Exodus 28

Directions are given for the clothing of the priests.  Aaron and his sons are appointed to serve as priests to the Lord.  These garments are "for glory and for beauty".   Every part was purposely designed as God directed.  The robe, the ephod, the breastplate, the turban... all had special meaning.

One of the most important things was the engraving on the turban.. "Holy to the Lord".  The high priest had this on his forehead as he entered into the holy place.  It gave Aaron a great authority and responsibility.. " And it shall be on Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall take away the iniquity of the holy things which the sons of Israel consecrate, with regard to all their holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord." 

The other thing that stands out to me in this description is that there are two "memorials" attached to the garment that represent the 12 tribes of Israel.  On the shoulders there were two stones, six names engraved on each stone, "as a jeweler engraves a signet.. " The Lord directed this so that "Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for a memorial." 

The "breastplate of judgement" also represented the 12 tribes.  12 separate jewels, each representing a tribe. ."And the stones shall be according to the names of the sons of Israel; they shall be like the engravings of a seal, each according to his name for the twelve tribes." ( v21)

The high priest was the mediator between the people of God and God Himself.  Even the gifts that they offered to God came with iniquity that had to be taken away... made holy to the Lord.  And the people themselves were brought before the Lord by the stones with their names engraved.

Jesus, our Great High Priest, offered Himself.. sinless before the Father... and our names are written on His Hands..  There is so much more meaning in the priests garments than we can even know...

Father in heaven,  thank You for Jesus, our Great High Priest, the Mediator between You and mankind. He is perfectly holy!  He became like us so that He might truly represent us before the Throne. Teach us these truths and give us greater understanding that we might give You more praise and honor and glory.  Amen.