EXODUS CHAPTER 28 ----------------- Verses 27:20 - 28:2, Instead of completing the description of the Tabernacle and its furniture, the priesthood is introduced, and then in chapter 30 the last of the holy vessel is described. Every thing mentioned from Ex 25:10 thru 27:19 was a manifestation of God in Christ, that is God coming forth to His people. But from 27:20 to the end of 30 every thing is the provisions of grace whereby we may approach unto God. Verses 20-21 of the previous chapter are the connecting link between the two central lines of thought -- God going out to His people and they going in to Him. Two things are mentioned in the last two verses of the previous chapter: 1) provision for the maintenance of the perpetual light in the sanctuary, and 2) the ministration of the priesthood. First the light and then the priesthood is mentioned. So we see a connection between the light and the priesthood. That Christ is the light: Joh 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Joh 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. Joh 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. Joh 1:9 [That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. Joh 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Re 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof. 1Jo 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. Christ must be the light, that is He had to meet all the demands of God's holiness, before He could minister for us as our Great High Priest. First, His holy life and the cross, Then His intercession on high. Of course the Lampstand, not only speaks of Christ, but also the Holy Spirit. Notice that it was pure olive oil BEATEN for thew light. It was Christ's atoning work that made provision for the lamp to burn always. The Holy Spirit is given to God's people by Christ through the work at Calvary that He has made for them. It was after calvary that the Holy Spirit came upon the Church and empowered it. "Aaron and his sons": This phrase as is appears 12 times in Exodus. Pink says that "Aaron and his sons" are mentioned 24 times in Exodus, but this is the first place they are mentioned. They are mentioned right after the "children" and the "congregation" which shows us for whom they ministered. There are many types and shadows that point to the work that Christ did at Calvary, but when we look at the big picture here we see a redeemed people which were protected from judgement in Egypt by the blood of the lamb, brought out of the house of bondage, baptized in the Red Sea, separated from the world (Egypt) and God dwelling with them in the wilderness. Yet, a priesthood was appointed to act on their behalf. Why? On the cross, Christ the Saviour said, "It is finished." All that was needed to satisfy the requirements of God and reconcile to Him His alienated people, WAS accomplished. So why the necessity for the present ministry of our great high priest? If His blood fully atoned for all our sins (and it did), why should He now be making intercession on our behalf? The priesthood was for maintaining, and not securing their relationship with Jehovah, that is when we look at the big picture. They were still a people compassed with infirmity, subject to temptation, and frequently failing, and so are we. Therefore the same grace which had brought them nigh to Himself, now made provision for the keeping of them nigh. If the big picture of Israel as a nation means anything, then I believe God will bring them, as a nation, back to Himself. Our sinful nature makes the present priestly ministry of Christ so essential. Verse 1, "And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, [even] Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons." Not Moses, but Aaron and his sons. The tribe of Levi was the least of the tribes, according to Pink, and was under a curse because of Levi's cruelty (Gen 49:5-7). And then we see that while Moses was receiving the commands from God concerning Aaron and the priesthood, Aaron was leading in the idolatrous worship of the golden calf! Pink says that this does not MAR the accuracy of the type, but instead illustrate that our Great High priest was a gift of God's marvelous GRACE. Aaron: "light bringer" Pink says that his name means "very high" Nadab: "generous" Pink says his name means "willing" Abihu: "he is father" Pink says "my father is he" Eleazar: "God has helped" Pink says "help of God" Ithamar: "coast of palms" Pink says "land of palm" Pink says that these words describe the house to which the Son is the head. Ps 92:12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To me it points more to Christ than His house. While the Aaronic priesthood furnished much that was the pattern of Christ's priesthood, Christ's priesthood was VASTLY superior, being AFTER that of Melchidezek. Pink said "of" in his comments about Exodus, but the scripture says "after". Ps 110:4 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. Heb 5:6 As he saith also in another [place], Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Heb 5:10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. after = according to That is the one was the pattern for the other. Melchisedec had no recorded end of days, nor beginning of days, but abideth a priest continually. Heb 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. 4 Now consider how great this man [was], unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. 