DIFFERENT BIBLICAL SACRIFICES
God offered His first sacrifice with Adam and Eve who attempted to cover their sin and shame with fig leaves in the garden of Eden. Animal sacrifices were already in existence among heathens and manypagan cultures. But Israel’s sacrificial system was not borrowed from heathen culture or idolatrous nor it was conceived in superstition darkened mind to appease the harsh forces of native Israel’s sacrificial system was originated and received from the “one true God”. And prophet Moses appeared to have recorded word by word as commanded by God. He laid his hand upon the head of his offering and killed it before the Tabernacle of the congregation ( Leviticus 3:8 ). Those sacrifices were supposed to have offered in the Holy Temple which the Lord called the house of sacrifice.
The sacrifices were considered to be most important in the temple worship. Thetechnical details and the law regarding the sacrificial system was staggering over one hundred laws approximately and twenty percent of the laws of Moses related directly to the sacrifices. There are different type of offerings given as gifts to the Lord in the Temple. Apart from other things Israel gave the animal, silver half shekel first born animal and tithes from the harvest. According to history animal sacrifices began even before the existence of earthly temple of the Lord . In the beginning God offered the first sacrifice. God offered Adam and Eve who tried to cover the sin and shame with fig leaves; which was called agricultural product. Then God gave them animal skins in the place of fig leaves, for covering their sinful bodies. Before sin entered the world there was no death, hence no need of sacrifices.
The sons of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel also offered sacrifices. But Cain’s sacrifice was of agricultural product like his parents choice of fig leaves which was rejected by God because it was not a sacrifice clubbed with blood. We can find in the Bible what kind of sacrifice God liked was done by Noah and
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Different Biblical Sacrifices Abraham. They offered animal sacrifices only. The sovereign Almighty God doesn’t need out side of Himself. He doesn’t need the flesh and blood of animals. As a matter of fact, these sacrifices were divinely introduced for the benefit of man.
Sacrifices were offered by people for two reasons. Some sacrifices were made at the time of worship as an act of offering one’s self or one’s possessions to God. The second type of sacrifices were made for restoration as a substitute for safety and God’s judgment. These sacrifices were a pleasant “aroma or sweet flavor to God. The sacrifices achieved several positive results. The first one was that it satisfied God’s justice and it is God’s righteousness that should judge the sin. The penalty for sin is death. The soul that is committed sin should die. Therefore, the sacrifices fulfilled the legal requirement in God’s justice for judgment.
The second point is that the sacrifices provided substitute. God in His love and mercy allowed an innocent one to be exchanged for a stand in the way of guilty one called the worshipper. Since the innocent animals had no sin by nature, they were used as sacrificial substitutes for sinful man. That is in the case of worship the animal gave up its life to God.
The third point is that the sacrifices were atoned for sin. So, the Lord said, “for the life of flesh, in the blood and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your soul”. The new testament reaffirmed and almost all things were by the law purged with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no repression.
The fourth point is that the sacrifices enabled man to approach God. The Hebrew word for sacrifice is Korban. “Which means to draw near”.Coming to the Biblical sacrifices when they were offered in faith and repentance they could restore the broken relationship between God and man. The sacrifices undoubtedly brought the worshipper near to God. It is said two kinds of items were offered on the Holy altar.Animals were sacrificed in the Temple. Some sacrifices fallowed agricultural products then a libation of vine and fine meal flour and it must be mixed with olive oil.
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Basing on the notion of sacrifice the grain flour or raw flour was used and then baked into unleavened bread. For the purpose of Temple sacrifice sheep and goats were raised at a place called “MigdalEdar” which is in southern part of Jerusalem, and a few miles away out side Bethlehem. That plain area is also called Tower of the flock. The place become very famous for grazing even from the time of Jacob.
Prophet Micah also prophesied that Messiah would come out of Bethlehem. And you “o” daughter of Zion, unto thee shall come even the first dominion the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem (Micah 4:8 ). The Lord had provided provisions for the animal sacrifices. Which were supposed to be done in the Temple only.
At the time of Babylonian exile the Jewish people that lived and remained in the land continued their periodic sacrifices on the Temple Mount. Unfortunately at the time of exile the Temple was completely destroyed but the site was not desecrated. After some time some people like Zerubbabel came back to Jerusalem from exile and did something for the improvement of the Temple. Then the sacrifices continued only on the rebuilt altar and Temple foundations.
