1. Lesson 5 for April 30, 2011

2. Aaron, a privileged man  He was commissioned to go with Moses by God (Exodus, 4: 27-30)  He spoke in Moses’ name before the Pharaoh (Exodus, 7: 1)  He converted the rod in snake and the water of the river in blood by the power of the Lord (Exodus, 7: 10, 20)  He went up the mountain to meet God with an exclusive group of people (Exodus, 24: 9-10)  He was elected as High Priest (Exodus, 28: 2-3) We have the privilege of enjoying God’s blessings as priests. (1 Peter, 2: 9)

3. Aaron, a sinner man He transgressed the second commandment when he built a golden calf. His position as a leader worsened his sin. At first he tried to evade his fault, but then he repented and God gave him the high priesthood. Although we are priest, we sin and repent; God considers us His priests anyway.

4. The high priest acted as the mediator between the fallen human race and God. He represented Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. Therefore, he should represent holiness, purity and consecration through his ministry, differing from the rest of the people.

5. White tunic The white tunic was a tunic made of linen. Josephus wrote: “This garment goes down to the feet and clangs to the body; it has tight to the arms sleeves” (Antiquities iii. 7. 2) That tunic had a sash “made by a weaver” (with an artistic needlework) The white tunic represented the perfection of character and holiness of Jesus. Exodus, 28: 39

6. White tunic The blue robe or robe of the ephod was placed over the white tunic; it had a series of pomegranates and bells in its hem. It was a symbol of justice (Isaiah, 61: 10) Blue robe Exodus, 28: 31-35

7. to follow him with their thoughts and prayers. The sound of the bells united the priest and the congregation in worship. If the high priest had carried out all the service in the sanctuary without the robe with its bells, that communion link would have been broken and the people would have been separated from its intercessor. His ministry would have become a vain procedure without any sense. The punishment for that carelessness was death, to emphasize the importance of that link between the people and its representative before God (verse 35). The bells and pomegranates tell us that we can confidently enter the “Holiest Place by the blood of Jesus Christ” by faith to receive forgiveness for our sins (Heb. 4: 16; 10: 19). We can hear that sound from the sanctuary by faith, so it will turn our mind and our heart upwards to where Christ is sat interceding for us before God (Rom. 8: 34; Col. 3: 1-3; Heb. 8: 1, 2; CS 480)” “The “bells” were made of pure gold (chap. 39: 25) and were placed in an alternate way with the “pomegranates”. They could be heard by all the people when the high priest was ministering in the sanctuary (chap. 28: 35). The tinkle of the bells let the people know that he was officiating on behalf of them before God, and it urge them SDA Bible Commentary, on Exodus, 28: 34

8. White tunic The turban was made of linen and it had a golden plate with the inscription “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” on it. That was the maxim that had to rule the life of the priest and those who look at him. It represented a complete consecration to God. Blue robe Exodus, 28: 36-38 Turban and golden plate “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct; because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."” (1 Peter, 1: 15-16)

9. White tunic The ephod and the waistband were skillfully made of gold, blue, purple and scarlet yarn and twisted linen. Its two parts were joined together by two onyx stones on the shoulders. The names of the 12 tribes of Israel were written on them. Its main purpose was to hold the breastplate of judgment. Blue robe Exodus, 28: 5-14 Turban and golden plate Ephod and waistband Onyx stones

10. White tunic The purpose of those two stones was to consult God and know His will. That’s why that breastplate is called “breastplate of judgment” Blue robe Exodus, 28: 15-30 Turban and golden plate Onyx stones Breastplate of judgment It was made of the same materials than the ephod. It had double thickness because it had to hold the twelve stones with the names of the tribes of Israel and two more stones: “Urim and Thummim”. Ephod and waistband

11. BREASTPLATE OF JUDGMENT When Aaron appeared before God, he was carrying all the sins of Israel (whose names were written on the onyx stones) to intercede for them. He also carried every children of Israel on his heart (represented in each of the twelve stones on the breastplate), showing the compassion he felt for them before God. Aaron begged forgiveness for Israel before God, appealing to divine justice and mercy.

12. “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews, 7: 25) “Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted” (Hebrews, 2: 17-18) Jesus Christ is our High Priest and intercedes for us before the Father. He carries the sins of each one of us on his shoulders and our name is written on his merciful heart. God loves us and wants us to come to Him to clothe us in the garment of his justice, giving us the power to overcome temptation as He did.