“And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and recounts the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and their journey toward the Promised Land. In Exodus 29, God gives detailed instructions to Moses regarding the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests for the service of the tabernacle, the portable place of worship that the Israelites carried with them in the wilderness.
Verse 6 falls within the broader context of consecrating Aaron as the high priest, and it specifically addresses the attire and headgear that Aaron is to wear during his priestly service.
The Mitre (Turban):The mitre was a headpiece, a turban, that was part of the priestly attire. It was made of fine linen and served as a symbol of the priests’ consecration and holiness before the Lord. It marked their separation for the special service in the tabernacle.
The Holy Crown:The holy crown was placed on the mitre. It was a plate made of pure gold, which bore the inscription “Holiness to the Lord” (Exodus 28:36-38). This crown was a reminder that the priests were dedicated and set apart for sacred service to God. It emphasized the need for holiness and devotion to the Lord in their duties.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Consecration and Separation:The process of consecration was crucial for the priests, as it set them apart from the rest of the people for the holy service of God. Similarly, as Christians, we are called to live a life of consecration, being separated from the ways of the world and dedicated to God’s purposes (Romans 12:1-2).
- Holiness and Devotion:The holy crown with the inscription “Holiness to the Lord” is a reminder of the importance of holiness in the life of a believer. We are called to pursue holiness and dedicate ourselves entirely to God. Without holiness, no one can see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
- Headship and Authority:The mitre being placed on the head of Aaron signified his role as the high priest, representing the people before God. This points to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate High Priest and the head of the Church (Colossians 1:18). As believers, we are called to submit to Christ’s authority in our lives.
- Symbolic Importance:The elaborate attire of the priests held symbolic significance, reminding the Israelites of their identity as God’s chosen people and their responsibility to serve Him faithfully. It also emphasized the need for reverence and humility in approaching God.
Application:Exodus 29:6 reminds us of the importance of consecration, holiness, and submission to God’s authority in our lives. Just as the priests were set apart for service, we are called to live lives dedicated to God’s purposes, recognizing His authority and seeking to honor Him in all that we do. The holy crown with the inscription “Holiness to the Lord” serves as a constant reminder of our call to be a holy people, reflecting God’s character and love to the world around us. Let us seek to be consecrated vessels, ready and willing to serve God and be used for His glory.