To-day there are no sacrifices on the Temple Mount because, that Temple Mount was desecrated by Islamic shrines. At the time of Temple sacrifices proper animals, cows, sheep, goats, turtles, young, pigeons etc. were used. The sacrifices were done without any blemish or faults in the animals so as to be perfect and valuable. That is it must be best of its kind. You shall not sacrifice to the Lord your God any bullock or sheep if there were blemish or any flaw because it would be an abomination to the Lordyour God. Your sacrifices must be free from leaven and honey because leaven breed causes fermentation and decay and it is an indication of sin.
Therefore, it was strictly forbidden on the altar of the Lord. Honey is produced in the stomach of bees and in the digestion process it becomes sugar. Sacrifices had to be performed with salt, as it is used to preserve anything . Each
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Different Biblical Sacrifices sacrifice was sprinkled with rock salt that is drawn from the dead sea . Sacrifices had to be done by means of slaughter (Leviticus 3:8) which might be called sacrifice with blood and the blood was the basis for physicalanimal life. The two words blood and life are interchangeable and in the Bible who sheds man’s blood by man, shall his blood be shed for in the image of God made the man.
Shedding of blood and the death of animal were the indication of true sacrifice. The animal had to die because the penalty of sin is death and also the death of the sacrifice would atone sin. Sacrifices had to be offered immediately after the slaughter (Exodus 23:18). Then the blood had to be poured or sprinkled on the altar before it is coagulated (became thick and partly spoiled). The flesh had to be offered before it was spoiled. The sacrifice must be done properly, so that it would be a strong and perfect one. It mustn’t be older than that and infirmed. Lambs , kid goats and calves of one year, rams and bulls of two years should be used for the sacrifice.
Sacrifices must be completely devoted to God Almighty only. It should not be parted or shared by any. It must not be for personal profit. It is clearly said that sheep shouldn’t be sheared first and cattle mustn’t be used first for work. Sacrifices had to be offered with pure and perfect heart. Sacrifices would be effective only when the worshipper has a repenting heart and strong belief in God and god’s word is always clean in this matter. The Lord declared “The sacrifice of a wicked is an abomination to the Lord but the prayer of an upright person is his delight” (Proverbs 15:8 ).
The Lord wanted that whoever sacrifices without genuine faith and repentance commits the most abominable act. He that kills an ox is as if he slew a man. He that sacrifices a lamb is as if he cut off a dogs neck. He that offers an ablation is as if he offered the blood of a swine. He that burns an incense is as if he blessed an idol. It is highly impossible for anybody to please God without faith and repentance.
God wants us to behave justly to be merciful towards others and walk humbly with our God. The devotion of a person to God can be found in his
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The Redemption Plan of God heart and then in his outward activities. The whole sacrificial system was called in the Hebrew language “Avodah”. Which means “service or work”. The sacrificial system was divided into differentprocedures for convenient.
The worshippers were asked to bring their sacrifices before the Lord (Leviticus 1:3-4 ). The worshippers would bring the sacrifice or some times they might purchase it at the temple. During the time of the mobile temple called the Tabernacle, the place for this ceremony was courtyard door of the Tabernacle near the sacrificial altar. But in the days of the temple the location was the court of Israelites section of the inner court. The worshippers would take their sacrifices to the priests for identification and then for the confirmation of what type of sacrifice they would like to have. The priests used to examine each and every animal whether it had all Biblical requirements. Then the priests checked each animal whether it was healthy without any blemish.
The Lord wanted that each worshipper should identify himself with his sacrifice. Then he must put his hand upon the burnt offering that means it was accepted by him to make atonement for the worshipper. At that time, the worshipper would face the west towards the Holy of Holies and then press his hands down upon the head of the animal to personally identify himself with it as his substitute. After everybody was satisfied a ceremony was conducted for all animal sacrifices except the birds and Passover animal the Lamb. Then the high priest would lay his hands upon the notional scapegoat during “Yon Kipper” ( Leviticus 16 : 21) ie (person of incompetence).
The worshipper had to press hands strongly between the two horns of the animal and then recite prayer. If the animal was for the purpose of peace offering, the worshipper must offer praising and if the animal was for the purpose of burnt offering sin or guilty of some thing the worshipper would be asked to confess his sin. For the scapegoat the high priest had to confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel and in all their transgression , in all their sins putting them upon the goat. Some guilt offerings were also needed to be waved before the Lord.
