How does Exodus 28:34 connect to the holiness required in Hebrews 4:14-16? Snapshot of Exodus 28:34 “the golden bell and the pomegranate shall alternate around the hem of the robe.” Why Bells and Pomegranates? • Bells – audible testimony that the priest is moving in God-ordained service (Exodus 28:35); if the sound stops, judgment falls. • Pomegranates – clusters of seed symbolizing abundant, life-giving fruit (cf. Numbers 13:23; Galatians 5:22-23). • Alternating pattern – every step mixes proclamation (bell) with fruit (pomegranate); holiness is both heard and seen. Holiness Behind the Hem • Exact obedience: God designs the robe; Aaron may not alter it (Exodus 25:40). • Continuous sound: holiness must be constant, “so that he will not die” (Exodus 28:35). • Represented people: Aaron bears Israel’s names on his garments (Exodus 28:29), so his holiness safeguards theirs. Hebrews 4:14-16: Perfect Priest, Open Door “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess.” (v14) • Jesus fulfills the bell—His perfect life openly declares God’s righteousness (Romans 3:25-26). • Jesus embodies the pomegranate—He produces flawless fruit, “yet was without sin” (v15; Isaiah 53:11). • Because His holiness is complete, we “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (v16). Connecting the Two Passages • Same requirement, greater fulfillment – Exodus shows the pattern; Hebrews shows the Person. • Sound then, confession now – bells insured Aaron’s life; our public confession of Christ (Hebrews 4:14) marks us as living in Him (Romans 10:9-10). • Fruit then, Spirit now – pomegranates pointed to visible righteousness; the Spirit grows that fruit in believers (Galatians 5:22-23). • Consequence of deviation – silence meant death for Aaron; unrepentant sin still bars access (Hebrews 10:26-27), but Christ’s sacrifice restores the repentant (1 John 1:9). Living the Lesson Today • Guard the pattern – approach God only through the High Priest He has provided (John 14:6). • Let the bells ring – openly identify with Jesus in speech, worship, and witness (Matthew 10:32). • Bear the pomegranates – cultivate Spirit-born holiness that others can taste (Philippians 1:11). • Draw near with confidence – Jesus meets the holy standard forever, so come daily for mercy and timely grace (Hebrews 4:16). |
    |