Exodus 28:38

And it will be worn on Aaron's forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD.

Study Bible

And it will be on Aaron’s forehead
The phrase refers to the gold plate, or "holy crown," inscribed with "HOLY TO THE LORD" (Exodus 28:36). The Hebrew word for "forehead" is "metsach," symbolizing the mind and thoughts. Placing the plate on Aaron's forehead signifies the need for holiness in thought and intention, a reminder that the high priest must be pure in his service to God. Archaeological findings of ancient priestly garments confirm the use of such headpieces, emphasizing the importance of visible symbols of holiness.

so that Aaron may bear the guilt
The Hebrew word for "bear" is "nasa," meaning to lift, carry, or take away. This indicates that Aaron, as the high priest, carries the responsibility of the people's sins, acting as a mediator between God and Israel. This foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who bears the sins of humanity. The concept of bearing guilt underscores the gravity of sin and the need for atonement.

of the holy things
The "holy things" refer to the offerings and sacrifices dedicated to God. The Hebrew term "qodesh" denotes something set apart for divine service. These offerings, though consecrated, are imperfect due to human sinfulness. Aaron's role is to ensure that these offerings are presented in a manner acceptable to God, highlighting the necessity of purity and dedication in worship.

that the Israelites consecrate
The act of consecration, from the Hebrew "qadash," means to set apart or sanctify. The Israelites' offerings are dedicated to God, signifying their devotion and obedience. This act of consecration is a vital aspect of their covenant relationship with God, reflecting their identity as His chosen people.

as all their holy gifts
The phrase emphasizes the totality of the offerings, indicating that every gift, regardless of size or value, is significant in the eyes of God. The Hebrew word "mattan" for "gifts" suggests a voluntary offering, reflecting the Israelites' willingness to honor God with their resources. This teaches the principle of giving wholeheartedly and sacrificially.

It will always be on his forehead
The perpetual nature of the gold plate on Aaron's forehead signifies the continuous need for atonement and intercession. The Hebrew word "tamid" for "always" implies an ongoing, unceasing action. This constancy points to the enduring nature of Christ's intercession for believers, who is our eternal High Priest.

so that they may be acceptable before the LORD
The ultimate purpose of Aaron bearing the guilt is to make the Israelites' offerings acceptable to God. The Hebrew word "ratzon" for "acceptable" conveys the idea of pleasure or favor. This acceptance is not based on the merit of the offerings themselves but on the intercessory role of the high priest. It highlights the grace of God, who accepts imperfect offerings through the mediation of a priest, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who makes believers acceptable before God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He is a central figure in the priestly system established by God for the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel, who were chosen by God to be His people and were given the Law through Moses.

3. Holy Offerings
These are the sacrifices and gifts that the Israelites were commanded to bring to God as part of their worship and covenant relationship with Him.

4. Forehead
The location where the gold plate, inscribed with "Holy to the LORD," was to be worn by Aaron, symbolizing his role in bearing the guilt of the people.

5. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God during their journey through the wilderness, and where Aaron performed his priestly duties.

Teaching Points

The Role of the High Priest
Aaron's role as high priest was to mediate between God and the Israelites, symbolizing the need for a mediator in our relationship with God.

Bearing Guilt
The concept of bearing guilt points to the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Holiness and Acceptance
The inscription "Holy to the LORD" signifies the need for holiness in approaching God, reminding us of the call to live holy lives.

Continuous Intercession
Aaron's continuous wearing of the plate on his forehead symbolizes the ongoing need for intercession, which Christ fulfills eternally.

Symbolism of the Forehead
The forehead represents the mind and thoughts, reminding us to keep our thoughts and intentions pure before God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Aaron's role as high priest foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our ultimate High Priest?

2. In what ways does the concept of bearing guilt in Exodus 28:38 relate to the sacrificial system described in Leviticus?

3. How can we apply the principle of holiness, as symbolized by the inscription on Aaron's forehead, in our daily lives?

4. What does the continuous nature of Aaron's intercession teach us about the nature of Christ's intercession for us today?

5. How can we ensure that our thoughts and intentions are aligned with God's holiness, as symbolized by the forehead in this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 16
This chapter describes the Day of Atonement, where the high priest makes atonement for the sins of the people, similar to Aaron bearing the guilt of the holy offerings.

Hebrews 9
This New Testament passage explains how Christ, as our High Priest, entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, fulfilling the role that Aaron symbolized.

Isaiah 53
The suffering servant bears the iniquities of the people, paralleling Aaron's role in bearing the guilt of the Israelites' offerings.