August 12

PART II. — Hebrews 7:26.

LET us now consider the other garments which distinguished the high priest. Among these was the robe of the Ephod, — this robe was fastened round the neck and reached down to the knees, around the skirts of which, was the representation of pomegranates, by which the robe was beautified, and also golden bells were appended, so that the people heard the sound when the high priest went into the holy place to burn incense before the Lord. Herein is strikingly represented the appearance of our Lord clothed in the vestments of salvation, and appearing before God to make intercession for us. There was also the plate of the Mitre, — this was a golden plate which was fixed to the forehead, on which was engraven "Holiness to the Lord." Herein was the immaculateness of Jesus emblematically set forth. Holiness to the Lord was indeed engraven on all his actions, words, and thoughts, — the law of God was indeed within his heart, — all his life was distinguished by unblemished purity, and absolute perfection. Then there was also the Girdle of coloured needle-work, by which the garments were all bound together. Now this was designed to denote the truth, constancy, and unchangeableness of Christ. Hence it is writren, "Righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins." (Isaiah 11:5.) Hence too, when John had that splendid vision of the Redeemer, "He was girt round about the breast with a golden girdle." (Revelation 1:13.) Such then were those priestly vestments which typified the excellency of the Redeemer's person, and work. Such a high priest became us, who was holy, undefiled, and separate from sinners. Let him be the subject of our constant contemplations: we cannot be too intimate with the leading features of his glorious person, nor can we too clearly conceive of his qualifications for the priestly office. In this way will our love be inflamed, our confidence established, and our hopes encouraged.