Exodus 28 & 29; 30:22-33 – The High Priest
Chapters 28 & 29 move from looking at the tabernacle and its furniture to those who serve within the tabernacle – the priests. Here are the mediators between God and his people.
The priests were set apart in their calling (28:1). God himself chose, called, and consecrated Aaron and his sons to serve as priests forever (29:9).
They were called from among the people – they had to be like the people because they were going to represent the people (Hebrews 5:1-4).
There are examples in Scripture where some tried to take to themselves the task of serving as priests eg. the sons of Korah (Numbers 16), King Saul (1 Samuel 13:8-14), King Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). None of these ended well!
The garments of the High Priest are described for us in chapter 28.
The ephod with the names of the 12 tribes on its shoulders shows that the High Priest carried the names of the people into the very presence of God.
The breast-piece had 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel and contained the Urim and Thummim to determine God’s Will for his people. The High Priest had the people’s names on his heart, and he declared the Will of God.
The robe of the ephod had bells on it so that the people outside could hear the jingle and know that the High Priest was alive and ministering on their behalf.
The turban and the plate read, “Holy to the LORD.”
The image of the High Priest was speaking to the people of Israel of the representation that they needed before God the LORD – one chosen, one like them, one who carried their names into the presence of God, one who was alive and ministered on their behalf, one who knew and declared the will of God.
Jesus Christ is the great High Priest. Unlike the old order of priests Jesus Christ is sinless and so he is the perfect mediator as he offered his own blood for our sin, and unlike the old order of priests he lives forever to make intercession for us, carrying our names into the presence of God the Father.
Questions
- In what ways is Jesus like the priests in the Old Testament?
- In what ways is Jesus greater than the priests in the Old Testament?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for our great High Priest.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.