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Different Biblical Sacrifices
The animal was finally taken to the sacrificial place which was on the Northern side of the altar and thenslaughtered . The Hebrew word for slaughter is “Shachat”.The sacrifice should not be stabbed one or clubbed to death. A special long regular sharp enough razor was used. The priest had to slit the throat of the animal which was brought to the sacrifice for an immediate painless death in which the blood was spilled. The blood of the animal was collected in a silver vessel as it would be separated from the neck of the animal. At the bottom of the vessel, it became a point to present it from being set down. If not the blood might coagulate before it was applied to the altar and invalidate the sacrifices.
In the Bible we come across different types of offerings and sacrifices in the temple. The Lord created the burnt offering , meal and drink offering, peace offering ,sin offering and guilt offering.
These Biblical sacrifices are described mostly in the “Book of Leviticus” the legal hand book for Israel’s priesthood. Let us have a glance at each of them.
1) The burnt offering and its purposes (Leviticus 6:8-13)
This burnt offering would be done in the Temple as an act of consecration and surrender to God. A burntoffering was required for a woman after child birth and a healed leper. In this burnt offering young bulls, lambs, child goats young pigeons are used. Among these offerings the most important was the Lamb which was offered for the nation on every Sabbath day both morning and evening.
2)The meal and drink offering (Leviticus 2:6. 14-23)
This is not technically a sacrifice. But it followed burnt offerings and peace offerings. It could be also offered as “Free will” offering. The most important of meal offering was the high priests daily offerings. It was twelve loaves of bread baked with olive oil.
3)Peace offering and its purpose (Leviticus 3:7, 11:21).
This would be done as a thanks giving offering for God’s blessings. It was like pledge for the answered prayer and free will worship praise.
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4) Sin offering and its purpose.(Leviticus 6:2, 4:30).
This offering was anatonement for unintentional Sin. If the sin is done intentionally, for that kind of people the punishment is death.
5) The guilt offering and its purpose (Leviticus 4:6, 7:40).
It is like sin offering and non capital offering only. Normally it is always personal offering for his guilty activities and never concern to the nation. It is said the blood of the sacrifice must be handled by the priest only and the worshipper needed a mediator. They should not perform their own atonement but the priest alone carried the “Mizhak” bowl of blood to the altar. In the case of sin offering the blood was sprinkled on the upper horns of the altar. The remaining blood was then poured at the base of the altar. If the sin offering was for the priest of the nation, the blood was first sprinkled seven times inside the holy of holies. For the burnt, peace, and guilt offerings, the blood was sprinkled or thrown from the “Mizrak” on the four corners of the base of the altar. The sacrifice was to be burnt in Holier part on the altar. If the sacrifice was for the offering the animal must be first skinned and the skin would be given to the attending priest before the fat, kidneys and liver parts were burnt on the altar. Then the animal had to be cut into pieces and sprinkled after the pieces were mixed with salt and placed on the fire. The internal organs were also washed properly and put on the fire. If the sacrifice was with regard to the guilt or sin and concerned to the individual it would be eaten by the priests themselves in the inner court yard. And that is supposed to be prepared according to their desire. If the sacrifice was concerning to peace offering the attending priest would receive the breast and shoulders and the remaining parts of the meat was taken by the worshipper. After it was boiled they must eat it only inside the walls of Jerusalem. Coming to the Passover sacrifice it was in practice among Israel after they left Egypt. But it also became part of the Samaritan Passover. It is really
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Different Biblical Sacrifices surprising that there are only one thousand Samaritans remained in existence to day. They were the decedents of Israelites who remained in Northern part of the kingdom. The twelve tribes of Israel were separated as two parts during the reign of king Salomon for his sins. God could not tolerate the sins committed by the king Solomon . So he divided the nation as Northern kingdom of Israel with ten tribes and the southern kingdom of Judah with two tribes. These Israelites in course of time mixed and mingled with heathens and they almost forgot their origin and even forgot God who brought them from the bondage in Egypt.
The two tribes of the southern kingdom were the descendants of Judah and Benjamin. And their capital was Jerusalem. The Israeliteswere forced to remain in Northern kingdom, especially after the Assyrians conquest in 721 BC. Most of the Samaritans community lived in a village of Nablus. They did idol worship for 2300 years.
