Daily Devotions
Exodus
"Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart." 2 Corinthians 4:1
Text: Exodus 28 : 40-43
THE CLOTHES OF THE PRIESTS
The clothes of the priests were distinctly simpler than that worn by the high priests! Nevertheless, attention must also be given to the clothing that they were to wear as they served in the Tabernacle.
“For Aaron’s sons you shall make tunics,
and you shall make sashes for them, And you shall
make hats for them, for glory and beauty…
And you shall make for them linen trousers to
cover their nakedness;
they shall reach from the waist to the thighs.
They shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they come
into the Tabernacle of meeting, or when they come near the altar
to minister in the holy place, that they do not incur iniquity
and die. It shall be a statute forever to him and his descendants
after him.”
EXODUS 28:40, 42-43
1. The Differences
The differences between the High Priestly garments and that of the other priests were stark and many! Why was this the case? The reason is obvious! The high priest’s role was KEY! (We need to remember that the high priestly role was a shadow of the greater ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as our Great High Priest. His role is KEY too)!
2. The Similarities
That there were similarities must also be noted. The phrase, “for glory and beauty” is of great importance. There was no need to elaborate on the kind of workmanship that must go in to produce the garments of the priests. They must be of the finest quality, for how else could they reflect “glory and beauty”?
3. Properly attired at all times
The priests were to be properly attired when they were “on duty” at the Tabernacle. They too would be allowed to enter into the holy place! If ever they were careless and they do not take the time to be properly attired, they would have “incurred iniquity”. The punishment for a priest disregarding God’s express commandment was the death penalty!
CONSECRATION OF THE PRIESTS
Moses was instructed to ordain or consecrate the sons of Aaron for the priesthood, that they may assist the high priest in his ministry.
“So you shall put them on Aaron your brother
and on his sons with him. You shall anoint them,
consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister
to Me as priests.”
EXODUS 28:41