The High Priest's Garments

The role of the high priest in ancient Israel was of paramount significance, both religiously and symbolically. The high priest was the chief religious figure, responsible for performing sacred rituals and representing the people before God. Central to his office were the eight golden garments described in the Book of Exodus, which included the ephod and the breastplate. These garments were not merely decorative but were imbued with deep theological meaning, reflecting the priest’s mediating role between God and His people. This blog post will explore the high priest’s garments, focusing particularly on the ephod and the breastplate, examining their descriptions in Exodus 28:4-30 and Exodus 39:1-7, and their significance in the Bible.

The Eight Golden Garments

According to the Book of Exodus, the high priest wore eight specific garments: the breastpiece, the ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, a sash, the golden plate (or crown), and linen undergarments (Exodus 28:4). These garments were designed “for glory and for beauty” (Exodus 28:2), signifying the holiness and dignity of the high priest’s office. The intricate details of these garments, especially the ephod and the breastplate, reveal a profound connection between the high priest and the twelve tribes of Israel and between the high priest and God. Their beauty and grandeur were a testament to the sacredness of the high priest's role.

The Ephod

The ephod was an apron-like garment, described in Exodus 28:6-14 and Exodus 39:2-7. It was made of gold, blue, purple, scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. It had two shoulder pieces attached to its two edges, joined together. The skillful work of a goldsmith was evident in the design, particularly in the woven threads of gold that embellished the garment.

The two onyx stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod were engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, six names on each stone (Exodus 28:9-10). These stones were set in gold filigree and placed on the shoulders of the high priest, who bore the names of the tribes before the Lord as a memorial. This act symbolized the high priest’s role as a representative of the entire nation of Israel, carrying their names and fate into God’s presence.

The Breastplate

Attached to the ephod was the breastplate, a piece of great significance and beauty. The breastplate, also called the “breastplate of judgment,” was made of the same materials as the ephod and was square, measuring a span in length and width (Exodus 28:15-16). Gold chains and blue cords attached it to the ephod, ensuring it stayed securely over the high priest’s heart.

The breastplate contained twelve precious stones, each set in gold filigree, arranged in four rows of three stones each (Exodus 28:17-21). Each stone represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the names of the tribes were engraved on the stones. The stones were:

1. Sardius (Ruby) – Representing Reuben

2. Topaz – Representing Simeon

3. Carbuncle (Emerald) – Representing Levi

4. Emerald (Turquoise) – Representing Judah

5. Sapphire – Representing Issachar

6. Diamond – Representing Zebulun

7. Jacinth (Ligure) – Representing Dan

8. Agate – Representing Naphtali

9. Amethyst – Representing Gad

10. Beryl – Representing Asher

11. Onyx – Representing Joseph

12. Jasper – Representing Benjamin

The stones on the breastplate not only symbolized the twelve tribes but also reflected the high priest’s role as the mediator who bore the tribes on his heart when he entered the Holy Place “to bring them to regular remembrance before the LORD” (Exodus 28:29). Thus, the breastplate underscored the high priest’s function as the spiritual leader who interceded on behalf of the people.

The Urim and Thummim

Within the breastplate were the Urim and Thummim, mysterious objects used for divination or obtaining God’s judgment (Exodus 28:30). The Urim and Thummim were believed to be a means of divine communication, allowing the high priest to discern the will of God in matters of national importance. The exact nature of these items is not clearly described in the Bible, but they were essential tools for the high priest to make decisions for the nation of Israel, guided by divine wisdom.

Theological Significance

The ephod and the breastplate were not merely ceremonial garments; they were laden with theological significance. They symbolized the high priest’s role in representing the nation. By bearing the names of the tribes on his shoulders and over his heart, the high priest physically and symbolically carried the people of Israel before God. This act of representation pointed to intercession, where the high priest interceded for the people, seeking God’s favor and forgiveness on their behalf. This representation fostered a sense of unity and belonging among the tribes of Israel.

Secondly, the use of precious stones on the breastplate highlighted the value and importance of each tribe in the eyes of God. Each stone was unique and precious, just as each tribe had a distinct place and role within the covenant community. This diversity within unity underscored the theological principle that all the tribes, despite their differences, were integral to the people of God. This inclusivity and acceptance were symbolized by the diversity of the precious stones.

Thirdly, the ephod and the breastplate signified the mediation between God and Israel. The high priest, adorned in these garments, stood as a mediator who brought the people’s concerns, sins, and needs before God. This mediatorial role prefigured the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian theology, fulfilled and transcended the high priestly function by offering himself as the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-12).

The High Priest in Solomon’s and Herod’s Temples

The significance of the high priest’s garments continued in Solomon’s and Herod’s Temples. Later texts, such as Josephus’s writings and the Talmud, describe the high priest’s attire, indicating that the essential elements of the ephod and breastplate remained integral to the high priestly office.

In Solomon’s Temple, the grandeur and splendor of the temple complex emphasized the holiness and distinctiveness of the high priest’s role. The garments, especially the ephod and the breastplate, continued to symbolize the high priest’s intercessory function. The chroniclers and prophetic books of the Old Testament, such as 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Ezekiel, highlight the central role of the high priest in maintaining the sacrificial system and the purity of worship in the temple.

During the Second Temple period, the high priestly garments retained their importance under Herod’s reign. Herod’s Temple, known for its architectural magnificence, provided a grand setting for the high priest’s duties. Josephus's writings, particularly his “Antiquities of the Jews,” describe the meticulous care given to the high priestly garments, underscoring their continued significance in the religious life of Israel.

Conclusion

The high priest’s garments, especially the ephod and the breastplate, were rich in symbolism and theological meaning. These garments reflected the high priest’s role as a representative, mediator, and intercessor for the people of Israel. The detailed descriptions in Exodus 28:4-30 and Exodus 39:1-7 highlight the importance of these garments in the religious life of ancient Israel. The ephod and the breastplate, adorned with precious stones representing the twelve tribes, symbolized the unity and diversity of God’s people and the high priest’s role in bringing them before the divine presence.

Throughout Israel's history, from the Tabernacle to Solomon’s and Herod’s Temples, the high priestly garments remained a powerful symbol of the covenant relationship between God and His people. These garments pointed forward to the ultimate high priest, Jesus Christ, whose perfect mediation brought about the reconciliation of humanity with God. Thus, studying the high priest’s garments offers profound insights into the theology of mediation, representation, and intercession in the biblical tradition.

By understanding the high priest’s role and garments, contemporary believers can gain a deeper appreciation for the continuity of God’s redemptive plan and the rich tapestry of symbols that point to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The high priest’s garments serve as a reminder of the holiness, dignity, and responsibility of those who serve in the presence of God, and they continue to inspire reverence and awe in the worship of the Almighty.