Vestments refer to the special garments worn by priests and other religious leaders during liturgical services and sacred ceremonies. In the context of the Bible, vestments hold significant symbolic meaning and are often associated with the holiness and duties of those who serve in the presence of God.

Old Testament References

The concept of vestments is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, particularly in the instructions given to Moses regarding the attire of the priests. In Exodus 28, God commands Moses to make sacred garments for Aaron, the high priest, and his sons, to give them dignity and honor. The chapter details the specific garments, including the ephod, breastpiece, robe, tunic, turban, and sash. Each piece of clothing had a specific purpose and symbolism, often representing aspects of God's covenant with Israel.

Exodus 28:2-4 states: "Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor. You are to instruct all the skilled craftsmen, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, to make Aaron’s garments for his consecration, so that he may serve Me as priest. These are the garments they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They shall make these holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so that they may serve Me as priests."

The ephod, a sleeveless garment, was particularly significant, as it was worn over the robe and held the breastpiece containing the Urim and Thummim, used for divination and decision-making. The high priest's attire symbolized his role as a mediator between God and the people of Israel.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, while there is less emphasis on specific priestly garments, the concept of spiritual vestments is present. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often uses the metaphor of clothing to describe the virtues and character that believers should "put on." For instance, in Colossians 3:12 , Paul writes: "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."

The New Testament also speaks to the priesthood of all believers, as seen in 1 Peter 2:9 : "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This passage suggests that all Christians are called to embody the spiritual qualities associated with priestly service, regardless of physical attire.

Symbolism and Significance

Vestments in the biblical tradition are rich with symbolism. They represent purity, holiness, and the set-apart nature of those who serve God. The detailed instructions for priestly garments in the Old Testament underscore the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect. The garments were not merely for aesthetic purposes but were integral to the priests' consecration and service.

In a broader sense, vestments remind believers of the call to holiness and the responsibility to live lives that reflect God's glory. Whether through physical garments or spiritual virtues, the concept of vestments serves as a reminder of the sacred duty to serve and honor God in all aspects of life.Deuteronomy 22:12
You shall make you fringes on the four quarters of your clothing, with which you cover yourself.
Topicalbible.org

VESTMENTS

vest'-ments.

See DRESS.

Whether the Vestments of the Ministers are Fittingly Instituted in ...
... OF THE THINGS ANNEXED TO THE SACRAMENT OF ORDER (SEVEN ARTICLES) Whether the vestments
of the ministers are fittingly instituted in the Church? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the vestments of the.htm

Excursus on the Vestments of the Early Church.
... The Canons of the Blessed and Holy Fathers Assembled at Antioch in Syria.
Excursus on the Vestments of the Early Church. It would ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the vestments of.htm

A Sedition of the Philadelphians against the Jews; and Also
... From Fadus The Procurator To Florus. CHAPTER 1. A Sedition Of The Philadelphians
Against The Jews; And Also. Concerning The Vestments Of The High Priest. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 a sedition of.htm

How the Samaritans Made a Tumult and Pilate Destroyed Many of Them ...
... of Jerusalem from all the taxes upon the fruits that were bought and sold, and gave
them leave to have the care of the high priest's vestments, with all their ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how the samaritans.htm

How Herod Rebuilt the Temple and Raised it Higher and Made it More ...
... built by the kings of the Asamonean race, who were also high priests before Herod,
and they called it the Tower, in which were reposited the vestments of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how herod rebuilt.htm

In common with the Roman Church, the Greek Church has seven ...
... But before speaking of Ordination, it may be useful in the first place to give some
description of the vestments worn in the Greek Church, and with which the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns of the holy eastern church/iii.htm

Of a Beautiful vision which Appeared to a Young Man who Hated the ...
... He saw before him a great multitude of saints ranged in procession, two by two,
clothed in vestments made of precious material: their faces and their hands ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xx of a beautiful.htm

That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable ...
... Aptly also are the bells described as inserted in his vestments. For what
else ought we to take the vestments of the priest to be ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter iv that the ruler.htm

Devout Customs and Usages
... Son of man be.". Vestments."Much may be said for the use of a distinctive
dress in the holy offices of the Church. It is in accordance ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/devout customs and usages.htm

Whether the Character is Imprinted on a Priest when the Chalice is ...
... Objection 3: Further, as the ministers are consecrated, even so are the ministers'
vestments. Now the blessing alone consecrates the vestments. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the character is imprinted.htm

Vestments (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia VESTMENTS. vest'-ments. See DRESS.
Multi-Version Concordance Vestments (3 Occurrences). Leviticus ...
/v/vestments.htm - 7k

Vestry (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) A room appendant to a church, in which sacerdotal vestments and sacred utensils
are sometimes kept, and where meetings for worship or parish business ...
/v/vestry.htm - 7k

Wardrobe (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 10:22 And he said to him that was over the wardrobe, Bring forth vestments
for all the servants of Baal. And he brought them forth vestments. ...
/w/wardrobe.htm - 8k

Worshipers (12 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 10:22 And he said to him that was over the vestry, Bring forth vestments
for all the worshipers of Baal. And he brought them forth vestments. ...
/w/worshipers.htm - 10k

Aaron (343 Occurrences)
... There he stripped Aaron of his priestly vestments, and put them upon Eleazar; and
there Aaron died on the top of the mount, being 123 years old (Numbers 20:23 ...
/a/aaron.htm - 56k

Vestment (1 Occurrence)

/v/vestment.htm - 6k

Linen (111 Occurrences)
... 14, etc. It is uniformly used of the sacred vestments worn by the priests. The
word is from a root signifying "separation.". (4.) Hebrews ...
/l/linen.htm - 50k

Eleazar (74 Occurrences)
... On Mount Hor he was clothed with the sacred vestments, which Moses took from off
his brother Aaron and put upon him as successor to his father in the high ...
/e/eleazar.htm - 39k

Dress (38 Occurrences)
... Fine linen was used in the vestments of the high priest (Exodus 28:5), as well
as by the rich (Genesis 41:42; Proverbs 31:22; Luke 16:19). ...
/d/dress.htm - 53k

Paraclete
... At the close of a somewhat elaborate account of the emblematic significance of the
vestments of the high priest and their jeweled decorations, his words are ...
/p/paraclete.htm - 17k

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