The role of the High Priest in the Old Testament is a profound typology of Jesus Christ, serving as a foreshadowing of His redemptive work and His eternal priesthood. The High Priest was the supreme religious leader among the Israelites, responsible for performing sacrifices, entering the Holy of Holies, and interceding on behalf of the people. This sacred office, established by God through Moses, is richly detailed in the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Exodus and Leviticus.

The Splendid Dress of the High Priest

The attire of the High Priest was not merely ceremonial but was imbued with deep spiritual significance, symbolizing various aspects of the divine nature and the mediatorial work of Christ. Exodus 28 provides a detailed description of the High Priest's garments, which were designed "for glory and for beauty" (Exodus 28:2). These garments included the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, each crafted with specific materials and colors that held symbolic meaning.

1. The Ephod: Made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen, the ephod was a vest-like garment that signified the High Priest's role as a mediator. The two onyx stones on the shoulders, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, represented the High Priest bearing the people before God (Exodus 28:6-12).

2. The Breastplate of Judgment: This piece contained twelve stones, each inscribed with the name of one of the tribes of Israel, symbolizing the High Priest's duty to represent the people in matters of divine judgment (Exodus 28:15-21). The breastplate also housed the Urim and Thummim, tools for discerning God's will.

3. The Robe of the Ephod: Woven entirely of blue, the robe featured pomegranates and golden bells around its hem. The bells signified the High Priest's presence as he ministered in the Holy Place, while the pomegranates symbolized fruitfulness and life (Exodus 28:31-35).

4. The Turban and the Plate of Gold: The turban, or mitre, was adorned with a plate of pure gold inscribed with "HOLY TO THE LORD" (Exodus 28:36-38). This signified the consecration of the High Priest to God, a foreshadowing of Christ's perfect holiness.

5. The Tunic and Sash: The tunic was made of fine linen, representing purity, while the sash was embroidered with needlework, signifying the High Priest's readiness for service (Exodus 28:39-40).

Typology of Christ

The High Priest's role and attire prefigured the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest. The Epistle to the Hebrews expounds on this typology, presenting Christ as the fulfillment of the High Priest's office. 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 priesthood is superior to that of the Levitical priests, as He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, once for all (Hebrews 7:27). His resurrection and ascension into heaven signify His entrance into the true Holy of Holies, where He continually intercedes for believers (Hebrews 9:24).

In His splendid dress, the High Priest foreshadowed the glory and beauty of Christ's righteousness and His role as the mediator of the New Covenant. The garments, rich in symbolism, pointed to the spiritual realities fulfilled in Jesus, who is both the High Priest and the sacrificial Lamb, providing eternal redemption for His people.Exodus 28:2
And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother for glory and for beauty.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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Why is God described as God Most High? | GotQuestions.org

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High: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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