Christ in the Old Testament

Exodus 28:2

Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron to give him dignity and honor. (NIV)

Today’s Reading: Exodus 28:1-43

Yesterday God gave instructions to construct the perimeter fence of the tabernacle out of curtains of fine linen. Today we see linen being prescribed again this time for the garments of the priests. The level of detail in the priestly garments is equal to all of the other tabernacle components. We could spend days just going through all the details of these garments. But we will try to keep this to just one day.

“Arise, Lord, and come to your resting place,
    you and the ark of your might.
May your priests be clothed with your righteousness;
    may your faithful people sing for joy” (Psalm 132:8-9)

The psalmist speaks of the priests being clothed with righteousness. We also read yesterday in Revelation that “fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people” (Rev 19:8). And Jesus was also dressed in linens for his burial.

We haven’t covered the priesthood in much detail this year, but we have read a lot about it in Hebrews. In short, because of the work of Christ, we too are considered priests and we too are clothed with righteousness. Jesus fulfilled the priesthood by becoming the high priest on the order of Melchizedek. Jesus’ death tore the veil that restricted access to the Holy of Holies allowing us to enter and thus we became priests as well. The priestly garments will point to this accomplishment.

The robe of the ephod is made entirely of blue cloth. Blue signifies something dedicated to a holy purpose. It can also symbolize royalty or riches. It was also to be made out of one piece of cloth and seamless. One of the rules God sets for the priests is that they are not to tear their clothes. “The high priest, the one among his brothers who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and who has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair become unkempt or tear his clothes” (Lev 21:10).

If you recall, there were two events recorded during Jesus’ trial and crucifixion related to these garments. The first is when Jesus was brought before the Sanhedrin and was questioned by Caiaphas the high priest. When Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, “the high priest tore his clothes” (Matt 26:65). This was in violation of Leviticus law.

The second event was at the foot of the cross. When Jesus was crucified, the soldiers took his clothes and divided them amongst themselves. No one claimed his undergarment so they were going to tear it into pieces so they each would get a piece. “This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. ‘Let’s not tear it,’ they said to one another. ‘Let’s decide by lot who will get it’” (John 19:24).

We see in these events the ending of the old order of the priesthood. The Law of Moses was ended in Christ’s work on the cross and the New Covenant was established in his blood. The rule of not tearing the high priest’s robe was given to point to Jesus, the true High Priest, whose garment was not torn.

Today’s Prayer: Thank you Lord for being in the details. Even the seemingly unimportant clothing that we wear is important to you.