A very important chapter for us all to try to understand. It can be the beginning of a change in your Christian life. This chapter gives great details about the garments that Aaron the High Priest wore when he went into “the holiest of all,” that is, into God’s presence. So why does God take 43 verses to tell us about Aaron’s clothes? Because He wants us to realize what it all means today. Let’s take it one step at a time. Aaron is a picture of Christ as our High Priest now in heaven (Heb. 9:25). His work on the cross here on earth is finished. He is perfect and we have as perfect a standing before God as He has! (Heb. 10:14).
BUT we are weak and need another work for us while we are down here on earth. So let’s turn to Heb. 8:1, 6; 9:11, 24; 10:21-22, and Rom. 5:10. Each tells of a different work He is doing now for us in heaven.
Our feebleness and failures are what shows us His grace in living and praying for us. The High Priest (Christ) goes to God for us, even before we fail! Now let us look at our chapter. These garments (there are 7 mentioned, V.4, 36) were always to be worn when Aaron went into God’s presence (there was one exception). He represented the people when with God in “the holiest.” The 7 garments each represent a picture of what Christ is and is doing for us NOW. He is not complete without us (Eph. 1:23); we are not complete without Him (Col. 2:10).
V.1 Aaron and his sons are closely associated — as Christ is with all believers in Him. Aaron was to be a servant (minister) before God.
V.2 “Glory and beauty,” same words describing Christ in Hebrews 2:7 (glory and honor).
V.4 The garments (1) breastplate. Described in more detail in verses 15-21. When Aaron entered the “Holy Place”, each one of the 12 stones would shine in a different color. He wore it on his breast of love. You and I, individually, are loved each in an individual way by Christ in God’s presence. (2) Ephod, It seems to be a cloth which was bound around the body. (3) Robe, see verse 32. That verse reminds us of the robe which the Lord wore (John 19:23) which can be His indivisible divinity. (4) Coat, like a tunic, to put over the other articles. (5) Miter, to cover the forehead it had a pure gold plate (vvs. 36-38). Though we are often impure in our thoughts and deeds, Christ presents us as perfect and holy before God! Are these things touching your heart? (6) Girdle. Like a belt. It bound up the flowing robes, so it suggests active service (Isa. 11:5).
Count how many times the word “names” or “name” appears. God looks upon each believer in Christ with the same pleasure and favor as He looks upon Christ Himself.