There were some similarities between Samaritan religion and Judaism. The Samaritan religion was based on the first five books of Moses, called Torah or Pentaleuch. But they totally rejected the remaining Hebrew Scripture. They continued their sacrifices on the Mount Gerizim the worship center of the ancestors, Temple but not in the Temple of Jerusalem. Every year the Samaritans used to kill goats and eat a good number of lambs with unleavened bread. It was like Jews when they celebrate their Passover festival when the Temple was in existence.
There was a rift or confrontation between the Samaritans and the Jews, which takes us back to the days of Babylonian exile. The Samaritans forcibly resisted the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 4:1-9). This rift and misunderstanding continued and intensified during the reign of Alexander the great. The situation became more critical , when Joseph Manasseh brother of Jewish high priest John married the daughter of Sanbarat the leader of Samaritans (Antiquities 11.72) . Foreign marriages were strictly forbidden by God. So the elders of the priesthood planned to banish Manasseh from the society and Jerusalem, if he did not divorce his foreign wife. In such circumstances Manasseh’s father-in-law got a wonderful plan.
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Manasseh was made high priest to the Samaritans. In the mean timeSambarat got permission from the Alexander the great and constructed a Samaritan temple on the mount Gerizim which was patronized after Jerusalem.
Then what is said about the sacrificial Lamb of God?. Different types of sacrifices mentioned in the Bible might appear to an atheist or to a secular person as barbaric or unscrupulous. In the same way for a modern man it is quite different. It was concern to a sinful man and sovereign God and reconciliation to God through death a sacrificial substitute. But for those people who are spiritually blind the above said examples are sheer madness in their view.
This is clearly seen in the Passover when the fresh form of legal action was launched against orthodox Jews in Jerusalem. With same advice the Jews might be prevented from demonstrating about the sacrificial technique on a single lamb before the meat was donated. It is not at all important because hundreds of thousands of cattle and sheep are butchered every day by the people in the world. Even for the dedication of Jerusalem temple at the time of king Solomon 22000 oxen and 120000 sheep were killed at that time. But all these sacrifices were not intended nor comfortable and not even pleasant to our minds. God is always merciful, but he can never pardon sin.
Now coming to the main topic regarding the sacrifice of the lamb, understanding of the Biblical sacrifices is more important. According to the book of Hebrews, the sacrifices in the Bible have some link with our spiritual life. Those sacrifices gave us a wonderful insight into the Messiah’s sacrificial work on our behalf. The result of His sacrifice on the cross the sin of man was taken away by Himself. That is to say the Messiah scarified His life for our sins.
The Messiah became our substitute. He was miserably wounded on the cross for our iniquities and the chastisement of our peace was upon Him. And we are healed of our sins with the strips He received from the people who crucified Him and the Lord that laid on Him the iniquities of all of us. Our sins were put on Him and He bore them in His own body on the tree and He was a ransom to many of us.
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Different Biblical Sacrifices
The sacrificial death of the Messiah was obsolutely necessary because through this only He could fulfill the Biblical prophesy. Prophet Isaiah in his prophecy said that the Messiah would be an offering for our sins. He willingly submitted Himself to His Mission like a Lamb which would never resist the shearers. Among many Hebrew prophecies, Daniel foretold “And shall Messiah be cut off but not for Himself”. Another example “And so the Messiah gave Himself for us as an offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2).
The sacrificial death of the Messiah had become cruel necessary because it was to deal with the sin of man. He stood in our place by means of His death and received our judgment which satisfied God’s anger. The wonderful result of His death was that, it took away our sin, redeemed us, relieved us, justified us made us righteous, healed us, gave us new life made us a new creation, brought to us everlasting peace, made us children of God; forgave us, cleansed us, brought us into a new covenant and finally reconciled us with God.
The sacrificial death of the Messiah was a basis for His future exaltation . All the creation one day must fall down and worship Him as the sacrificial Lamb of God. The Lamb that was slain was worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessings forever. Animal sacrifices were limited. They were certainly good and wonderful gift of God. In spite of all that they were temporary until the Messiah provided one’s and for all permanent sacrifice to take away our sin. The animal sacrifices were atoned for sin but they could never take away man’s sin.
After Jesus had accepted sacrificial death, He sat down and then entered the Holy of Holies in Heavenly Temple, once through His own blood but not the animal. His sacrifice was completed, and never to be repeated. He paid completely for the sins of all, those who trusted Him, He died in our place and now as a high priest representative He sits before the Father night and day. Jesus came in flesh and blood as the Lamb of God. He became one of us and then sacrificed Himself. We human beings always in need of God who also provided Christ as our savior.
