By
Phil Elam
(1946 – 2012)
PHP, Keystone
Chapter No. 146, S. Louis, Missouri
There was a
threefold purpose for the priestly regalia:
Decorative: They were to give Aaron, the first High
Priest, to denote dignity and grandeur.
This was most essential since the appearance of the High Priest was to
convey the beauty and authority that belonged to G-d himself.
Functional: Each piece obviously had, in addition to the
decorative purpose, a functional role.
The breeches, for example, were for the sake of modesty, while the
breastplate served as a pouch to contain the sacred lot, Urim and Thummin.
Symbolic: More than ornamentation was involved. Consider the 12 precious stones of the
“Breastplate of Judgement,” which represented the 12 tribes of Israel. When wearing this article, the High Priest
bore the names of the tribes to bring them to continual remembrance before the
Lord. The clothing of the High Priest
was to provide a measure of realization of his task in representing Israel to
G-d.
Eight items of
clothing are listed for the High Priest in the Old Testament Book of
Exodus. An explanation of each follows,
plus other items worn only by the High Priest.
