42. The Garments of the Priests – cont. (Ex 28:30-43)

 This passage continues with the priest's garments. The design of the garments alludes characteristics and role of priests. 

πŸ‘‰ Read Exodus 28:30-43

Q: What were the two objects they used to know God’s will?

 

A: Urim and Thummim

The Hebrew word ‘Urim’ means ‘lights.’ And the word ‘Thummim’ possibly come from another Hebrew word ‘tamim’ that means perfection. Aaron should have these two when he comes to God (verse 30). This implies that we should check ourselves under the light of His words and make sure you have nothing to get offense of your conscience.

In the other part of the Bible, they used Urim and Thummim to know God’s will for a specific situation. It was a way of divination. But, we’d better question if it was God’s desired purpose for Urim and Thummim. Nevertheless, God answered their inquiry using Urim and Thummim.

U. Cassuto has the most thorough treatment of the subject (Exodus, 378-82); he lists several very clear rules for their uses gathered from their instances in the Bible. – Tom Constable’s notes

 

Q: What words are in Aaron’s forehead? (36)

A: Holiness to the LORD

“Aaron will bear the iniquity of the holy things.” “Holy things” is explained in the passage by all the gifts the people bring and consecrate to Yahweh. But there will inevitably be iniquity involved. U. Cassuto explains that Aaron “will atone for all the transgressions committed in connection with the order of the service, the purity of the consecrated things, or the use of the holy gifts, for the declaration engraved on the plate will prove that everything was intended to be holy to the Lord, and if aught was done irregularly, the intention at least was good” (Exodus, 385). – NET Bible note

 

Q: Why did the priests need to wear the tunic? (42-43)

A: To cover their naked body

Though called to serve the office of pleading for people’s sins, they also were sinners.

If they approached the holy things with a lack of modesty, perhaps like the pagans who have nakedness and sexuality as part of the religious ritual, they would pollute the holy things, and it would be reckoned to them for iniquity and they would die. – NET Bible note

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