In the ancient Israelite tradition, the High Priest held a unique and sacred role, serving as the chief religious leader and mediator between God and the people. Among the distinctive elements of the High Priest's attire was the golden plate or crown, a significant component of the priestly garments that symbolized holiness and divine authority.

Biblical Description

The golden plate, also referred to as the "crown of gold," is described in the Book of Exodus. This piece was part of the High Priest's elaborate vestments, which were designed according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Berean Standard Bible provides a detailed account of this sacred item:

"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 be accepted before the LORD." (Exodus 28:36-38)

Symbolism and Function

The golden plate, inscribed with the words "HOLY TO THE LORD," served as a constant reminder of the High Priest's consecration and dedication to God. Positioned on the forehead, it symbolized the bearing of the people's iniquities and the intercessory role of the High Priest. The inscription underscored the sanctity required of the High Priest as he performed his duties, particularly when entering the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement.

The attachment of the plate to the turban with a blue cord further emphasized the heavenly origin and divine mandate of the High Priest's office. Blue, often associated with the heavens, reinforced the connection between the High Priest and the divine presence.

Theological Significance

The golden plate or crown of gold is rich in theological significance. It highlights the concept of holiness as central to the relationship between God and His people. The High Priest, as a representative of the nation, bore the responsibility of maintaining this holiness, ensuring that the offerings and sacrifices presented to God were acceptable.

Moreover, the plate served as a foreshadowing of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied holiness and bore the sins of humanity. In the New Testament, the Book of Hebrews elaborates on Christ's superior priesthood, drawing parallels between the Old Testament High Priest and Jesus' eternal intercession.

Historical Context

The High Priest's garments, including the golden plate, were crafted with meticulous care by skilled artisans, as commanded by God. These garments set the High Priest apart from other priests and the general populace, signifying his unique role in the religious life of Israel. The detailed instructions for the garments, including the golden plate, reflect the importance of order, beauty, and reverence in worship.

Throughout Israel's history, the High Priest's attire, including the golden plate, remained a powerful symbol of the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people. The garments served not only as functional attire for religious duties but also as a visual representation of the divine calling and responsibility entrusted to the High Priest.Exodus 28:36-38
And you shall make a plate of pure gold, and grave on it, like the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ninth Day. Holiness and Mediation.
... shall have extended to the skirts of the garments. ... come in the Holiness of our High
Priest, and enter ... are these, each corresponding to some special aspect of ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/ninth day holiness and mediation.htm

Entire Sanctification in Type.
... always upon the forehead of the High Priest, and must ... up under the old dispensation,
the priest was commanded ... In typology, however, it has special reference to ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iv entire sanctification in.htm

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
... point of beauty, was the object of special care ... of memorial fringes on the borders
of the garments"not the ... plate on the forehead of the high-priest, since its ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 13 among the people.htm

Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair ...
... perfection of His Church are His own garments on the ... He puts a "behold" before it,
a special note of ... most brilliant ornament worn by the high priest, so the ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/fragrant spices from the mountains.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... was necessary to have an infinite variety of special agents and ... just as much as the
noble, the priest, or the ... a savant educated in a school of high culture, or ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... that we may by it believe unto special mercy.4 ... notice how, or in what method, the
high priest under the ... 4). These are briefly called his garments, in Revelation ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... Otherwise, if there be necessity, there is no crown. ... the son of Josedech and
high-priest, although he was ... of Scripture, represented in filthy garments after he ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... priest of Ra, the hankistit"his high priestess, and ... since few Egyptians could read,
a priest, or relative ... more retrace his steps[*] without special permission ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... his wearing the uraius, but not high enough to ... and its hackneyed phrases borrowed
a special meaning from ... hat, resembling to some extent the white crown of the ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... but her sanctuaries, with their special rites and ... the forests, in which the priest,
incarnate representative ... western extremities of the great high-road through ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

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