When Clothes Should Say Something About the Man

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This was one case where the clothes did make the man—or at least were meant to remind the man of who he was.

The symbolism of the Jewish faith is rich in reminders and Exodus 28 is one huge illustration that is worthy of consideration even in this modern era.

The chapter describes the clothing that the high priest was to wear when he presented himself before God on behalf of the people.

The first thing I note is: "Make sacred garments for your brother Aaron, to give him dignity and honor" (28:2, NIV).

He was to feel different and the people were to see him as different as he assumed his role as mediator between God and his fellow Israelites.

Then: "Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel…and fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones…Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the Lord." (28:9-12, NIV).

When Aaron presented himself before the Lord he was never to forget who he was representing. The breastplate he was to wear was also heavy with reminders of the people he was bringing for God (28:15-28). "Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastplate of decision as a continual memorial before the Lord" (28:29, NIV)

The turban worn by the High Priest had a gold plate attached to it engraved with the words: HOLY TO THE LORD (28:36). "It will be on Aaron's forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the Lord." (28:38, NIV). By this means Aaron bore the instrument by which the offerings of the Israelites were cleansed.

The priests were also instructed be be scrupulously clean themselves and dress in white linen undergarments which covered them from the waist down (28:42-43). All of this preparation was made to show respect toward the One to whom they were presenting themselves.

While we might not expect our pastors, or anyone else who stands in our pulpits, to go to the same lengths as Aaron and his brother priests did, the importance of the office and the responsibility before God that comes with the role, demands a certain respect that we would give to no one else.

The outer dress was no guarantee of inner holiness—that is easily proved from what will happen a little further on in Exodus. Nevertheless, the symbolism was just as much God's reminder to the man as it was to the people of the holiness of God and the high standards He expected of His people.