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Daily Devotions

Exodus

Exodus 
Day 
Day 265

"And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest ..." Hebrews 7:15

Text: Exodus 28 : 36-38

INSIGNIA ON THE TURBAN OF THE HIGH PRIEST

The High Priest was also required to wear a turban as part of his regalia. More importantly, he was to wear a special inscription on the front of the turban.

“You shall also make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it,
like the engraving of a signet:
HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
And you shall put it on a blue cord, that it may be on the turban;
it shall be on the front of the turban.”
EXODUS 28:36-37

1. “A plate of pure gold”

Gold was used to highlight the value and the significance of the object. (The word “plate” does not mean that the object was to be large or round like a dinner plate).

2. “The Engraving of a signet”

What is important is this phrase, “Holiness to the LORD”. Attention must be given to the wearing of the headgear too!

3. “It shall be on the front of the turban”

When the high priest enters into the holy place to offer prayers on behalf of the nation, he will bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. He will also wear this inscription and the Lord on seeing these things would indeed see them favourably, as people who are indeed set apart and sanctified before Him!

A SOLEMN REMINDER

The careful and elaborate teaching concerning Tabernacle worship carried a very important lesson! Israel is reminded of mans innate problem- his sinfulness!

“So it shall be on Aaron’s forehead,
that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things
which the children of Israel hallow in all their holy gifts;
and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be
accepted before the LORD.”
EXODUS 28:38

1. “The iniquity of the holy things”

Israel must never think that any physical object is intrinsically holy in itself! The nation is reminded that there is “iniquity” even in the holy things that they sanctify and consecrate for the Lord’s worship in the Tabernacle.

2. “That they may be accepted before the LORD”

How would the LORD accept anything from Israel at all? The role of the high priest, with special reference to his role as intercessor and mediator becomes even more evident in the light of this text! Aaron must “bear the iniquity”on behalf of Israel.