5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: So Melchisedec's priesthood pointed to Christ's priesthood, not that Christ's priesthood descended from or was a continuation of Melchisedec's. Christ is the eternal son of God and eternal priest. Christ has redeemed us and has saved us from our sins, but in another real sense He IS saving us from our sins. In the judicial sense, He has saved us from our sins. We cannot be lost because of the work that He has performed at calvary in our behalf. But in the practical sense, or experimental, or experiential aspect, Christ is saving us from our sins. We are still prone to sin and we need cleansing and intercession every day. Heb 7:23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24 But this [man], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the UTTERMOST that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 1Jo 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: Heb 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: { now = at this present time } Ro 8:34 Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. { maketh = present tense } The tabernacle was "a figure for the time then present" (Heb 9:9) and "a shadow of good things to come, and NOT the very image of the things" (Heb 10:1). It and the rituals concerned with it were not given to Israel as a model for Christians to imitate, but as a foreshadowing of spiritual things which find their fulfillment in Christ Himself. A right understanding of this will guard against the ritualism which permeates much of what is called Christianity today. Under the Mosaic economy, the priests were a special class appointed to minister unto God on behalf of the people, and were permitted to do that which was not given to those whom they represented. But at the cross the old order was ended, and a new one was established. There were two symbolic things that happened which pointed to this happening. First, the high priest rent his clothes (Matt 26:65) which was forbidden according to Lev 21:10. Second, the vail in the temple was rent (Mat 27:51) symbolically telling us that the way in to the holy of holies had been opened for us by Christ himself. However Rome continues the Levitical order claiming her priests, like Aaron and his sons, are specially authorized and qualified to go to God on the behalf of men. But Heb 10:19-22 tells us that the BRETHREN have boldness to enter into the HOLIEST by the blood of Jesus. In the earthly tabernacle, the holiest could only be entered into by the Levitical priest. But now the BRETHREN can enter in by a new and living way through the vail, which in the earthly tabernacle separated the most holy place. Now we have a Great High Priest, Jesus, so we can now draw near unto God, who in the earthly tabernacle dwelt between the cherubs over the mercy seat in the most holy place. The BRETHREN can do this because their hearts were sprinkled from an evil conscience, and their bodies were washed with pure water, just a Moses did to Aaron and his sons in Lev 8:6 before he placed the priestly robes on them and sanctified them. Also 1Pe 2:5 & 9 tell us that the ones he is writing to are priests. 1Pe 1:2 tells us that they are the "ELECT according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ." The believer worships in a spiritual temple, stands at a spiritual altar, offers a spiritual sacrifice, and is clad in spiritual vestments. The spiritual temple is heaven itself, which he enters in spirit through the rent vail (Heb 10:19), the altar is Jesus Christ himself (Heb 13:10) -- the altar which sanctifieth the gift (Mat 23:19). The spiritual sacrifice is praise unto God (Heb 13:15). Verses 2-3, The garments of the high priest are first detailed. They were for "glory and beauty" and gave dignity to his person and office. In figure they pointed to Christ in all His perfections with the Father before He was consecrated to His work in our behalf. Here the garments are mentioned before Aaron and his sons are consecrated for the work, and in Lev 8:6 their bodies were washed before they were sanctified for the work. The holy garments: Lev 16:4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these [are] holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and [so] put them on. There were two sets of clothing provided for the high priest and the one mentioned in Lev 16 was for the annual day of atonement and was all white, pointing to the holiness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 4, The garments which were for glory and beauty were SEVEN in number. "And these [are] the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle." In addition to the six mentioned here there was also the "plate of pure gold" on which were engraved the words "Holiness to the Lord" (vs 36), which according to Lev 8:9 was a holy crown. Lev 8:9 And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, [even] upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses. In verse 4 the breastplate is mentioned first. It was the most costly and the chief of the vestments worn, the other garments being a foundation and background for it. It was the central article pointing to the very heart of Jesus Christ Himself. Verses 5-7, The ephod was the outer robe of the high priest, which was made in two parts; one covering his back and the other his front. The two halves were joined together at the shoulders by golden clasps, which formed the setting for the onyx stones. The ephod served to support the breastplate. It was made of gold, blue, purple, scarlet and fine twined linen. The method by which the gold was intertwined into it is described in Ex 39:2-3. Ex 39:2 And he made the ephod [of] gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen. 3 