Aaron is a walking, talking tabernacle. Did you get that? He is wearing the colours of the holy place, his ephod made essentially in the same way the tabernacle’s tent was. The high priest is part of the tabernacle.

Jesus in the Tabernacle VI

Next the narrative moves through two sections I included earlier in this series, the boundaries of the courtyard and then the oil to burn in the lampstand. The instructions for the construction of the tabernacle then seem to be interrupted in Exodus 28 for a digression on the clothing of the high priest. It’s important that we notice that turning to the high priest isn’t a digression as he is part of the tabernacle’s ‘furniture,’ or at least his clothing is.

They are told to bring Aaron and his four sons close to be priests, and then Aaron’s garments are made for ‘glory and for beauty.’ His clothing includes a breastplate, though it isn’t the piece of armour you’re picturing; he also has an ephod or outer mantle, a robe, a tunic, a turban, and a sash. In essence that’s three layers of fabric, a gem-studded chest piece, a head-covering and a belt.

First the ephod is made, of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, mixed with fine white linen. That should sound familiar. Then we have two large pieces of onyx, a black gemstone, present in the land of Eden, with the twelve tribes etched onto them, one on each shoulder of the ephod.

Second is the breastplate ‘of judgement’ or justice. It’s called that for two reasons: first, because it has all the names of Israel’s tribes written on it and the instructions say that Aaron will then bear the names of the sons of Israel on his heart when he goes into the holy place. He carries all Israel with him for judgement before God. Second, because it contains the Urim (lights) and Thummin (perfection), the lots that are cast to ascertain God’s judgement on certain issues. Notice the pattern there, from day one of creation—lights—to day seven—perfection. God’s judgement is a week, or ‘from start to finish.’ Four rows of three gemstones are laid into the breastplate, each with one of the names of the tribes on it. Each is a different, specific, gemstone. That should also remind you of something.

Third, they make the robe out of blue, with pomegranates and bells at the hem. He carries fruit and he makes a sound. Intriguing.

Read More