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THE HOLY GARMENTS
The priestly garments were “Divinely designed” which bore the finger prints of God. Therefore these priestly garments were treated as Holy. They were supposed to be worn only at the time of priestly service, but never on any other occasion. The dress had a particular patron, which was not according to the taste of individual priest. Those garments were used by the priest for the glory of God, and to give good impression whoever saw them. The Hebrew word for glory is (Kavod). The dress was also for beauty and splendor also.
The garments were not intended to draw the attention of the public nor for the priest to be attractive but only to glorify and sanctify the Almighty God before the people whom the priest was ministering. The beauty and glory of the garments were achieved and prepared from costly material. The quality was quite conspicuous with their brilliant colours and textures. All details of the garments were memorial of God’s redemption work of Israel.
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The Holy Garments
The priestly garments need certain method of making to distinguish themselves from the public. There are some Biblical passages especially from the Book of Exodus which described the making and consecration of the dress. The foot wear of the priest was not part of their garments, when they were on their duty or doing their ministry.
The Holy Temple was the “Home” of God as the “burning bush on the Mount Senai”. It was the place of God’s presence. Both Moses, and Joshua remained bare footed, when they stood before God Shekinah glory. The concerned priests were asked to purify themselves every day before they wear this priestly garments. So, before every holy occasion they immersed themselves in a pool or rain or water of spring. As it is said the garments were holy, the Lord commanded “therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, so put them on”. If the priest had done his duty unclean, it would be capital offence, because it was nullified and probably he would lose the job.
Among the twelve tribes of Israel (Jacob) God selected the descendants of Levite as priests for the temple in Jerusalem. Accordingly the descendants of Aaron had become permanent priests of the temple, and were asked to maintain the garments properly.
There were four items included in their uniform. They were linen tunic, Head dress, belt and breeches. The high priest must be from the family of Aaron only. The garments of the high priest were decorated with other additional items. They were ephod, breast plate, robe and gold head band plate. The priests colourful garments were sometimes called “Golden garments”, because a fine gold was used on the dresses while making them. All these formalities were observed strictly as long as Jerusalem Temple was in full functioning.
The uniform of the high priests, used on the occasion of atonement was also called the uniform of “Yom Kippur”. It had another four additional items. This uniform was of linen which should be the same like the regular priests except without colour or embroidery on the linen. These garments were made of pure white linen called “Holy Garments”. This particular uniform was worn
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The Redemption Plan of God by the high priest on the “Yom Kippur” for the atonement of the “sins” of the nation and after that occasion, the same dress never be used.
The priests were asked to keep their garments in proper condition always. But according to rabbinic opinion worn out high priests dresses would be stored instead of recycled. Marred garments would invalidate the ministry of the high priest, yet during the time of Roman, rule the Jewish authorities were denied to control the uniform in the second temple. Therefore the qualitative and costly garments were kept locked secretly in the “Anionic Fortress” on the North west corner of the Temple Mount and the high priest was required permission from the Roman authorities to wear that uniform. (Antiquities 15.114).
Israel’s priesthood was a matter of family dynasty. And for this purpose, God Almighty had designated only Aaron’s family for the Temple priesthood and they were permitted to use colourful garments. The clothing of high priest was planned to be unique in its kind and set aside for God only. The God referred to nine times in the book of Exodus regarding the uniform of Aaron. So, God commanded Moses by saying “And thou shalt make the holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty”.
In the days of existence of Jerusalem Temple only the high priest was allowed to wear that colourful and beautiful dress which was called “Holy items. They were with a breast plate an ephod, a robe, embroided coat, a meter and a girdle. In addition to that the high priest wore a gold head band plate and linen breaches under his garments on his body. The dress of the high priest was fabricated and used gold, blue, purple scarlet and the white linen. The garments were made undoubtedly from the costly material.
The blue, purple and scarlet wool yarns were dyed with very costly dyes gold thread was made from the sheets of thin and pure gold. Then it would be cut in the form of wire. The ephod was used as a waist band or girdle. This ephod was woven with five types of materials like gold ,linen ,blue, purple and scarlet. The high priest in these garments was a constant reminder of the tribe to God, that he represented. As described in the scripture, he bore his name before the Lord, upon his two shoulders for a memorial.
