How do the garments in Exodus 28:4 foreshadow Christ's role as High Priest? Setting the Scene: Exodus 28:4 “These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so that they may serve Me as priests.” (Exodus 28:4) God’s Design, Christ’s Fulfillment • Every thread in Aaron’s vestments pointed forward to “Jesus the Son of God, our great High Priest who has passed through the heavens” (Hebrews 4:14). • The earthly priesthood was “a copy and shadow of the heavenly things” (Hebrews 8:5). • Christ embodies the reality to which these garments merely hinted. Garment by Garment: Foreshadows Unpacked • The Ephod – Two onyx stones on the shoulders bore “the names of the sons of Israel” (Exodus 28:9-12). – Christ carries His people on His shoulders, the place of strength (Luke 15:5). – Hebrews 9:24: He appears “in God’s presence on our behalf,” interceding with our names inscribed on Him. • The Breastpiece of Judgment – Twelve stones over Aaron’s heart represented the tribes (Exodus 28:29). – Jesus, “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29), bears His people close to His affections. – Isaiah 49:16: “Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.” • The Robe of Blue – Blue signified heaven; its hem bore pomegranates and bells (Exodus 28:31-35). – Christ ministers in heavenly places (Hebrews 9:11). – The bells proclaimed the priest’s acceptance; Christ’s resurrection declares the success of His atonement (Romans 4:25). • The Woven Tunic (Seamless Undergarment) – A single piece, seamless (Exodus 28:39 cf. John 19:23-24). – At the cross, soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ seamless tunic, tying Aaron’s garment directly to Christ’s passion. – Signifies the perfection and unity of His righteous life, now imputed to believers (2 Corinthians 5:21). • The Turban and “Holy to the LORD” Plate – Gold plate on Aaron’s forehead bore Yahweh’s name (Exodus 28:36-38). – Christ “has a name written that no one knows but Himself” (Revelation 19:12) and perfectly bears God’s holiness. – As our representative He ensures our offerings are accepted, “sanctified by the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:16). • The Sash – Bound the garments together (Exodus 28:4). – Revelation 1:13 pictures Christ “clothed in a robe reaching down to His feet, with a golden sash around His chest,” uniting all priestly functions in Himself. Living in the Reality • Because the foreshadow is fulfilled, we “have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19-22). • The perfection, intercession, and holiness symbolized in Exodus 28 now stand permanently accomplished in Him. |
    |