And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut [it into] wires, to work [it] in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, [with] cunning work. This again points to our Lord Jesus Christ and His character. The gold to His divine nature. The white linen spoke of his holy humanity. The colours to various perfections of His character. Purple is for royalty, blue is for heaven from which He came, etc. Verse 8, The girdle was made of needlework (vs 39). The girdle speaks of preparedness for service. Lu 12:37 Blessed [are] those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall GIRD himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and SERVE them. Joh 13:4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe [them] with the towel wherewith he was girded. The girdle was of the same materials as the ephod. He is the glorified servant. The Divine servant. The servant from heaven who has gone back to heaven. The servant who is King of those He serves. Heb 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Verses 9-14, The onyx stones. The Hebrew word from which Onyx was translated is derived from an unused root, signifying "to shine with luster of fire." Unlike the onyx of today they were precious stones. Job 28:16 speaks of the "the precious onyx." ouches = settings The names of the Israel were borne before the Lord by Aaron for a memorial. This shows us that we are held secure by the Lord. The shoulder is a place of strength. Lu 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found [it], he layeth [it] on his shoulders, rejoicing. A memorial is for a reminder or remembrance. The Lord is not going to forget us because our names are borne before God by our Great High Priest. We do not bear our names before God, but our Great High Priest does. 1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Verses 15-30, The breastplate. Its significance: ----------------- It was called the "breastplate of judgement" with TWELVE gems set in it on which were ENGRAVED the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. What we have foreshadowed here is Christ bearing the names of all His blood bought people upon His heart as a memorial before His Father. In verses 9-13 we saw that the names of God's people were borne on the shoulders, a place of strength and power, but here we see them borne upon his heart, a place affections. One is as important as the other. We are upon the heart of our Great High Priest CONTINUALLY (vs 29). Just as their position or standing before God was neither altered by changing circumstances, infirmities or sins, so too ours. The high priest did not go in before the Lord with names missing at times, but their names were CONTINUALLY before the Lord and on the heart of the high priest. And further emphasizing this truth is the fact that their names were ENGRAVED and not simply written, which shows that they could not be erased. Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand. 30 I and [my] Father are one. Our names are before the Father and on the heart of the Son. The Father and the Son are ONE. Also each of the stones were held secure to the breastplate by a golden setting, further emphasizing the security of those whom Christ represents. Then the breastplate itself was held secure by chains (vs 21- 28). Thus we see that the people of God (as represented by their names) were chained to the high priest. WHAT SECURITY! Pink says that it was fastened in such a way that any movement of the priest's shoulders was conveyed to the breastplate and the breastplate felt every beat of his heart. So Our Great High Priest's strength and His heart are intimately linked together and is toward His saints for their good. He will make all things work together for good to those who love Him and are THE called according to His purpose (Ro 8:28). With His strength and His heart He is able to keep them from falling. ITS JEWELS ---------- There were twelve in number, one for each tribe set in four rows of three each. It is impossible to recognize most of these stones under their modern names. 1st, The fact that Jehovah chose to represent gems for His people shows that they are precious in His site. So precious that He would send His only begotten Son into the world to die for them. 2nd, Their excellency points to the imputed righteousness that each child of God has. The believer's righteousness is not his own but a righteousness that is imputed to him. 3rd, The fact that each stone was different, shows us that the Lord recognizes the individuality of each of His people. They are all precious but different. He KNOWS His sheep and He KNOWS them by name. 4th, The durability of these stones points to the fact that our salvation which was purchased by Christ is an eternal salvation, that will not fade away. Stones again show beauty, but much of their beauty is determined by how the stone is cut and how it is polished. When it is cut skilfully so as to reflect the light from many sides it will sparkle with beauty that is unknown to its natural condition. So too, with the believer. Each one has some inherent characteristic difference, but as the Divine hand cuts and polishes, the believer will radiate as the master so designs. ITS CONNECTIONS --------------- The breastplate was inseparably linked to the ephod. The ephod was made for the breastplate. (vs 28) "that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod." The ephod is peculiarly a high priestly garment. Therefore every time God looked upon the high priest he saw His people upon the high priest's heart. Thus the breastplate with the names of God's people are forever linked to the high priest, and we know from Hebrews that Christ is a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedek (Heb 6:20). ITS NAME -------- "The breastplate of judgement" By judgement it is meant the decrees of God. "a memorial" or a reminder. ITS POSITION ------------ Upon the heart of Aaron, the high priest. Three times we have the words "upon his heart" (vs 29,30,30). THE URIM AND THUMMIN -------------------- Evidently much speculation has been made of these two objects. But we can not know anything in truth about this except what has been revealed to us by God's word. There is secrecy and mystery around these two objects and cults love mystery and secrecy. There is much secrecy and mystery in the Masons. Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, claims to have used the Urim and Thummin to translate Egyptian hieroglyphics which he called a "reformed Egyptian text". While the words are in there plural form, to emphasize the importance dignity of a thing, it is believed by scholars that these were two objects only. Urim: signifies light. 1) stones kept in a pouch on the high-priest's breastplate, used in determining God's decision in certain questions and issues Thummim = "perfection" 1) stones provided for the means of achieving a sacred lot 1a) used with the Urim, the will of God was revealed Their place: There was a bag made in the breastplate in which these were placed. V 16 "Foursquare it shall be [being] doubled." According to verse 30 they were over the high priest's heart along with the names of the children of Israel. Their use: The mind of the Lord was conveyed through them. Nu 27:21 And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask [counsel] for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, [both] he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation. 1Sa 28:6 And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. ( We see from this verse that Urim along with prophets and dreams were used by God to convey His thoughts to men. ) Some have deduced that there may have been several stones used in casting lots. Pr 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof [is] of the LORD. These were used to give judicial decision, which would be of the Lord, therefore the breastplate was known as the "breastplate of judgement." When the land was divided to the children of Israel, it was divided by lot (Nu 26:55) and Eleazar, the high priest, must be present (Nu 34:17)(Josh 17:4). As you read Josh 18 and 19 we see that the lots "came up," "came forth," "came out." From where? From the bag of the ephod. "breastplate of JUDGEMENT": The Septuagint (the first translation ever made of the OT into Greek) uses the Greek word "logeion" which means "oracle." Thus by the breastplate with the Urim and Thummin the high priest would give the oracle response of God. 1Sa 30:7 And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David. 8 And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake [them], and without fail recover [all]. Their significance: Of course Christ is Light and Perfection. Not only is he priest, but PROPHET and king. As the Urim and Thummin was used to obtain the oracles of God on matters, so Christ is the living WORD or "Logos" of God who came down from God. Just as the Urim gave light to Israel on matters, so Christ gives light to His people through the work of the Holy Spirit. Just as the Thummin gave perfect judgement so Christ is the TRUE and PERFECT judge. Joh 8:16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. So Christ is the perfect antitype of the Urim and the Thummin. It is Christ who speaks to His people the mind of God. Christ has perfect knowledge of His Father's thoughts. Col 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Joh 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Return from Babylonian captivity: Ezra 2:63 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim. Christ will be that priest at the close of the tribulation period. Verses 31-39, This was a different garment than the Ephod. It was longer than the Ephod and was under it, and made of different material (only linen and wholly blue). It did not have the curious work of the Ephod (vs 6). The Ephod had gold wires woven into it, but the robe did not. In Ex 39:22 the robe is said to be a "woven work, all of blue." Gill says that Josepus said it was a seamless coat mad of one piece. The coat that our Lord wore was a seamless coat. Joh 19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also [his] coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. Gill thinks this points to Christ's righteousness. It would be a righteousness from heaven since it is blue. Our righteousness is from heaven and not from ourselves. Isa 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels. Verses 32, The hole was in the top for the high priest to put his head through. There was a hem made around the hole to give it strength. The Ephod and the breastplate would all be pulling down on the robe, so this would give it strength that it would not be torn. Verse 33, At the bottom of the robe on the hem there were pomegranates made of blue, purple and scarlet. Not that one was blue and another purple, etc., but that each was made of these colors. Pomegranates: the fruit of the pomegranate tree. Verse 34, Some have suggested that the bells were hidden and only the pomegranates were visible or that the bell hung with the pomegranate. But the sense of this verse seems to suggest that there was a pomegranate then a bell and then another