In the Old Testament, the consecration of priests was a significant event, marked by specific rituals and the wearing of sacred garments. These garments were not merely ceremonial; they symbolized the holiness and service required of those who ministered before God. The instructions for these garments are detailed primarily in the book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with explicit directions for their creation and use.

Biblical Instructions and Components

The garments of the priests, particularly those of the High Priest, were designed to reflect the glory and beauty of God (Exodus 28:2). The consecration garments included several key components:

1. The Ephod: The ephod was a sleeveless garment made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely twisted linen. It was skillfully woven and adorned with two onyx stones on the shoulders, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:6-12). The ephod symbolized the priest's role in bearing the people of Israel before the Lord.

2. The Breastpiece: Attached to the ephod was the breastpiece of judgment, a square piece of fabric also made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely twisted linen. It contained twelve stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel, set in four rows. The breastpiece was to be worn over the heart, signifying the priest's duty to carry the people in his heart before God (Exodus 28:15-29).

3. The Robe: The robe of the ephod was entirely blue, with an opening for the head and a woven edge to prevent tearing. The hem of the robe was adorned with pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and gold bells, which would sound as the priest moved, signifying his presence in the Holy Place (Exodus 28:31-35).

4. The Turban and Plate: The High Priest wore a turban of fine linen, with a gold plate fastened to it by a blue cord. The plate was engraved with the words "HOLY TO THE LORD," signifying the priest's consecration and dedication to God's service (Exodus 28:36-38).

5. The Tunic and Sash: Underneath the ephod, the priest wore a tunic of fine linen, along with a sash embroidered with needlework. These garments were for dignity and honor, reflecting the sanctity of the priestly office (Exodus 28:39-40).

6. Linen Undergarments: To maintain purity and modesty, the priests were also instructed to wear linen undergarments, covering from the waist to the thigh (Exodus 28:42-43).

Significance and Symbolism

The garments worn at consecration were rich in symbolism and served as a constant reminder of the priest's role as a mediator between God and the people. Each piece of the attire had a specific purpose and meaning, emphasizing the holiness required in approaching God. The intricate design and costly materials underscored the value and seriousness of the priestly office.

The consecration garments also pointed forward to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who would perfectly fulfill the role of mediator and offer Himself as the final sacrifice for sin. In the New Testament, believers are called a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), clothed in the righteousness of Christ, symbolizing their consecration and service to God.

Scriptural References

· Exodus 28:2-43: Detailed instructions for the priestly garments.
· Exodus 29:5-9: Instructions for the consecration ceremony, including the wearing of garments.
· Leviticus 8:7-9: The actual consecration of Aaron and his sons, where the garments are put on them.

These garments, rich in detail and symbolism, highlight the sacredness of the priestly role and the divine order established by God for worship and service.Exodus 29:9
And you shall gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and you shall consecrate Aaron and his sons.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 40:15
And you shall anoint them, as you did anoint their father, that they may minister to me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

A vision of Judgement and Cleansing
... the filthy garments which the accused had worn are changed ... followed by the exchange
of the filthy garments symbolical of ... on us, and we be made priests unto God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a vision of judgement and.htm

Eucharistic Rites. Liturgy.
... The white garments (Procat., Sec. 2: Mystag., iv.88) were worn until the Octave
of Easter, Low ... and may not cast the whole work upon the Priests, but ourselves ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/chapter v eucharistic rites liturgy.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... This indeed is the general reason of ornate garments. ... it was square in shape, and
was worn on the ... Of these eight vestments the lesser priests had four, viz. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

Introduction. Chapter i. --Life of S. Cyril.
... and so must have held a distinguished position among the Priests. ... the Bishop of that
city, to be worn when he ... "She dressed me in women's garments, and took me ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction chapter i life of s.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... in Ephesus in memory of having worn it during ... Underneath they wore long white priests'
robes of wool ... feet washed and after arranging their garments, went in ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

Relation of the Pharisees to the Sadducees and Essenes, and to the ...
... party, including the wealthy families of priests; while, according ... in white, whose
sandals and garments perhaps bore ... not be put away till quite worn out"but ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 15 relation of the.htm

The French Reformation.
... had failed; and in premature old age, worn out with ... Ignorant and immoral priests
were removed, and, so far ... reform, he disguised himself in the garments of his ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /12 the french reformation.htm

The French Reformation
... had failed; and in premature old age, worn out with ... Ignorant and immoral priests
were removed, and, so far ... reform, he disguised himself in the garments of his ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 12 the french reformation.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... can now be traced in his weather-worn body ... as interpreters of their wishes the priests
and the ... linen, while others took charge of his garments, comprising long ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... whole equipment of jewels, paint, and garments required by ... their God except through
the agency of the priests. ... had exhausted their resources and worn out the ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

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