سفر الخروج الاصحاح 28 الثامن والعشرون الملابس الكهنوتية

Exodus Chapter 28: Priestly Garments Father Tawadros Rabie Wissa Reflections on the Holy Bible 1. Consecration of Priests with Holy Garments God commands the making of special garments for priests as an expression of their holiness and holy service. 2. The Selection of Aaron and His Sons for the Priesthood Aaron and his sons (Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar) are set apart to be priests of the Lord. 3. Priestly Garments The priestly garments are made of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen, and include the breastplate, cloak, tunic, turban, and sash. 4. The Holy Breastplate The breastplate is made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet, and is adorned with 12 precious stones inscribed with the names of the tribes of Israel. 5. The Function of the Breastplate The breastplate is used to represent the High Priest carrying the people's requests before the Lord, as it is always on his mind. 6. The Urim and Thummim The Urim and Thummim are placed in the breastplate; they are instruments for demonstrating God's will in important decisions. 7. The Blue Robe A completely blue robe is worn under the breastplate, with gold bells and cloth pomegranates at the bottom. 8. The Function of the Bells The bells ring when the High Priest enters and leaves the sanctuary, so that their sound is always audible. 9. The Golden Tablet A golden tablet is placed on the High Priest's turban, inscribed with: "Holy to the Lord." 10. The Shirt, Turban, and Sash The shirt is made of twisted linen, the turban covers the head, and the sash is an ornate belt tied around the waist. 11. The Clothing of the Ordinary Priests Other priests wear white, as an expression of purity and holiness in their service. 12. The Importance of Garments in Worship Sacred garments signify the *dignity of the priestly ministry* and emphasize the necessity of sanctification in approaching God. 13. The Significance of the Precious Stones The stones on the breastplate represent the **twelve tribes**, signifying the high priest's representation of all the people before God. 14. The Importance of the Urim and Thummim The Urim and Thummim are used to *consult God* regarding important decisions for the people and their leaders. 15. Entering the Holy of Holies in Holiness The high priest cannot enter the Holy of Holies without **complete consecration and obedience**. 16. The Consecration of the Priests Priests must be *completely consecrated* to God, not only in their garments, but also in their **conduct and obedience**. 17. The Relationship of the Priesthood to Christ The high priest in the Old Testament symbolizes Christ, our Great High Priest, who intercedes for us before God. 18. Bells as a Symbol of Life Hearing the bells upon the High Priest's entrance signifies that he is still alive in God's presence. 19. Priestly Vestments and Spiritual Purity These vestments emphasize purity and holiness, reflecting the purity of heart required in worship. 20. The Priesthood as a Model of the New Testament The vestments and ministry of the priests point to the path Christ has opened for all of us to be priests of God (Revelation 6:1). This illustrates the significance of priestly vestments in worship and their spiritual meaning in both the Old and New Testaments.