In this study we will be taking a look at the High Priest Garments and what they typified, and as it is with that of the Tabernacle itself and its furnishings it should be understood that what is illustrated here is merely the best facsimile of what is described in the texts from my own studies and that of other brethren, and is not meant to be an exact representation. My two primary sources of information come from Brother Frey’s “Notes on the Tabernacle”, and Brother Frank Shallieu’s book, “The Keys of Revelation”.

“Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelite’s, along with his sons… so they may serve me as priest. Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor.” (Exod 28:1, 2)

“Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal; HOLY TO THE LORD, fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the [Mitre or headband of linen].” (Verses 36 and 37)

“Make the Ephod of gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and finely twisted linen, the work of a skilled craftsman, it is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened. Its skillfully woven waistband is to be like it…” (Verses 6-8)

“The Ephod is of two parts, one hanging in front and the other over the back these two parts were fastened together by two gold clasps which rested on the shoulders. The Ephod typified the two great covenants, the Abrahamic Covenant represented by the front part, and the New Covenant represented by the back, both of which are thus shown to be dependent on our High Priest.

Both of these covenants are laid on him; if he fails to support them, fails to carry out their terms and conditions, they fall to the ground, fail. But, thank God, these covenants are united and firmly clasped on him by the gold clasps (Divine Power), as well as bound to him by the ‘Curious Girdle’, the woven waistband.” (T 30)

“Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel… then mount the stones in gold filigree settings and fasten them on the shoulders pieces (or clasps) of the Ephod.” (Verses 9-12)

“Fashion a breastplate for making decisions the work of a skilled craftsman; make it like the Ephod of gold and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. It is to be a square, a span long and a span wide, and folded double… there are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.” (Verses 15-21)

“For the breastplate make braided chains of pure gold…” (Verse 22)

“Make the robe of the Ephod entirely of blue cloth, with an opening for the head in its center. There shall be a woven edge like a collar around this opening, so that it will not tear. Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them.” (Verse 31-33)

“Weave the tunic of fine linen and make the turban (the mitre) of fine linen, the sash is to be the work of an embroiderer.” (Verse 39)

“The scarlet, blue, purple, etc., which composed the Ephod, indicated the conditions of the two covenants. The scarlet shows how God provides redemption from the Adamic curse through the blood of the ransom. The white linen indicates the restoration of man to his original purity. The blue vouchsafes to him the aid, the ability, faithfully to maintain his righteous character. The purple proclaims the royal power of the Kingdom cooperating.

All of these blessings woven together are made sure by the divine power of the anointed Priest, represented in the interwoven thread of gold. Thus Jehovah has laid both of these covenants, as they relate to men, upon one who is both mighty and willing to execute these glorious covenanted blessings — ‘in due time.’” (T 34)

“The “Upper Robe,” of blue, represented his faithfulness. The fringe of it was made of golden bells and pomegranates. The pomegranate, being a choice fruit, showed that the faithful performance of the Redeemer’s work of sacrifice had borne rich fruit–the redemption of the forfeited life of the human race. The golden bells signified that when our High Priest appears in glory and beauty, the fruit of sacrificial work will be made manifest to all–proclaimed to the entire world, as in the type the bells proclaimed it to all Israel. This is indicated by the close proximity: the bells drawing attention to the fruit.”  (T 30)

To be continued with next post.