The priestly garments, as described in the Old Testament, hold profound symbolic significance within the biblical narrative. These garments, worn by Aaron and his descendants, were not merely ceremonial attire but were imbued with deep spiritual meaning, reflecting the holiness, authority, and responsibilities of the priesthood.

Biblical Description

The detailed instructions for the priestly garments are found primarily in Exodus 28 and 39. God commanded Moses to make these garments for Aaron, the first high priest, and his sons, to serve Him as priests. The garments included the ephod, breastpiece, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, each crafted with specific materials and colors.

Symbolism of the Garments

1. Ephod: The ephod was a sleeveless garment made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely twisted linen. It symbolized the priest's role as a mediator between God and the people. The ephod's two onyx stones, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, represented the priest bearing the people before the Lord. "And you shall put the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD" (Exodus 28:12).

2. Breastpiece of Judgment: Attached to the ephod, the breastpiece contained twelve stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. This signified the priest's duty to represent the people in matters of judgment and decision-making before God. The Urim and Thummim, placed within the breastpiece, were used to discern God's will. "Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he shall bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of judgment, as a continual reminder before the LORD" (Exodus 28:29).

3. Robe: The robe of the ephod was entirely blue, symbolizing the heavenly origin of the priestly office. Its hem was adorned with pomegranates and golden bells, signifying fruitfulness and the sound of the priest's service. "The robe of the ephod must be made entirely of blue cloth" (Exodus 28:31).

4. Turban and Plate: The turban, or mitre, was made of fine linen, and a gold plate inscribed with "HOLY TO THE LORD" was fastened to it. This signified the consecration of the priest to God, emphasizing the holiness required in approaching the divine presence. "Fasten a pure gold medallion and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD" (Exodus 28:36).

5. Tunic and Sash: The tunic, made of fine linen, and the sash, embroidered with needlework, represented purity and righteousness. These garments underscored the need for the priest to be clothed in holiness as he ministered before God.

Spiritual Implications

The priestly garments served as a constant reminder of the sanctity and gravity of the priestly office. They highlighted the separation between the holy and the common, the divine and the human. The garments also pointed forward to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the priestly role. As the book of Hebrews explains, Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, not with the blood of animals but with His own blood, securing eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:11-12).

In the New Testament, believers are called a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), signifying that through Christ, they too are set apart to serve God, clothed in the righteousness of Christ. The priestly garments, therefore, continue to hold rich symbolic meaning for understanding the nature of service, holiness, and mediation in the Christian faith.