“And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be.”
This verse is a part of the detailed instructions given by God to Moses regarding the attire of the high priest and the garments to be worn by the priests in the tabernacle. The context of this verse is the description of the high priest’s holy garments, particularly the “mitre,” which is a type of headpiece or turban.
Key Points:
- The High Priest’s Garments:The passage provides instructions for the high priest’s special attire, which was distinct from the garments worn by other priests. The high priest had additional pieces of clothing, one of which was the “mitre,” a head-covering that signified his elevated status and unique role in serving before God.
- The Blue Lace:Exodus 28:37 specifies that the mitre should have a blue lace. The colour blue was significant in the Israelites’ religious symbolism. Blue represented heaven, divinity, and the Law of God. It reminded the high priest of the heavenly realms and God’s holiness.
- Placement of the Blue Lace:The blue lace was to be placed on the forefront of the mitre, meaning it would be on the front of the high priest’s headpiece. This prominent positioning ensured that the colour blue was visible and served as a constant reminder to the high priest and the people of Israel about God’s presence and His commandments.
Spiritual Lessons and Applications:
- Holiness and Distinction:The garments of the high priest in the Old Testament were designed to set him apart as holy and distinct in his service to God. As Christians, we are called to be a holy and separate people (1 Peter 2:9), dedicated to God’s service and living a life that reflects His character.
- Reminders of God’s Law:The blue lace on the high priest’s mitre served as a reminder of God’s Law, which the high priest was responsible for upholding and teaching to the people. For us, God’s Word (the Bible) should be central in our lives, reminding us of His commandments and principles so that we may walk in obedience and righteousness.
- Symbolism of Colors:The colour blue represented heavenly and divine attributes. As Christians, we should constantly be mindful of our heavenly citizenship and the fact that we are called to pursue godliness and Christlikeness in our daily lives (Philippians 3:20-21).
- Christ as Our High Priest:In the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:5-10). While the high priests in the Old Testament wore special garments, Jesus, our eternal High Priest, intercedes for us before God’s throne. His perfect sacrifice on the cross enables us to approach God with confidence and find mercy and grace in our time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16).
In conclusion, Exodus 28:37 teaches us about the importance of holiness, the significance of God’s Word, and the symbolism of colors in the context of the high priest’s attire. It also points us to Jesus Christ as our ultimate High Priest and reminds us of our calling to live in accordance with God’s commandments as we serve and worship Him.