pomegranate then another bell, etc. Verse 35, The bells were heard that the high priest die not. I had heard that the people could hear the bells while he was in the tabernacle and by the sound knew that he was alive. Verses 36-38, The priestly crown. Some have said it was about two fingers broad and reached from ear to ear. It was sometimes called the "holy crown." Ex 29:6 And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre. Ex 39:30 And they made the plate of the holy crown [of] pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, [like to] the engravings of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. The golden crown with the words "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" allowed Aaron to bear the iniquities of the holy things which the children of Israel had consecrated as gifts unto the Lord. By it they were accepted before the Lord. This shows us that our spiritual sacrifices of praise are only acceptable in our great high priest, because of His holiness before the Lord. If it was not for Him then all of our praises and offerings before the Lord would be vanity. Christ, the priest king. Zec 6:12 And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name [is] The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: 13 Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. Verse 39, Gill says that the coat was separate from the robe and the ephod. SEE Verse 4. Ex 28:4 And these [are] the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a BROIDERED COAT, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. Verses 40-43, The vestments of the priests. Just as the High Priest Aaron points to our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ, so Aarons sons would point to the children of the King. All believers are priests unto God. We are "kings and priests" unto God according to Rev 1:6; a "royal priesthood" according to 1Pe 2:9; and a "holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, which are acceptable to God by Jesus Christ" according to 1Pe 2:5. Their coats: vs 40 Ex 39:27 And they made coats [of] fine linen [of] woven work for Aaron, and for his sons, They were the same fine linen, which points to the righteousness of Christ. The priests had the same robe that the high priest had. The robing of Aaron's sons is the putting on of Christ. We have the righteousness of Christ as our robe of righteousness and based upon that alone we have a right to offer up sacrifices unto God. Our own righteousness is as filthy rags according to Isaiah 64:6. But this has been removed and replaced with the righteousness of Christ. READ Mat 22:8-14. Concerning Joshua the high priest: Zec 3:3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. 4 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. Ps 132:9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy. Ps 132:16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. 1Co 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 2Co 5:21 For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Their girdles: vs 40 Compare: Ex 39:29 And a girdle [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, [of] needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses. The high priest's girdle was slightly different. According to Ex 28:8 it had gold in it which is not mentioned in Ex 39:29. The girdle is equipment for service and a means of strength. Lu 12:35 Let your loins be girded about, and [your] lights burning; ( be ready for the Lord's return ) What are we to be doing till He come? Lu 19:13 And he called his ten SERVANTS, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, OCCUPY till I come. occupy = pragmateuomai {prag-mat-yoo'-om-ahee} 1) to be occupied in anything 2) to carry on a business 3) to carry on the business of a banker or a trader Another New testament scripture that speaks of being gird: 1Pe 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; Eph 6 tells us the nature of our girdle. Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; The girdle here speaks of the Word of God. In particular all that centers in Christ. This is the priest's equipment for service and from where he gets his strength. Their bonnets: vs 40-41 Ex 39:28 And a mitre [of] fine linen, and goodly bonnets [of] fine linen, and linen breeches [of] fine twined linen, "goodly bonnets [of] fine linen" The word is derived from a verb that means elevation as a description of a hill. According to Pink, the bonnet differed from the mitre of the high priest, in the fact that they were bound around the head of the priest which is never said of the mitre. goodly = the word is rendered beauty and ornaments in Isa 61:3 and 61:10. Their breeches: vs 42-43 Compare with Lev 8:13 And Moses brought Aaron's sons, and put coats upon them, and girded them with girdles, and put bonnets upon them; as the LORD commanded Moses. -- Their breeches were already on -- This brings out the strict and high moral standard which God set before Israel. They must not appear, even before one of their own sex, in the nude. When sin entered into the garden, the first thing that took place was that our parents tried to hide their nackedness with fig leaves. So the breeches in a typical sense represent the covering that God has given us to hide our sin. Another practical teaching is that things of the flesh should not enter a spriitual service. In verse 43 it says "that they bear not iniquity, and die" when they come into the tabernacle to minister. I believe this shows us that God sees what is underneeth. Not only in the natural sense but also in the spiritual sense.