56 - The Bonnets
THE BONNETS.
"And bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty. -Exodus 28:40.
"And goodly bonnets of fine linen. -Exodus 39:28. THE word (migbahgohth) translated "bonnets" only occurs four times, and is exclusively used for the head dress of the priests. It is derived from a verb signifying "elevation," often used for a hill. They apparently differed from the mitre of the high priest, in the fact that they were bound round the heads of the priests, which is never said of the mitre. And put (margin bind) the bonnets on them. Exodus 29:9. And put (margin bound) bonnets upon them. Leviticus 8:13.
They were probably rolls of fine linen, folded like a turban round the head. The word translated "goodly," (Exodus 39:28,) is worthy of notice. It is rendered ’’bonnets" Isaiah 3:20; Ezekiel 44:18; ’’tire of the head."Ezekiel 24:17; Ezekiel 24:23; "beauty.’’ Isaiah 61:3; "Ornaments." Isaiah 61:10, and is derived from a verb, signifying "to beautify, or glorify."
These head dresses were therefore for exaltation, for ornament, and for glory and beauty.
It has been before remarked that the covering of the head betokened subjection, and the recognition of being in the presence of a superior. The Jews to this day, always keep their heads covered in the synagogue; and even in private, when a strict Jew opens the Bible he covers his head. A priestly standing is one of constant subjection to the revealed will of God; and of abiding consciousness of His presence. And this is true dignity. God has raised us up in perfect righteousness, complete in Christ, ever to abide before Him; His kings and priests. And in this height of elevation, we walk in the liberty of Christ, holding Him only as our Head, subject to Him in all things, and "not the servants of man." The righteousness of faith - the obedience of faith, instead of the self-will of the flesh, and the unsubject mind, is the truly priestly clothing from head to foot. Being made free from sin we are servants of righteousness, servants of God. Romans 6:18; Romans 6:22. Our blessed occupation is during this night of the world’s darkness, to stand in the house of the Lord to praise His name. Psalms 134:1; Psalms 135:1-3.
These head-tires of white are said to be goodly or ornamental. There was nothing of display to attract the common gaze, but like the adorning recommended for Christian women, (1 Peter 3:4-5,) they were types of the meek and quiet spirit which in the sight of God is of great price. Like the holy women of old who trusted in God, and thus adorned themselves, in subjection to their own husbands.
There is a "glory and beauty" in spotless righteousness which may be little accounted of by men, but which enables us to approach God with confidence, and fits us for His Holy presence. Such was in type the dress of Aaron’s sons the priests. Psalms 132:9.