Topical Encyclopedia Gold, a symbol of divine purity and glory, holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the priestly garments as described in the Old Testament. The use of gold in these sacred vestments underscores the holiness and the set-apart nature of the priesthood, which served as a mediator between God and the people of Israel.Biblical Description and Significance The Book of Exodus provides detailed instructions for the construction of the priestly garments, emphasizing the use of gold as a key element. In Exodus 28:5-6 , it is written: "They shall use gold, along with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen, embroidered with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn." The ephod, a central piece of the high priest's attire, was intricately woven with threads of gold, symbolizing the divine nature and the heavenly calling of the priestly office. The use of gold in the ephod not only added to its beauty and splendor but also served as a constant reminder of the priest's role in representing the people before a holy God. The Breastpiece of Judgment Another significant use of gold in the priestly garments is found in the breastpiece of judgment. Exodus 28:15-17 states: "You are to fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of a skilled craftsman. Make it like the ephod: with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. It must be square when folded over, a span long and a span wide. And mount on it a setting of gemstones—four rows of stones." The breastpiece, adorned with gold and precious stones, was worn over the heart of the high priest, symbolizing the weighty responsibility of carrying the tribes of Israel before the Lord. The gold settings for the stones further highlighted the sacred duty of the high priest to seek divine guidance and judgment on behalf of the people. The Golden Bells and Chains In addition to the ephod and breastpiece, gold was used in other elements of the priestly garments. Exodus 28:33-34 describes the hem of the robe: "Make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn around the lower hem of the robe, with gold bells between them, so that gold bells and pomegranates alternate around the lower hem of the robe." The golden bells served a dual purpose: they were both ornamental and functional. The sound of the bells announced the high priest's approach as he entered and exited the Holy Place, ensuring that he was not struck down for entering unannounced into the presence of the Lord. Symbolism and Theological Implications The use of gold in the priestly garments is rich with symbolism. Gold, being a precious and incorruptible metal, represents the eternal and unchanging nature of God. Its presence in the garments signifies the sanctity and the divine appointment of the priesthood. The intricate craftsmanship and the lavish use of gold reflect the beauty and order of God's creation, as well as the reverence due to Him in worship. Furthermore, the gold in the priestly garments points to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who embodies the perfection and holiness that the earthly priesthood could only symbolize. As stated in Hebrews 4:14 , "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 summary, the use of gold in the arts of ornamenting the priests' garments serves as a profound testament to the holiness, beauty, and divine purpose of the priestly ministry in the Old Testament, foreshadowing the perfect priesthood of Christ. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 39:1And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses. Nave's Topical Index Library Church Fabrics and Services. Resources What is the menorah? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does the Bible speak against braided hair? | GotQuestions.org What was the tabernacle of Moses? | GotQuestions.org Gold: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gold used in the Arts in Ornamenting the Priests' Garments Gold used in the Arts: Apparel Gold used in the Arts: Beaten Work Gold used in the Arts: Bedsteads Made of Gold used in the Arts: Crowns Made of Gold used in the Arts: Into Ornaments Gold used in the Arts: Made Into Wire Threads and Worked Into Embroidered Tapestry Gold used in the Arts: Modeled Into Forms of Fruits Gold used in the Arts: Overlaying With Gold used in the Arts: Shields of Gold used in the Arts: The Lampstands Made of, for the Tabernacle Gold was Used for Mercy Seat and Cherubims Gold was Used for Overlaying Cherubims in Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying Floor of Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying the Ark Gold was Used for Overlaying the Tabernacle Gold was Used for Overlaying the Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying Throne of Solomon Gold was Used for Sacred Candlesticks Gold was Used for Sacred Utensils Gold: Abundance of, in Solomon's Reign Gold: Altar Lamps, and Other Articles Made of Gold: Jews Condemned for Multiplying Gold: Kings of Israel not to Multiply Gold: Liable to Canker and Rust Gold: Most Valuable when Pure and Fine Gold: Offerings of, for Tabernacle Gold: Offerings of, for Temple Gold: Priestly and Royal Garments Adorned With Gold: Refined and Tried by Fire Gold: Taken in War, Dedicated to God Gold: The Patriarchs Were Rich In Gold: Vessels and Utensils Made of, for the Tabernacle Related Terms |
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