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The second item of the high priest in his garment was the breast plate. The fabric of it was woven from the same colourful material used for the ephod. Then the twelve gem stones set in gold were attached to the face of the breast plate. The items were arranged in four rows of three in each line and each stone was unique in its appearance. Each gem was engraved with a different tribe of Israel. The stones of the breast plate signified Israel and remained as remembrance. It was a perpetual memorial before the Lord. The twelve gem stones collectively represented Israel and their precious position in God forever.
The breast plate was worn by the high priest permanently as a reminder of native representative before God. As God said He bore the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the Lord continuously. So the breast plate was called the breast of the judgment because it was used in making critical decisions like going to war etc. The breast plate also contained “Urim and Thummim” in its pockets. But it was not known how they were operated to communicate God’s answer. These two words “Urim and Thummim” were derived from Hebrew roots for “lights and perfections”. It was only priests that could interpret God’s answer that came trough Urim and Themmim (Ezra 2.63).
God commanded Joshua to stand before the high priest “Eleazar” and to use Urim and Thummim to enquire about the timings of the Lord for directing the war. Whenever Israel had to go to war during the time of Judges they consulted the Lord. King David also consulted God by using Urim and Themmim through the high priest. But God rejected the answer to King Saul because of his “sins”, when he also enquired God with the help of Urim an Themmim. But these were lost at the time of Babylonian captivity in 586 BC. This theft took place during the time of the destruction of Jerusalem Temple and they were never seen again.
This brief information indicates that the entire breast plate must have been lost forever. But according to historical information another breast plate was consecrated as a substitute without ‘Urim and Thummim” for the second temple. The correct identification of the breast plate with gem stones was not at all clear so far. There is no historical evidence even about it.
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Josephus was a high priest and an eye- witness for the breast plate and its gem- stones. And he also gave a clear cut description of the breast plate and the gem- stone here. As he said there were twelve stones on the breast plate. Which were extraordinary in largeness and beauty. People can not bye them because of their immense value. Those gem- stones were inserted in the breast plate, in such a way that they would not fall down from it at any cost. And following are the names of those twelve gem- stones.
Name of the stones-Their colour
1.Ruby-Red
2.Jade-Green
3.Agate-Red, White, Blue, Striped
4.Carbunch-Bluish
5.Lapis Lazuli-Blue
6.Quartz-Clear
7.Turquoise-Blue
8.Amethyst-Purple
9.Agate-Gray
10.Aquamarene-Blue – green
11.Onyx-Black
12.Opal-Multi- coloured.
The names of these gem- stones were in Hebrew language, because the breast plate was made by the Temple authorities and they inserted the gem- stones from right to left like the Hebrew scripture. As there were twelve gem- stones, the names of twelve tribes were inscribed on them. This is also not mentioned in the Bible. But the high priest Josephus said “Now the names of all
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The Holy Garments these sons of Jacob were engraved on those stones, whom we esteem as the head of all tribes and had the honour of a name according to the order of birth.
Another opinion was that in the “Targum Yeruslmi” stated that the tribal names were arranged in the order of matriarch. And finally the Temple institute accepted both the opinions for the construction of modern breast plate and arrange stones in it in matriarch birth order.
There is no authentic information also about Urim and Thummim. They were not dice or lots but the mystical names of God written on a parchment. Scripture also did not clearly mention the operation of Urim and Themmim. But rabbinic commentary referred that the Lord replied enquiries by causing various engraved letters of the tribal names on the gem- stones to shine and spell the answer. This might be based on the information of Josephus that the Lord caused the breast plate gem- stones to radiate with great splendor to give an impression that He would give victory to Israel in the battle.
The robe of high priest was pure blue colour and without sleeves. It was woven without sleeves from head to foot and not stretched. But a decorated bending was woven around the neck of high priest to protect it from ripping. The golden bells were used to prevent the high priest from dying while he was ministering in the holy place. It was the place of Menorah incense altar and show bread table. In those days there was wide spread rumour that the purpose of those bells was to sound the movements of the high priest in the “Holy of Holies’ to verify whether he was killed in the judgment.
If we think about it seriously it appears not at all true and believable. It was only a myth. At the same time this incident is not at all found in the scripture. The high priest had only the linen white garments. Whenever he went into the Holy of Holies but never he was with golden garments.
According to rabbinic commentary, seventy two pomegranate bells and seventy two golden bells were set in the robe around the hem of high priest. The 144 bells were another memorial in the garments about the twelve tribes of
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The Redemption Plan of God Israel. Pomegranates were used in the garments just for glory and beauty, because pomegranates were considered to be the most beautiful of their “seven species”. These seven species were Biblical and agricultural product of Israel.
