The High Priest of Israel held a unique and sacred role within the religious life of the nation, serving as the primary mediator between God and His people. Among the distinctive garments worn by the High Priest, the linen mitre, or turban, was a significant component, symbolizing holiness and dedication to the Lord.

Biblical Description and Significance

The linen mitre is first described in the book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with detailed instructions for the construction of the High Priest's garments. In Exodus 28:36-39 , the Lord commands, "You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Fasten it to a blue cord to mount it on 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 mitre, therefore, was not merely a head covering but a symbol of the High Priest's consecration and the holiness required in his service. The gold plate, inscribed with "HOLY TO THE LORD," served as a constant reminder of the sanctity of his office and the need for purity in the performance of his duties.

Materials and Construction

The mitre was made of fine linen, a material often associated with purity and righteousness in the Scriptures. Exodus 39:28 notes, "They also made the turban of fine linen, the headbands and the undergarments of finely spun linen." The use of linen, a fabric derived from flax, was significant in its representation of cleanliness and divine service, setting the High Priest apart from the ordinary priesthood and the laity.

Symbolic Role in Atonement

The High Priest's garments, including the linen mitre, played a crucial role during the Day of Atonement, as described in Leviticus 16. On this solemn day, the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people. The mitre, with its inscription, underscored the necessity of holiness in approaching God and the High Priest's role in bearing the iniquities of the nation.

Typology and Fulfillment in Christ

From a typological perspective, the High Priest's garments, including the linen mitre, foreshadowed the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:14-15 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. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin."

Christ's sinlessness and perfect holiness fulfill the symbolism of the High Priest's garments, including the mitre, as He mediates a new covenant between God and humanity. The inscription "HOLY TO THE LORD" finds its ultimate expression in Christ, who embodies perfect holiness and offers eternal atonement for sin.

Conclusion

The linen mitre of the High Priest, with its gold plate inscribed "HOLY TO THE LORD," served as a powerful symbol of the sanctity and responsibility inherent in the High Priest's role. Through its materials, construction, and symbolic significance, the mitre pointed to the necessity of holiness in approaching God and prefigured the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and offers eternal redemption.Exodus 28:4,39
And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a turban, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, and his sons, that he may minister to me in the priest's office.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... were appointed for their use, and a special form of ... But the high-priest in particular
had eight vestments ... children of Israel, in token that the priest bore the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

High Priest
... the leprosy in the human body or garments (it is ... church at any day of some special
celebration and ... Josephus says, the high priest had also the very idolatrous ...
/.../conversion of a high priest into a christian worker/chapter iv high priest.htm

Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
... and offer acceptable sacrifice, seeing, thou wearest the garments of Jesus, our
great High Priest." Let us ... there are very many who are special instances of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jehovah tsidkenu the lord our.htm

The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry
... but that when he poured his Spirit upon special men they ... and only once in the year
did the high priest enter that ... he who now sets himself up as a priest is as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/the axe at the roota.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... second wife during her lifetime; a special article of ... pour out upon this woman."*
The priest then called down upon him benedictions from on high: "Therefore, O ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Doctrine
... slighting convictions, disregarding of convictions, which God useth as a special
means to ... the Sacrifice of the new covenant.7. Christ the High Priest of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... More frequently a priest, accustomed from childhood to the office ... the fact that some
exalted one special deity above ... He occupies the high regions of the universe ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

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