Bible Readings
Reading 56: Yahweh’s instructions for the priests’ uniforms
Read Exodus 28:1–43.
Yahweh continues with His instructions for setting up the Tabernacle. He provides detailed instructions on the priests’ “uniforms”, what they are to wear when they perform their roles as mediator between Yahweh and the people of Israel.
The clothes were made of beautiful materials and were the same colours as the Tabernacle. They were so different from the everyday clothes of the Israelites. Such elaborate uniforms were designed to impress both the people who came to worship Yahweh and the priests themselves. It reminded everyone that the priests performed unique duties so unlike the average Israelite. It helped the priests recognise whom they served and how they ought to live holy lives.
The priests’ clothing included a breastpiece which had twelve precious and semi-precious stones, an ephod which was like an apron, a robe, a tunic, a turban on their head and a sash.
On the shoulders of the ephod were fixed two onyx stones. On each stone was engraved the names of six of the twelve tribes. The significance was clear: the priest was representing the whole nation every time he put the ephod on. Every time he went into the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, he carried the nation with him.
Then there was the breastpiece with its twelve stones, each with the name of one of the tribes. Again, it signalled how the mediating priest brought all the people to meet with Yahweh.
And as part of the breastpiece, there was a pouch positioned at the priest’s heart and it contained the Urim and Thummim. These were Hebrew words meaning the “lights” and the “perfection”. These two special stones in the pouch apparently helped the priests determine the will of Yahweh for the nation.
Bible scholars are not completely sure how the two stones helped in decision making, but it’s possible the stones were used like flipping a coin to make a decision. Today, believers in Christ do not need such a device but rely on God the Holy Spirit, prayer and God’s Word to make decisions.
At the hem of the priest’s robe were little bells. The tinkling of the bells told those outside the Tabernacle that the unseen priest remained alive in his godly duties, obeying and pleasing God.
Finally, on the priest’s head was a turban which had a gold plate attached. On the gold plate were the words“Holy to the Lord [Yahweh]”. This was the most prominent feature of the priest. It reminded the people that the priest acted as the sanctifying presence of Yahweh. Sanctifiying meant to make one holy or acceptable to Yahweh. As part of his role, the priest acted as Yahweh’s agent, making all the Tabernacle acceptable to Yahweh. It reminded the people that all mankind was sinful and it was Yahweh who would make people acceptable.
From all these detailed instructions, we see that Yahweh cared about how He was to be worshipped. All of the Tabernacle and the priests’ clothing was designed to make the people think carefully about what was happening when they approached Yahweh.
When we come before God in prayer and worship, how do we approach Him? Yes, He has restored our relationship with Him through Christ’s sacrifice but how do we treat God on a day-to-day basis?
Do we honour Him as our heavenly Father? Do we go before Him humbly? Do we care what He thinks about us and how we are living?
Do we treat Him casually and think nothing of coming to Him when our lives have not been lived in God-honouring ways?
Do we pay attention to Him only when we want something from Him? Do we treat Him merely as someone who answers wishes?
Take some time to reflect on this. Speak to God regarding this.