The role of the High Priest in ancient Israel was a position of immense spiritual and communal significance, serving as the primary mediator between God and His people. The High Priest's garments, as described in the Book of Exodus, were crafted with divine wisdom imparted to Bezaleel, a skilled artisan chosen by God for this sacred task.

Divine Appointment of Bezaleel

Bezaleel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, was divinely appointed to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the sacred garments of the High Priest. In Exodus 31:2-3 , God declares, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship." This divine endowment of skill and wisdom underscores the importance of the High Priest's attire, which was to reflect the holiness and glory of God.

The High Priest's Garments

The garments of the High Priest were not merely ceremonial; they were imbued with profound theological symbolism. Exodus 28 provides a detailed description of these garments, which included the ephod, breastpiece, robe, tunic, turban, and sash. Each piece was crafted with precision and care, using materials such as gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.

The ephod, a key component of the High Priest's attire, was made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely twisted linen, as described in Exodus 28:6 . It featured two onyx stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the High Priest's role in representing the entire nation before God.

The breastpiece of judgment, also crafted by Bezaleel, contained twelve stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. This breastpiece was worn over the heart of the High Priest, signifying his duty to bear the people of Israel before the Lord continually.

The Role of Divine Wisdom

The intricate design and construction of the High Priest's garments required not only technical skill but also divine wisdom. Bezaleel's work was guided by the Spirit of God, ensuring that every detail aligned with God's instructions. This divine guidance is emphasized in Exodus 35:31-33 , where it is stated, "And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every artistic craft."

Significance in Israelite Worship

The High Priest, adorned in these divinely crafted garments, played a central role in the religious life of Israel. He was responsible for performing sacrifices, entering the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement, and interceding on behalf of the people. The garments served as a constant reminder of the holiness required to approach God and the need for a mediator between the divine and the human.

In summary, the High Priest's garments, made by divine wisdom given to Bezaleel, were a testament to God's desire for order, beauty, and holiness in worship. They symbolized the weighty responsibility of the High Priest and the sacredness of his role in the spiritual life of Israel.Exodus 28:3
And you shall speak to all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister to me in the priest's office.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 36:1
Then worked Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 39:1
And 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church
... strength for nought, but were labouring with divine help and ... us by this means, yet
he has made us argue ... say three times to the governor, high priest, and people ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the abiding of the spirit.htm

The Fourth Commandment
... the heart may be raised up to divine affections ... servile work or recreation, Scaevola,
the high priest of the ... too Judaical, show where God has made any abatement ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 4 the fourth commandment.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... taking his place among the people, he made a profession ... At a loss to escape from
this high-handed treatment ... one who, though far inferior to him, was a priest? ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... 291; joyful in trials, [10]275; a king, priest and prophet ... are prophets, priests,
and kings, [280]290; made so at ... than Jews had, [283]335; their high birth, [284 ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

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