Daily Devotions
Exodus
"For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices..." Hebrews 8:3a
Text: Exodus 28 : 15-16
SPECIAL CLOTHING FOR A SPECIAL MINISTRY
Even if one were to briefly read the account of how the High Priest’s garments were to be made, we would immediately note that his clothing were indeed special! There were many reasons why the high priest would be so gloriously clothed! The ministry of the High Priest was a very special one indeed!
GENERAL MINISTRIES OF THE HIGH PRIEST
The high priest would have many ministries to fulfill. The following may be highlighted:-
1. The supervision of the Tabernacle ministry
2. The training of the priests
3. The division of labour for the many ceremonial services
4. Ensuring a high level of discipline and morale
5. Overseeing the teaching ministry associated with the priesthood
This list is by no means exhaustive! However, these duties may be classified under “General Ministries”.
SPECIAL MINISTRY WHERE DIVINE WISDOM IS NEEDED
There was one special area of ministry that was peculiar to the ministry of the high priest. The high priest would have to wear “the breastplate of judgment” whenever called upon to determine “judgment” that ordinary human wisdom may not be sufficient!
“You shall make the breastplate of judgment.
Artistically woven according to the workmanship
of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, blue, purple,
and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, you shall make it.
It shall be doubled into a square: a span shall be its length,
and a span shall be its width.”
EXODUS 28:15-16
1. “The Breastplate of Judgment”
This is a different piece of garment from the ephod that the high priest wears over his skin. This breastplate is worn over the ephod.
2. “Artistically woven according to the workmanship of the ephod”
A high quality must be maintained at all times! A span is the length between the last finger and the thumb.
One of the roles that the high priest would be called upon to fulfill involves representing Israel before God, especially in the ministry of intercession.