“He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.”
Leviticus 16 describes the regulations and rituals to be followed on the Day of Atonement, a significant event in the Israelite calendar. The verse you’ve mentioned specifically focuses on the attire and preparations of the high priest before he enters the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sins of the people.
The high priest was required to wear special garments made of linen, which symbolised purity and holiness. These garments included a holy linen coat, linen breeches (undergarments) worn close to his flesh, a linen girdle (belt), and a linen mitre (a headdress). These vestments were distinct from the high priest’s regular garments and were designated exclusively for the sacred duties of the Day of Atonement.
The emphasis on the high priest’s attire highlights the importance of reverence and sanctity in approaching God. The act of putting on the holy garments signified a separation from ordinary activities and a consecration for the sacred service he was about to perform. It demonstrated the need for purity and the recognition that the high priest was representing the people before God.
Furthermore, the verse mentions that the high priest was required to wash his flesh with water before putting on these holy garments. This act of cleansing symbolised purification, both physically and spiritually. It stressed the need for moral and spiritual purity before entering the presence of God.
In the broader context of the Day of Atonement, the rituals described in Leviticus 16 were meant to make atonement for the sins of the people. The high priest, wearing the holy garments, would enter the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle or temple and present offerings on behalf of the entire nation. This was done in obedience to God’s commandments and to seek forgiveness and reconciliation between the people and God.
It’s important to note that the rituals and practices described in Leviticus, including those related to the high priest’s attire, were part of the Old Testament ceremonial law, specifically intended for the Israelites of that time. With the coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant, these ceremonial laws were fulfilled and superseded. Christians today understand that Jesus is the ultimate High Priest who made atonement for the sins of humanity once and for all through His sacrificial death on the cross.
However, studying the Old Testament provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of the Bible and the foundations of faith for both ancient Israel and the early followers of God. It also helps to appreciate the significance of Jesus’ role as the ultimate High Priest and the fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies and foreshadowings.
