This robe, which was “all of blue,” presents to us the heavenly character of the priest, which was according to the holy place in which he ministered (Ex. 28). It symbolizes the heavenly character of the One who was “made higher than the heavens” (Heb. 7:2626For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; (Hebrews 7:26)). Instructions are given that the hole made in the top of this garment be bound, that it “be not rent.” Nothing which would admit of imperfection must be allowed in that which symbolizes Christ.
Pomegranates
On the hem of this robe were placed golden bells and pomegranates (Ex. 28:3333And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about: (Exodus 28:33)). These alternated, and were equal in number, though no mention is made of their number. The position of the fruit on this garment is significant: it hung low, near to the earth, and it is fruit from the earth that is mentioned; also it is fruit that belonged specially to the “holy land” (Num. 13:2323And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs. (Numbers 13:23); Deut. 8:88A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey; (Deuteronomy 8:8)). This fruit was not found in Egypt. We may look upon it as a symbol of those who are saved — fruit that Christ, as the great High Priest, has carried into heaven from this earth. The character of the pomegranate is also significant, being a fruit full of seeds contained in a red fluid. The Lord Jesus Christ has brought every believer to God as the fruit of His shed blood; this fruit is from the earth, and is without number. “He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied” (Isa. 53:1111He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. (Isaiah 53:11)).
Golden Bells
The bells were for the purpose of giving forth a sound, that Aaron might be heard when he went into the holy place, and when he came out (Ex.39:25). A heavenly melody thus sounded out at each step. This melody was connected with the rich fruit that was carried on the person of the high priest, for it was a pomegranate and a bell alternating all around the garment. But note that these sounds were given forth “that he die not” (or lest he should die). What sounds had he left behind in the camp from which he proceeded? Murmuring, complaint, discord is what marked Israel. Shall Aaron carry these fleshly sounds into the sanctuary? No; heavenly sounds must mark the footsteps of the one who approaches God; his walk must be a heavenly walk. Such must be the walk of Aaron lest he should die. When returning to the camp, his footsteps must be known as from heaven. “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Rom. 10:1515And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:15)). Were not Aaron’s feet thus beautiful as he came forth to the people with heavenly melody at every step and, standing before them in his robes of glory and beauty, brought them glad tidings of good things — acceptance, security, power, love! When Christ our great High Priest entered the sanctuary above, was it not with heavenly melody: a people redeemed (fruit thus borne to God); glory to God thus sounding from the cross, and ringing through the highest heavens. How blessedly God the Spirit made known to man acceptance through Christ when sent from the Father. To listening ears, how sweetly comes the sound, Christ in heaven, “now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Heb. 9:2424For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: (Hebrews 9:24)). When Christ comes forth from the sanctuary above to call His loved people to Himself, what heavenly melody will mark the scene! And how closely associated is this melody with the fruit that is borne to God.
Christ in You, in Your Walk
Those who have been made priests to God (Rev. 1:5, 65And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:5‑6)) should represent Christ on earth — “Christ in you” — while Christ represents them before God. A heavenly walk and “glad tidings of good things” sounded out, will be attended with sweet melody. And the beautifully blended colors of the fruit which ornamented the priest’s garment, will be seen in the fruit of the Spirit, which is “love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, faith, meekness, temperance.”
What pleasure must have been afforded to the heart of God as He gave instructions for the making of these symbols which spoke of the One in whom was all His delight. They can neither be understood nor appreciated apart from seeing their fulfillment in Christ. And how God’s heart of love toward His people is told out in His marking beforehand each detail in this way rather than waiting until His Son should come and accomplish these things.
Dear reader, what to you is this One who is the delight of God? Do you find beauty in Him, or is there no beauty that you should desire Him? If you are still far from God, why not turn to Jesus who will receive all who come to Him.
“The Redeemer now calls; will you still turn away?
Is it nothing to you — nothing to you?
There is danger in doubting, and death in delay;
Is it nothing to you — nothing to you?
O then flee to the Saviour, respond to His call;
He will save from the sins that now chain and enthrall;
He will welcome you gladly, and pardon you all.
Is this nothing to you — nothing to you?”
As has been noticed, the golden bells were heard not only when the high priest went into the holy place, but also when he came out; and for the believer, a “shout” will be heard when the Lord descends from heaven. To that shout, living and sleeping saints will respond by rising to “meet Him in the air.” He will take these ransomed ones to His Father’s house, and later will come with them to reign over the earth. A blessed prospect for believers — to see the One who has died for them, and who has represented them before God during the whole of their path down here, and to be forever with Him!
“What will it be to dwell above,
And with the Lord of glory reign,
Since the blest knowledge of His love
So brightens all this dreary plain!
No heart can think, no tongue can tell,
What joy ‘twill be with Christ to dwell.”