“And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach.”
Linen Breeches: The verse starts by instructing the making of linen breeches. These were undergarments or pants made of fine linen, which was a symbol of purity and righteousness in the Bible. Linen was often associated with priestly duties and used in various religious ceremonies.
Cover Their Nakedness: The purpose of these linen breeches was to cover the nakedness of the priests. Nakedness in the Bible is not just about physical exposure; it symbolizes vulnerability and shame. The priests needed to be properly clothed to maintain decorum and holiness before God.
From the Loins to the Thighs: The linen breeches were to extend from the loins (the area around the waist) to the thighs. This ensured that a significant portion of the body was covered, maintaining modesty and respect while performing sacred duties.
Modesty and Reverence:The clothing regulations for the priests taught the importance of modesty and reverence in approaching God. This principle still holds value today in our approach to worship and service before the Lord. It reminds us to come before God with respect and humility, recognizing His holiness and our need for righteousness.
Symbolism of Linen:The use of linen in the priestly garments is significant. Linen, as mentioned earlier, represents purity. It reminds us that those who serve God must be holy and set apart for His service. As believers, we are called to be a holy priesthood, as mentioned in 1 Peter 2:9, and this includes living lives that reflect God’s righteousness.
Application:While the specific instructions in Exodus 28:42 apply to the attire of the Old Testament priests, the underlying principles are timeless. As Christians, we are called to clothe ourselves with righteousness and walk in purity before God. This involves not just external behavior but also maintaining pure hearts and minds.
Respect for God’s Presence:The priests had the privilege of approaching the presence of God in the Tabernacle, so it was essential to be properly attired as a sign of respect for His holiness. Similarly, as believers, we are called to approach God’s presence with awe and reverence, recognizing that we are in the presence of the Almighty.