Their land was called “the land of wheat and barley” and vines, fig trees, pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey. The pomegranate trees would get beautiful red flowers and bright red fruits. Those fruits were considered to be very costly to purchase. They have no doubt delicious taste and that fruit has tremendous health benefits.
The “Tzitz” was a solid gold plate engraved with the words “HOLINESS TO THE Lord”. These words were arranged on the plate in a raised manner but not stamped. This Tzitz was attached to the hood of high priest with a blue cord that wrapped over his head dress till forehead and it was two fingers high in size and spanned the fore head temples. As a matter of fact no body had any authentic information about the where abouts of these priestly garments. But rabbi Eleazar said he had seen the plundered Tzitz in Rome during the reign of Hadrian.
The holiness of God was converged in the high priest on the Mount Sinai. At the same time, Israel was set apart as a ‘holy nation” from other nations. The Levi was set apart from other eleven tribes to be a holy tribe. And the sons of Aaron were set apart from the tribe of Levi to be “holy priests”. The high priest was set apart from the family to be a single priest who could enter the “Holy of Holies to represent Israel. The gold plate of his forehead proclaimed him holy to the Lord”.
The white linen clothing became common to all priests irrespective of their cadre in course of time in the temple. The tunic was made for the priest with fine linen. It is said the beauty of the dress was found in its whiteness and pure fabric came from side- ply linen thread. Its beauty was also due to the uniqueness, intricate and wonderful texture of weaving. And though the fabric was not smooth, it could be woven with a raised embroidery patron. The body of tunic was woven as a single piece instead of stitching together. It was long sleeved and could cover the body of priest from top to bottom.
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The Holy Garments This tunic was recently reintroduced by the temple authorities in Jerusalem and now it became hand made on a loam.
The head dress of a high priest was larger than the ordinary priest. The head dress of a common priest was like a turban. Very small in appearance. Regarding this Josephus pointed out, and described that the regular head dress was like a cap. A linen belt or sash was wrapped many times above the waist of tunic. According to the “Talmud”(ancient rabbinic writings on Jewish law and traditions) the sash belt for high priest was embroided with blue, purple and scarlet. The Yom Kippur belt of the high priest was only pure white linen.
Josephus described sash as a four fingers broad , but so loosely woven and one might think it was like the skin of a serpent. It was embroidered with the flowers of blue, purple, scarlet and then fine twined linen. Josephus also pointed out, the sash of a common priest was like purple girdle. In the heavenly temple, the high priest was the Messiah Himself and the angel that attend Him will be the golden sash instead of linen in Jerusalem Temple. The garments were critical components of priestly ministry. So, they used their head dress at the time of atonement and consecration. Linen shorts and breeches were used as under garments. The priests were asked to be careful and protect themselves from immorality, because it was prohibited against the steps on the temple altar.
Immorality was intolerable in the priesthood. At the same time this social immorality was very common among the pagan worshippers and it was strictly prohibited in the worship of Holy God. So the garments were also holy as they used them for temple worship. Transgression of Temple law, invalidated any work done by unlawful priest and such priests deserved capital punishment from the temple authorities. The laws of priesthood were strictly observed because the priests were representatives of the nation to God.
Prophet Zechariah got a vision regarding the priest and his garments. This was a visual prophesy of Jewish nation which was represented by the high priest. Zechariah who was a prophet cum priest became more familiar with the high priest and ministered along with him. And that high priest was Joshua Ben
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The Redemption Plan of God Jelozadak. He was born in Babylon. He was brought up and grew beyond the great river as part of Jewish exile. Zechariah saw in his vision the high priest Joshua standing in dirty garments instead of pure white. His dress was very badly defiled. Zechariah was horrified and repulsed by the intorable scene. He was unbelievably afraid of his vision.
Joshua was the grand son of Seraiah the last high priest of king Solomon’s Temple. Joshua had ministered during the disastrous reign of Jedikiah Judah’s last king. But he became very proud of himself. The divine commentary briefly estimated his character and concluded that he did evil in the sight of the Lord. He refused Jeremiah’s council which came from the Lord and arrogantly rebelled. The result was the king of Babylon crushed him. Added to that the kingdom of Judah was destroyed and the temple of the Lord razed.
