Exodus 28:22-35
THE breastplate and the shoulders of the ephod were bound together with chains and rings of gold. Since the breastplate worn on the high priest’s heart tells of the love of Christ for His people, and since the shoulders speak of strength, then these chains and rings of gold teach us of how His strength and love unite in bearing us up and in presenting us before God as those He loves and cherishes. “Neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand” (John 10:28); again “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (Rom. 8:35).
The Urim and Thummim, meaning “lights” and “perfections,” were put into the folded breastplate. We are not told of how or what they were made, but they had to do with wisdom and judgment from the Lord. He gave counsel and guidance to Israel and answered questions through them at times in their history (1 Sam. 28:6). When Israel is restored, Christ Himself will take the place of the ancient Urim and Thummim.
The robe of the ephod is next described; it was of blue. Blue is the familiar heavenly color, and set forth the heavenly character of the One who was “made higher than the heavens” (Heb. 7:26).
There was to be a hole in the top the robe, but it was to be bound that it “be not rent.” No imperfections could be allowed in that which set forth Christ. There was no place where His coat was joined: the Lord Jesus was God and perfect man the same time. God did not allow even His enemies to rend His rob (John 19: 23,24.)
On the hem of the robe wen placed golden bells and pomegranates, made of blue, purple, scarlet and fine twined linen. The pomegranate was a fruit that belonged especially to the “holy land” and was not found in Egypt.
The bells were for the purpose of giving forth a sound so that Aaron might be heard when he went into the holy place, and when he came out. A heavenly note sounded out at each step. No fleshy, discordant sounds of earth must sound out at the footsteps of one who approached God. It must be a heavenly melody; his walk must be a heavenly walk. What heavenly melody sounded out when the Lord Jesus after His wonderful work on the cross entered the heavenly sanctuary. What fruit was thus borne to God. And when He comes forth again from the sanctuary above to call His loved people home, what heavenly melody will mark that scene!
“A bell and a pomegranate"—testimony and fruit were to mark all the high priest’s goings. And this should be so with us as Christians in our walk down here, now that we belong to Christ.
ML-09/27/1970