Why must Aaron wear "holy garments" before entering the Holy of Holies? Setting the Scene “Leviticus 16:4: ‘He is to put on the holy linen tunic, with linen undergarments next to his body, fasten a linen sash around him, and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments. Therefore he shall bathe himself with water before he puts them on.’” God’s Dress Code for Holiness • The Holy of Holies is the earthly throne room of the LORD. Nothing common may enter (Leviticus 16:2). • God Himself specifies every detail of the high priest’s approach; Aaron is not free to improvise. • Exodus 28:2 adds, “Make holy garments for your brother Aaron to give him glory and beauty.” God’s command honors His own glory first, then confers dignity on the mediator. A Matter of Obedience and Life • Failure to wear the prescribed garments meant death (Leviticus 16:13). • Obedience to the exact word of the LORD demonstrates faith; disobedience brings judgment (Leviticus 10:1-3; Hebrews 9:7). Picture of Purity and Humility • The plain white linen contrasts with the jeweled ephod Aaron normally wore (Exodus 28). On the Day of Atonement he comes in humility, not in splendor. • White linen symbolizes purity (Revelation 19:8: “The fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints”). • A full body wash precedes the clothing (Leviticus 16:4), underscoring the need for cleansing before entering God’s presence (Psalm 24:3-4). Separating the Holy from the Common • Leviticus 10:10 commands the priests “to distinguish between the holy and the common.” • Special garments draw a clear boundary: this moment, this place, and this ministry are set apart. • Holiness in dress mirrors holiness of heart: “Holiness adorns Your house, O LORD, for endless days” (Psalm 93:5). Foreshadowing Christ’s Perfect Mediation • The high priest enters “not without blood” (Hebrews 9:7), pointing forward to Christ who entered “once for all into the Holy Place… by His own blood” (Hebrews 9:12). • The linen garments prefigure the flawless righteousness of Jesus—pure, humble, obedient. • Isaiah 61:10 celebrates the future reality: “He has clothed me with garments of salvation; He has wrapped me in a robe of righteousness.” What It Means for Us Today • Approach to God still requires holiness, now provided in Christ. • Believers are “clothed with Christ” (Galatians 3:27), granted the righteousness symbolized by Aaron’s linen. • Hebrews 10:19-22 invites us to enter boldly, yet “with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith,” because the true High Priest has met every requirement forever. |
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