“And it shall be upon Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.”
Context:Exodus 28 provides detailed instructions for the priestly garments that Aaron and his sons were to wear while serving in the tabernacle. These garments were intended to set them apart and signify their role as mediators between the people of Israel and God. The verse in question focuses on a specific item of clothing, the "plate of pure gold," which was worn on Aaron’s forehead as part of his priestly attire.
Key Points:
- The Plate of Pure Gold:The "plate of pure gold" was a distinctive piece of the high priest’s attire. It was a thin, rectangular piece of gold, engraved with the words, "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" (Exodus 28:36-37). This plate was attached to a blue cord and fastened to the front of the high priest’s turban or headdress.
- Bearing the Iniquity of Holy Things:The purpose of the plate of pure gold was significant. It served as a representation of the high priest’s role in bearing the iniquity or guilt of the holy things offered by the children of Israel. The holy things refer to the sacred offerings and gifts presented to the Lord in the tabernacle.
- Acceptance before the Lord:By wearing the plate of pure gold on his forehead, Aaron symbolically carried the responsibility for the offerings made by the people. This act of bearing the iniquity of the holy things demonstrated his intercessory role on behalf of the people. The goal was to secure the acceptance of these offerings before the Lord.
- Continual Presence:The verse emphasizes that the plate of pure gold was always to be upon Aaron’s forehead. This indicates that the role of the high priest as an intercessor and mediator was constant and ongoing. The people needed continuous representation before God, and the high priest fulfilled that role perpetually.
Spiritual Application:
- Intercessory Role of Christ:The high priest’s role in bearing the iniquity of the holy things points to the ultimate high priest, Jesus Christ. Jesus became the perfect sacrifice for humanity, interceding on our behalf before God (Hebrews 7:25). He took upon Himself the sins of the world, providing reconciliation between God and humanity.
- Our Acceptance through Christ:Just as Aaron’s intercession secured the acceptance of the offerings, Jesus Christ’s sacrifice ensures our acceptance before God. Through faith in Christ, believers are justified and made righteous in the eyes of God (Romans 3:22).
- Constant Mediation:The perpetual presence of the plate of pure gold on Aaron’s forehead reminds us of the unceasing intercession of Christ on our behalf. He is continually mediating for us before God’s throne (1 Timothy 2:5).
- Responsibility as Priests:As followers of Christ, the Bible teaches that we are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Like Aaron, we have a responsibility to intercede for others, pray for them, and help bear their burdens (Galatians 6:2).
In conclusion, Exodus 28:38 illustrates the important role of the high priest in bearing the iniquity of the holy things offered by the people of Israel. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became our High Priest, bearing our sins and interceding on our behalf. As believers, we are called to live as a royal priesthood, following Christ’s example by interceding for others and representing them before God.
