You are reading some of the most fascinating parts of Scripture you'll ever read. To the average person, it might seem somewhat boring. But to the person that's looking for truth, it's a gold mine!Today, we start reading about the clothing of the priests. If you'll keep in mind that the priests are a type or picture of a Christian, you'll find it very interesting. If fact, God says that His design for Israel and the Gentile believers who are to get saved later, are to be a "kingdom of priests."
1) Notice that the priests are clothed with fine, white linen. This white linen represents holiness. All true believers in Jesus Christ are clothed in holiness before the eyes of God. When you give your life to Christ, you are annointed with the blood of Jesus Christ. Just as Aaron and his sons were annointed on the right ear, thumb on the right hand, and big toe on the right foot, so the believer is annointed from head to toe with the blood of Jesus Christ!
2) Notice how beautiful and varied the colors are that the priests are required to wear! This is a symbol or picture of salvation. There's nothing more beautiful in the eyes of God than those who have given their heart and life to Jesus Christ!
3) Aaron, the high priest, is a picture of Jesus Christ! The book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is our High Priest. Later on, you'll see that ONLY the high priest can go into the Holy of Holies - and that's just one time per year!! The bells on the bottom of his tunic are for the purpose of making noise as he enters in to meet with God. And, if anyone (including the high priest) goes into the Holy of Holies at any other time, they will be put to death by the Hand of God. This is God's way of showing the world that He is Holy! Notice how the forehead plate was to be engraved, "Holiness To The Lord." Of all the virtues and character traits that represent God, He desires to be known most by His holiness!
4) Aaron was also to wear a Urim and Thummin - a special gem - over his heart on the ephod. This is to represents that doing the will of God is the most central theme to the heart of Jesus, and that it should be the most endearing aspect of our own lives!
5) Notice how Aaron was to wear an annoiting oil that was different than anything else in the world. The unique fragrant aroma coming from him would have been different than anything the Israelites would have ever experienced. This is a beautiful picture of the fragrance of Jesus Christ! He is the most unique Person to have ever lived. And the fragrant aroma of His life and sacrifice would be different in the presence of God than anyone else who has ever lived.
Notice the Incense altar! It is located right outside the Holy of Holies and just in front of the curtain that separates the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. It represents the prayers of the saints that goes up before God! When Jesus died on the cross, the veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place in Solomon's Temple tore in half!!! This was God's way of showing us that because of Jesus' death on the cross and the fact that He is now our mediator, we can boldly enter God's presence with any request we might have! Praise God!
The Washbasin that stood just outside the Holy Place was the place where the priests were to wash their hands before they entered the Holy Place. This represents a spiritual cleansing through prayer and confession of sins! Only through a repentant heart can one approach God!
Later, we'll go into more detail. I hope this gives you some insight as to how significant these details are! God bless you, and have a wonderful day in the Lord!!!
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