Seraiah the high priest was brought before king Nebuchadnezzar and finally he was also executed along with some others. Joshua was a nephew of EZRA a prominent priest and scribe of the Babylonian Jewish community which was in exile. This same EZRA brought a good number of Jews later from Babylon to their home land. Joshua already lived in Jerusalem for about eighteen years and he also returned from the exile along with him for rebuilding of temple called the second Temple.
In the beginning everything went on well and in seven months they rebuilt the courts of the temple. The sacrifices continued on the rebuilt stone altar. Then in one year they rebuilt the foundations of the holy temple. But suddenly something went wrong and the construction work was stopped because of some opposition from a group of Samaritans.
In spite of all such disturbances in the autumn of 520 BC God spoke through prophets Zechariah and Haggai. God asked them not to delay the construction work of the Temple. In the vision Zechariah saw Joshua was standing and he could not stop gazing at him. He understood, what was lacking in the priest Joshua, who entered the temple alone to atone for “sins” of the nation. His holy garments were defiled, vile and filthy. His head dress tunic, and the
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The Holy Garments linen, belt all were polluted and looked shabby thereby he discredited himself to the position of a high priest.
If a high priest was unclean before the Lord the only punishment according to the law of Moses was death. Zechariah was shocked to see the pathetic condition of Joshua the high priest. He was mentally disturbed about his nation and people. As prophet Isaiah said “But we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousness is as filthy rages” (Isaiah 64.6). Zechariah’s vision continued further and became worse. Then on the right of Joshua Satan came and stood, who was no other than cherub. Zechariah felt heaviness on his chest as he was badly disturbed mentally and then momentary difficulty in his breathing and chill swept over his soul. Then a verbal attack was in progress. Satan condemned Joshua before the Lord with his venomous speech. He pointed out the defiled and sinful condition of Joshua and unworthy nation that Joshua represented as high priest before God. On the basis of God’s burning righteousness and justice, Satan requested the Lord to strike down the high priest for degrading the image of the Temple and its law and finally his sinful people.
But a tremendous rebuke from the Lord silenced the accuser Satan. The people of Israel might be sinful and unworthy of God’s love and mercy. Yet God would not desert them because they were His chosen people. His promise to them would not be revoked. So, God would turn the nation back to Himself and rescue them from any kind of danger. And God finally commanded the angels to cleanse Joshua and put on clean garments. Then the Lord spoke to purify Joshua “see I have taken away your inequity”. Joshua’s head dress was unique and spotless. The matching white sash was wrapped around his chest. His white linen tunic was pristine and snow white as he stood in the presence of the Lord.
In this context Jesus symbolized Israel’s future cleansing. On that day, the Lord would raise up His Messiah, who was called the “Branch” and the “stone” (Daniel 2.34 – 35). Through His Messiah the Lord would bring the national redemption of Israel. With this the remaining people of Israel would be also saved. And one day God would remove the inequity in that land. Then
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The Redemption Plan of God regarding the promises concerned to Israel would become direct and clear. God’s plan would not be thwarted and the nation never replaced. God would soveriegnly draw history to a divinity designed conclusion.
Israel’s remnant would repent and return. Even the remnants of Jacob would return into the fold of mighty God. The remnant of Israel must have to trust in the pierced Messiah. Israel’s remnants would be spiritually born again in a day. After all these changes, spiritual rebirth would take place and the Messiah has to come to raise up the tribes of Israel. Finally the remnants of Israel would enter the Messianic kingdom in peace and harmony. In that kingdom people might sit under His vines and fig trees.
The Messianic glory, beauty of the redeemed Israel and the Lord of patriarch Jacob would tremendously impress men. The eternal priesthood and the rule of Messiah, the king priest, the Lord would be for a crown of Glory and for a diadem of beauty. The priesthood of Israel had certain limitations. The posts of priesthood were only temporary. So they finally grew old and died. If the priests were imperfect they would perform sacrifices for their sins. But the animals and their blood would not take away the sins of people.
Messianic priesthood was far superior and unlimited. This Messiah would remain as the permanent high priest. He is perfect in every thing and so no need of cleansing. His sacrifice on the cross was enough for the atonement of our sins and that would not be repeated. He sat at the exalted right hand of God, since His sacrificial work was completed. With that sacrifice Jesus was able to save all those people forever who trusted Him. The promise of cleansing eternal life and a place in Messianic kingdom are not only for a future remnant but also they are for us today.
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