We now come to the robe of the ephod which was “all of blue.” It is not hard to remember what the blue represents, for we look up into the blue sky so often. We also know of that blessed One, our Great High Priest, who came down from heaven and who has now gone back to heaven having accomplished redemption, and is pleading for us there. It was specially mentioned that this robe was not to be torn, for how carefully the Spirit of God would guard the Person of Christ. There was no place where His coat was sewed together at a seam, for the Lord Jesus was perfect God and perfect man at the same time. God did not allow even His enemies to tear His robe (John 19:23-2423Then 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. 24They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. (John 19:23‑24)).
Bells and Pomegranates
On the border of this robe there were bells of gold, and pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet. We are told about the pomegranates first because the Lord Jesus bore fruit (the pomegranates) for God and accomplished redemption as man on earth before testimony (the bells) could be borne to His finished work. In the next verse, however, the golden bells come first, then the pomegranates, for this is the way we lay hold of it. We hear the glorious testimony to Christ’s finished work, like the sounding of the golden bells on the priest’s robe, and then we are brought into the fruit of it by faith (the pomegranates).
There is also a practical lesson for us in all this, for on the high priest’s garments there were an equal number of bells and pomegranates. In the Lord Jesus’ life as man down here, His walk and talk corresponded perfectly. He lived out everything He taught. With us, however, it is not always so, for our life is not always up to our talk—we have more bells than pomegranates. The golden bells coming first here reminds us that if we make some new acquaintances we should sound the bell of testimony first. This is half the battle, for the moment we confess the Lord we find ourselves in the right company at once. The world does not want us if we confess Him, but as soon as we have taken our stand, the Lord gives special strength to live for Him. If we would always do this when starting to a new school, or to work in a new shop or office, it would make things far easier for us. Let us run our colors up high so that others may know that we belong to Christ — then seek to live for Him before them. Fruit does not make any noise, but we all enjoy it, and how good it is to see the fruit of the Spirit in the lives of Christians.
The Mitre
The next part of the high priest’s garments of which we are told is the mitre. On it, right at the level of the forehead, hung a golden plate upon which was engraved “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” (ch. 28:36). Even when we who are Christians really try to please the Lord and do what is right, we often fail. We sometimes do a right thing in a wrong way, but the Lord knows all, and sees to it that in our prayers, praises, and service to God, only what is pleasing to Him reaches His ear. This happens because our Great High Priest bears the iniquity that might be found in those holy things. He takes away the imperfections and only presents to God what is truly hallowed (Hebrews 10:21-2221And having an high priest over the house of God; 22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:21‑22)). May this encourage us to open our mouths to speak His praises, even though we do it in a very faltering way!
Further Meditation
1. What are two of the meanings of the bells?
2. How does the Apostle Paul treat the subject of testimony and fruit going together?
3. Bells and Pomegranates by J. M. S. Tait provides a nice poem on the subject of this chapter along with poems on many other subjects.