Exodus 39:22-31 – Set apart for God

The last two pieces of the high priest garment were the seamless robe of the tunic and the turban. In addition, Exodus 39 also describes other accessories that the priest would wear.  In verses 22-26 the tunic is described and verses 27-31, the turban and the accessories are described.

Let’s first consider the tunic, the long seamless robe made entirely of royal blue color from one piece of cloth. This represents wholeness and integrity which God expects of the priest. Blue, purple and scarlet yarn were made into pomegranates and hanged around the hem. Because the pomegranate is a fruit full of seed, it was a symbol of fruitfulness. Interspersed in between the pomegranates, bells made from pure gold were hanged. These bells were for safety reason. Should the bells stop ringing, they would know that some mishap had happened to the high priest. While the pomegranates symbolize the fruit of the Holy Spirit, the bells speak of the work of the Holy Spirit.   

The turban and other accessories of the priest’s garment are described in verses 27-31. This is what these verses said, “They made the tunics of finely woven linen for Aaron and his sons, and the turban of fine linen, and the decorated caps of fine linen, and the linen breeches of fine twisted linen, and the sash of fine twisted linen, and blue and purple and scarlet material, the work of the weaver, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and inscribed it like the engravings of a signet, “Holy to the Lord.” They fastened a blue cord to it, to fasten it on the turban above, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.”

The garment is full of significance. Whenever Aaron wore it for the service of the Tabernacle, he was a man set apart with a unique calling. He was set apart for holy service to God. The crowning glory of the priest was the turban with the golden plate that reads “Holy to the Lord.” Unlike the people, he was set apart in holiness to the Lord. The people were sinful and could not enter into the presence of God. But the high priest could enter in on their behalf. Because when he adorned the garment, he was totally set apart for God. This points us to Christ, our perfect High Priest. He alone is holy and glorious and pure. And now through Him, we can enter into the presence of the Holy God. He has taken us pass the outer courts into the Holy of holies, by tearing asunder the veil that prevents us from entering in. Let us take the time and enter in!