The miter, also spelled "mitre," is a significant article of clothing in the biblical context, particularly within the priestly garments as described in the Old Testament. It is primarily associated with the high priest of Israel and serves as a symbol of holiness and authority.

Biblical Description and Significance

The miter is first mentioned in the Book of Exodus as part of the detailed instructions given by God to Moses regarding the garments of the high priest, Aaron. In Exodus 28:4, the miter is listed among the sacred garments: "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 sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so that they may serve Me as priests."

The miter, or turban, is described as a fine linen headpiece. Exodus 28:36-38 provides further details: "You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Fasten to it a blue cord to attach it to the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban. And it will be on Aaron’s forehead, so that Aaron may bear the guilt of the holy things that the Israelites consecrate as all their holy gifts. It will always be on his forehead, so that they may find favor before the LORD."

The golden plate inscribed with "HOLY TO THE LORD" signifies the consecration of the high priest to God, emphasizing the sacred nature of his duties. The miter, therefore, is not merely a piece of clothing but a representation of the high priest's role as an intermediary between God and the people of Israel.

Symbolism and Function

The miter's symbolism is deeply rooted in the concept of holiness and dedication to God. By wearing the miter, the high priest visibly bore the responsibility of the people's sins and the sanctity of the offerings made to God. The inscription "HOLY TO THE LORD" served as a constant reminder of the high priest's duty to maintain purity and righteousness in his service.

The miter also functioned as a sign of the high priest's authority and his unique position within the religious hierarchy of Israel. It distinguished him from other priests and underscored his role in performing the most sacred rituals, such as entering the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement.

New Testament Context

While the miter is not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, the concept of priesthood and holiness continues to be significant. The Book of Hebrews, for example, discusses Jesus Christ as the ultimate high priest, who surpasses the Levitical priesthood. Hebrews 4:14 states, "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."

In this context, the miter's symbolism of holiness and divine service is fulfilled in Christ, who embodies the perfect mediator between God and humanity.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, headpieces similar to the miter were often worn by royalty and religious figures, signifying their status and authority. The biblical miter, however, is unique in its explicit connection to the divine command and its role in the religious life of Israel.

The miter's design and materials, such as fine linen and gold, reflect the high standards of craftsmanship and the importance of the high priest's office. The use of blue cords and the specific engravings further highlight the meticulous care taken to adhere to God's instructions.

Overall, the miter is a profound symbol of the high priest's consecration, authority, and responsibility in the service of God, as outlined in the Old Testament.Miter

The sacred turban or bonnet of the Jewish high priest, made of a piece of fine linen many yards long, wound about the head, and having in front, secured with blue lace, a plate of pure gold on which was inscribed, "HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD," Exodus 28:4,36-38 39:28-31.

1. (n.) The connection of two parts at an equally divided angle.

Joshua and the Angel
... the Angel says, "Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will
clothe thee with change of raiment." "So they set a fair miter upon his head ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 47 joshua and the.htm

Mr. Moody and Rev. Marcus Rainsford.
... There was to be placed on the forefront of the miter of the high priest, when he
stood before God, a plate of pure gold, and graven upon it as with a signet ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/i mr moody and rev marcus.htm

Perronet
... He went so far as to administer the Lord's Supper to the "societies," and wrote
a scathing satire on the Church of England titled The Miter, a Satyricall Poem. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/nutter/hymn writers of the church/perronet.htm

High Priest
... breast was a winged scarabaeus, the emblem of the Sun, and the unavoidable portion
of the ceremonial dress peculiar to the high priest was the miter, mitre or ...
/.../conversion of a high priest into a christian worker/chapter iv high priest.htm

The French Reformation
... Kingly armor concealed a loftier and more steadfast spirit than did the bishop's
robe and miter. Louis de Berquin was of noble birth. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 12 the french reformation.htm

Conclusion.
... He has worn the three-crowned hat of the successor of Peter; he has paraded in a
bishop's miter; he has often worn the gown and bands of Presbyterian Geneva. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter x conclusion.htm

John Wycliffe
... it had been confidently expected that the Reformer himself, in his old age, alone
and friendless, would bow to the combined authority of the crown and the miter ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 5 john wycliffe.htm

Huss and Jerome
... Finally "they put on his head a cap or pyramidal-shaped miter of paper, on which
were painted frightful figures of demons, with the word Archheretic ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 6 huss and jerome.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... with knowledge and a heart seasoned with grace, Bishop Asbury seemed a fit
representative of a primitive evangelist, wearing not the tinseled miter and flowing ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

The Immaculate Conception
The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. <. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

Miter (9 Occurrences)
...Miter (9 Occurrences). ... (WBS). Exodus 28:37 And thou shalt put it on a blue lace,
that it may be upon the miter; upon the front of the miter it shall be. (WBS). ...
/m/miter.htm - 9k

Mitre (10 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The surface forming the beveled end or edge of a piece where a miter joint
is made; also, a joint formed or a junction effected by two beveled ends or ...
/m/mitre.htm - 12k

Mite (1 Occurrence)

/m/mite.htm - 8k

Needle-work (7 Occurrences)
... (WBS). Exodus 28:39 And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt
make the miter of fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle of needle-work. ...
/n/needle-work.htm - 8k

Tablet (7 Occurrences)
... The plate of pure gold (Exodus 28:36 Leviticus 8:9), engraved like the gravings
of a signet, which was on Aaron's miter, may also be properly described as a ...
/t/tablet.htm - 15k

Mites (2 Occurrences)

/m/mites.htm - 6k

Bishop (4 Occurrences)
... superintendents. 4. (n.) A piece used in the game of chess, bearing a
representation of a bishop's miter; -- formerly called archer. 5 ...
/b/bishop.htm - 40k

Breast-plate (22 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:4 And these are the garments which they shall make; a breast-plate, and
an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a miter, and a girdle; and they ...
/b/breast-plate.htm - 12k

Broidered (9 Occurrences)
... and a robe, and a broidered coat (Exodus 28:4 the King James Version; the Revised
Version (British and American) "a coat of checker work"), a miter, and a ...
/b/broidered.htm - 10k

Crown (94 Occurrences)
... The nezer had a twofold use as the crown of consecration: (a) It was placed as a
frontlet on the miter of the high priest, being tied with a blue lace (Exodus ...
/c/crown.htm - 58k

Miter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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