Priestly Garments
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Among the articles of apparel described, was a white embroidered coat of fine linen. This indicated the purity and perfection of the priesthood, while the embroidery of needlework signified those voluntary works of grace which had beautified Christian character. (Psalm 45:14). There was also a strip of fine linen, worn around the forehead and which indicated a mind enlightened and perfected by the pure word of Truth. Upon this was fixed a plate or crown of pure gold on which was engraved "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" — thus portraying that the crown of life had been attained and that the priest was now a king by Divine right — "a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec" (Rev.2:10, 26, 27; Heb.7:17; Zech.6:12, 13). Over the white linen coat was a blue robe, blue denoting faithfulness. There was also a fringe thereon of golden bells and pomegranates. This indicated, that an abundant fruitfulness will be the glorious outcome of the work of ministry. The pomegranates were consecutively blue, scarlet and purple in colour. This pointed out that faithfulness unto death had produced truly royal characteristics, which fact will be proclaimed to all as indicated by the golden bells. The most significant of all the garments was the ephod, which hung in two parts, back and front from the shoulders downwards partly covering the blue robe. It was made of gold, blue, scarlet, purple and white-linen threads interwoven together. Thus in a marvellous way the five colours are all brought unto use. Who can doubt the existence of a Father of infinite mercy and loving-kindness when all things are so perfectly harmonious to His plan and purpose. The colours are there to testify that the designs relative to the Priesthood have been duly fulfilled. Attached to the ephod was a breastplate made of the same material, with settings of gold into which were inserted twelve precious jewels, and upon which were engraven a name of one of the tribes of Israel. It was termed the Breastplate of Judgement and was worn over the heart, and was responsible for the Urim and the Thummim: which supernaturally denoted God's will relative to some important matter (Num.27:21; 1 Sam.28.6). The apostle says, "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world?" (1 Cor.6:2), hence we perceive how significant is the breastplate. "They shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels;" (Mal.3:17). Wondrous honour theirs to be enthroned as members of the royal priesthood, under the headship of Jesus Christ, to judge the whole world of mankind. Reasonably the work of judging will be stupendous and glorious. Hitherto mankind have been dealt with by cruel hands, but now — "Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth…Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because He cometh to judge the earth. O give thanks unto the LORD;...for His mercy endureth for ever" (1 Chron.16:31‑34). The first jewel of the breastplate was the ruby, upon which was engraven the name of Reuben. Reuben was the firstborn of Jacob, and as such was constituted the chief of the family. This reminds us of God's firstborn, whom He gave to redeem the world. Marvellous still, the ruby itself indicates sacrifice; it is a red stone, containing the same colouring matter which makes red blood, namely oxide of iron. As we survey the aptness and reasonableness of the divine
symbols, we can enter most heartily in the spirit of the following poem. |
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THE EPHOD Appealing to all the faithful minds, FL |
Illustration of the breastplate attached to the Ephod |
There
is a remarkable confirmation, with reference to colour symbolisms found in
the 28th chapter of Exodus. It concerns the garments of glory and beauty
worn by the High Priest of Israel, and is of great interest to everyone
begotten of God, who, like their Lord and Master, become members of the
priestly order. (1 Peter 2;9.)
