Rabbinic: The gold plate was made two fingerbreadths wide. The word ‘holy’ was considered to represent the nation of Yisra`el and was completely set apart for Yahuah. This was considered sufficient to atone for any defect or contamination of any offering made unto Yahuah. This would infer that less than scrupulous inspections were carried out upon the offerings. If this was the case, it is small wonder that a perfect Yahuah considered. “To what purpose comes there to me frankincense from Sheva, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices pleasing to me.” (Jer. 6:20).
(ii) Messianic: Many manuscripts do not have the word to, onto or ‘for’ between ‘holy’ and ‘Yahuah’. With it excluded it simply states ‘Holy is Yahuah’ and this fact must always be on the forefront of every Believer’s mind. With it included it could mean that Yahuah has set aside the nation of Yisra`el (and by extension, all grafted-in Believers) as His particular treasure, “For you are a holy people to Yahuah your `Elohiym, and Yahuah has chosen you to be a people for His own possession, above all peoples who are on the face of the earth.” (Deut. 14:2). It can also mean that the nation of Yisra`el was been called to special service for Yahuah, that can be seen in the ancestry of the Master Yahusha and for the strict transmission and preservation of the Tanakh.
28:37 – “You shall put it on a twisted cord of blue, and it shall be on the turban; on the front of the turban it shall be.”
(i) Rabbinic: The binding of the head-plate is of the same material as the fastening of breastpiece to the efod.
28:38 – “It shall be on Aharon’s forehead, and Aharon shall bear the iniquity of the set apart things, which the children of Yisra`el shall make set apart in all their set apart gifts; and it shall be always on his forehead, that they may be accepted before Yahuah.”
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(i) Rabbinic: The head-plate always provided atonement, even when the High Priest was not wearing it. The High Priest constantly touched the plate so as not to take holiness for granted.
(ii) Messianic: The gold signifies eternal qualities and the holiness of Man can only be attributed to that of the Messiah Yahusha, as this holiness cannot be tarnished. Yahuah calls all Believers to sanctify themselves, “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Yisra`el, and tell them, ‘You shall be holy; for I, Yahuah your `Elohiym, am holy.” (Lev. 19:2).
28:39a – “You shall weave the coat in checker work of fine linen…”
(i) Rabbinic: This white Egyptian linen coat was made in an embroidered or box-knit pattern, of a material similar to damask or fine silk. The Hebrew word for coat, keth-oh-neth, meaning to cover or to hide and first appears in Gan Eden, “Yahuah `Elohiym made coats of skin for Adam and for his wife, and clothed them.” (Gen. 3:21), to cover their nakedness and shame. All the High Priest regalia weighed heavy and it was necessary the coat to prevent chaffing when moving. White was considered as a symbol of forgiveness and was used by the angelic hosts in their ministry to Yahuah.
(ii) Messianic: Such was the quality of this garment that from a distance, it would appear to be a simple, plain tunic. It was only when up close that the full beauty of the garment could be appreciated, much like the Master Yahusha, “For He grew up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: He has no form nor comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.” (Isa. 53:2). Our Great High Priest would appear to the Apostles Yochanan, Shim`on Kefa and Ya`akob in all His glorified splendour and majesty, “He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as the light.” (Matt. 17:2).
28:39b – “…and you shall make a turban of fine linen…”
(i) Rabbinic: The turban was a sign of royalty and was made from fine linen. From its name mits-neh-feth from the root tsaw-naf meaning to wrap around or bind up securely, it may be assumed that this was formed by a long band of linen, wrapped around the High Priest’s head. It may have been held in place by the golden head-plate. There does not seem any special significance of the turban other than of its material.
(ii) Messianic: The head is always claimed as the seat of authority, ruling over the rest of the body, physical and corporate, “He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things for the assembly,” (Eph. 1:22). White hair was a sign of the wisdom that can only come from a long life, “…The splendour of old men is their hoary hair.” (Prov. 20:29b). Although the Master Yahusha was only young when He died yet, “Yahusha said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM.’” (John 8:58). The prophet Daniy`el wrote about the coming Messiah, “I saw until thrones were placed, and one who was ancient of days sat: His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head like pure wool; His throne was fiery flames, and the wheels of it burning fire.” (Dan. 7:9) and the Apostle Yochanan was blessed by the End Times vision of the glorified Messiah, “His head and his hair were white as white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire.” (Rev. 1:14).
Sha`ul describes the omniscience of the Messiah by, “For by Him were all things created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through Him, and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things are held
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together. He is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the pre-eminence. For all the Fullness was pleased to dwell in Him;” (Col.1:16-19).
28:39c – “…and you shall make a girdle, the work of the embroiderer.”
(i) Rabbinic: Again, there does not seem any special significance of this girdle other than of its material.
(ii) Messianic: This girdle is not the same as that of 28:8. The previous girdle was made of the material representing the Master Yahusha’s ministry in the flesh, as represented by the coloured material. It was visible to all who beheld the High Priest and used to close over the efod. This girdle was of pure white linen, used to secure the linen tunic close to the body and so was hidden from view by the overlaying garments. This signifies the ministry on behalf of all Believers, “for there is one Yahuah, and one mediator between Yahuah and men, the man Messiah Yahusha,” (1 Tim. 2:5).
28:42 – “You shall make them linen breeches to cover the flesh of their nakedness; from the loins even to the thighs they shall reach:”
(i) Rabbinic: Yet again, there does not seem any special significance of these bonnets other than of its material and the necessity for modesty.
(ii) Messianic: The breeches were to cover over the lower parts of the torso, as the flesh is the basis of all sin, “But I say, walk by HaRuakh, and you will not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against HaRuakh, and HaRuakh against the flesh; and these are contrary to one other, that you may not do the things that you desire. But if you are led by HaRuakh, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of Yahuah. But the fruit of HaRuakh is love, joy, shalom, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to the Messiah have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. If we live by HaRuakh, let us also walk by HaRuakh.” (Gal. 5:16-25).
28:40 – “You shall make coats for Aharon’s sons, and you shall make girdles for them and bonnets shall you make for them, for glory and for beauty.”
(i) Rabbinic: Yet again, there does not seem any special significance of these bonnets
other than of its material. There does not appear to be any description, so it is assumed that the garments of the priests may have been simply made of fine white linen without the High Priest’s embellishments. Part of the priests’ daily routine is to remove the ash from the burnt altar, but must do so in their white, linen garments (Lev. 6:10), indicating that these were of plain manufacture.
(ii) Messianic: All the priests were called to wear the white garments when officiating in the Tabernacle. However, the Apostle Shim`on Kefa calls to all Believers, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a set apart nation, a people for Yahuah’s own possession, that you may show forth the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:” (1 Pt. 2:9). Therefore, all Believers are clothed with the righteousness of the Messiah Yahusha, set apart to serve Him.
Yahuah bless you and keep you,
Yahuah make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you,
Yahuah lift up His face toward you and give you peace.
All glory be to Yahuah,
Ameyn.
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References and Credits
In using these references, it is in no way agreeing to or condoning the theological viewpoint of the authors.
Hertz Dr. J.H. (1987) The Pentateuch and Haftorahs, 2nd. Ed., Soncino Press, London.
Slemming C.W. (1974) These Are The Garments, Christian Literature Crusade, Fort Washington, Penn.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/202409/what-the-heart-remembers?msockid=
180870fc2a52609339f765d62b756110
https://www.randomgroovybiblefacts.com/messiah_
the_worm.html
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First Generation Assembly 