“And they put upon the hem of the robe pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen.”
Context:In the book of Exodus, chapters 25 to 40 detail the instructions God gave to Moses regarding the construction of the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priestly garments. In chapter 39, we see the skilled craftsmen carrying out God’s commands to create the priestly garments, including the robe of the ephod, which the high priest would wear.
Exodus 39:12 specifically focuses on the hem of the robe of the ephod, which was an essential part of the high priest’s garments. The robe was made of blue, purple, and scarlet materials, as well as twined linen. These colours and materials hold symbolic significance, and each element can teach us valuable spiritual lessons:
- Pomegranates: The pomegranates were attached to the hem of the robe. Pomegranates were known for their abundance of seeds and their rich red colour, which symbolises fertility and life. Spiritually, it reminds us of God’s abundant blessings and the promise of eternal life through Christ.
- Blue: The colour blue in the Bible often represents heavenly or divine aspects. It serves as a reminder of God’s transcendence, His majesty, and the heavenly origin of His wisdom and commandments.
- Purple: Purple signifies royalty and majesty. It was often associated with kings and people of high status. In the context of the high priest’s robe, it represents the holiness and authority of God, emphasising the priest’s role as a mediator between God and the people.
- Scarlet: Scarlet is a vibrant red colour, and it was often associated with blood. It foreshadows the sacrificial aspect of the priesthood, pointing to Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest, who would shed His blood for the forgiveness of sins.
- Twined Linen: Linen was a fabric known for its purity and cleanliness. The combination of blue, purple, and scarlet with twined linen signifies the perfect holiness and purity required for the priestly office and underscores the need for consecration before approaching God.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Holiness and Purity: The priestly garments, including the robe, were made of specific materials and colours, symbolising the importance of holiness and purity in approaching God. As believers today, we are called to be holy and set apart for God’s purposes (1 Peter 1:15-16).
- The Mediator: The high priest served as a mediator between God and the people. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ becomes the ultimate Mediator between humanity and God, reconciling us to the Father through His sacrifice on the cross (1 Timothy 2:5).
- Abundant Blessings: The pomegranates on the hem of the robe remind us of God’s abundant blessings in our lives. As we walk in obedience to Him, He pours out His blessings upon us (Malachi 3:10).
- The Sacrificial Love of Christ: The scarlet colour points to the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, who shed His blood on the cross for our salvation. Through His sacrifice, we can find forgiveness and redemption (Ephesians 1:7).
- Heavenly Perspective: The blue colour symbolises the heavenly nature of God’s wisdom and commands. As we seek God’s guidance and align ourselves with His Word, we gain a heavenly perspective on life (Colossians 3:1-2).
