Could people have been filled with the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament? Could they have been given gifts of the Holy Spirit? Is some kind of Sabbath rest still relevant to Christians? Let’s look at Exodus 31.
Who was Bezalel and why was he filled with the Holy Spirit?
The Lord said to Moses, “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. (Exodus 31:1-6a ESV)
What was the purpose of those gifts given by the Holy Spirit?
I have placed wisdom within every skilled craftsman in order to make all that I have commanded you: the tent of meeting, the ark of the testimony, the mercy seat that is on top of it, and all the other furnishings of the tent— the table with its utensils, the pure gold lampstand with all its utensils, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, the basin with its stand— the specially woven garments, both the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons to serve as priests, the anointing oil, and the fragrant incense for the sanctuary. They must make them according to all that I have commanded you.” (Exodus 31:6b-11 HCSB)
What else was important under the old covenant?
The Lord told Moses, “You are to tell the Israelis: ‘You are to certainly observe my Sabbaths because it’s a sign between me and you from generation to generation, so you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you. You are to observe the Sabbath, because it’s holy for you. Whoever profanes it is certainly to die; indeed, whoever does work on it is to be cut off from among his people. (Exodus 31:12-14 ISV)
What were the consequences, under the old covenant, of violating the Sabbath? What do the words perpetual covenant mean? The Hebrew word for perpetual here is o’lahm and can mean of long duration, or of indefinite future. It does not have to mean what we understand as for all eternity.
Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. (Exodus 31:15-17 KJV)
Is there an example of the Hebrew word o’lahm being used for something else that no longer applies?
You shall gird them with sashes, Aaron and his sons, and bind caps on them, and they shall have the priesthood by a perpetual statute. So you shall ordain Aaron and his sons. (Exodus 29:9 LSB).
Has the priesthood changed and who now is our high priest?
So if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron? For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. (Hebrews 7:11–12 NASB).
Jesus gave over 300 commands in the New Testament. Can we find a single Sabbath command in the entire New Testament? However, did Jesus say something about rest, not in a day, but in something else?
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 NKJV)
What did God then give to Moses that was very important?
When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God. (Exodus 31:18 NIV)
Could people have been filled with the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament? Could they have been given gifts of the Holy Spirit? Is some kind of Sabbath rest still relevant to Christians? You decide!
Incense & Anointing Oil (Exodus 30)
Are our prayers trivial to God? Does God treat our prayers as pleasant incense? If God considered the anointing of the priests to be sacred, how do we treat the spiritual leaders in our churches? Let’s consider Exodus 30.
How was the altar of incense to be constructed for the tabernacle?
You are to make an altar for the burning of incense; make it of acacia wood. It must be square, (one cubit) 18 inches long and (one cubit) 18 inches wide; it must be (two cubits) 36 inches high. Its horns must be of one piece. Overlay its top, all around its sides, and its horns with pure gold; make a gold molding all around it. Make two gold rings for it under the molding on two of its sides; put these on opposite sides of it to be holders for the poles to carry it with. Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. (Exodus 30:1-5 HCSB)
Are our prayers silly and trivial or like incense to God in heaven?
Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. (Revelation 5:8 NKJV; Psalm 141:2)
Where was the altar of incense to be placed in the tabernacle?
You are to put the altar in front of the curtain that is over the Ark of the Testimony, in front of the Mercy Seat that is over the Testimony where I’ll meet with you. Aaron is to offer fragrant incense on it. Every morning when he trims the lamps he is to offer it, and when Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he is to offer it as a continual incense offering in the Lord’s presence throughout your generations. You are not to offer strange incense, a burnt offering, or a grain offering on it, nor are you to pour out a libation on it. Each year Aaron is to make atonement on its horns with the blood of the sin offering of atonement. He is to make atonement on it each year throughout your generations. It is most holy to the Lord. (Exodus 30:6-10 ISV)
Were the people to be assessed for a special offering?
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the Lord, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them. This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the Lord. (Exodus 30:11-13 KJV)
What was the age from which this perhaps half dollar assessment was made?
Everyone who is numbered, from twenty years old and over, shall give the contribution to Yahweh. The rich shall not pay more and the poor shall not pay less than the half shekel when you give the contribution to Yahweh to make atonement for your souls. And you shall take the atonement money from the sons of Israel and shall give it for the service of the tent of meeting, that it may be a remembrance for the sons of Israel before Yahweh, to make atonement for your souls. (Exodus 30:14-16 LSB)
What were the details regarding a basin and what was it used for?
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “You shall also make a basin of bronze, with its base of bronze, for washing; and you shall put it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it. Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet from it; when they enter the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water, so that they do not die; or when they approach the altar to minister, by offering up in smoke a fire sacrifice to the Lord. So they shall wash their hands and their feet, so that they do not die; and it shall be a permanent statute for them, for Aaron and his descendants throughout their generations.” (Exodus 30:17-21 NASB)
Are we in the church also washed in a spiritual manner? So, is regular reading of our Bibles important?
that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:26-27 NKJV)
What was the sacred blend for the holy anointing oil?
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus, 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil. (Exodus 30:22-25 NIV)
What sacred duties was the holy anointing oil to be used for?
Use this sacred oil to anoint the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, the table and all its utensils, the lampstand and all its accessories, the incense altar, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the washbasin with its stand. Consecrate them to make them absolutely holy. After this, whatever touches them will also become holy. (Exodus 30:26-29 NLT)
What people were to be anointed with the holy anointing oil? Was anyone allowed to make a copy of it?
You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and sanctify them, that they may minister to me in the priest’s office. You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘This shall be a holy anointing oil to me throughout your generations. It shall not be poured on man’s flesh, and do not make any like it, according to its composition. It is holy. It shall be holy to you. Whoever compounds any like it, or whoever puts any of it on a stranger, he shall be cut off from his people.’ (Exodus 30:30-33 WEB)
What was the sacred blend for the incense to be made from?
The Lord said to Moses: Take an equal amount of each of these spices: gum resin, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense. Like a skilled perfume maker, carefully blend them together and make incense, seasoned with salt, pure and holy. Beat some of it into a fine powder and put part of it in front of the covenant document in the meeting tent where I will meet with you. (Exodus 30:34-36a CEB)
How was this formula to be treated? What was to happen to those who made the blend for personal use?
Be sure to treat this incense as something very holy. It is truly holy because it is dedicated to me, so don't ever make any for yourselves. If you ever make any of it to use as perfume, you will no longer belong to my people. (Exodus 30:36b-38 CEV)
Are our prayers trivial to God? Does God treat our prayers as pleasant incense? If God considered the anointing of the priests to be sacred, how do we treat the spiritual leaders in our churches? You decide!
How was the altar of incense to be constructed for the tabernacle?
You are to make an altar for the burning of incense; make it of acacia wood. It must be square, (one cubit) 18 inches long and (one cubit) 18 inches wide; it must be (two cubits) 36 inches high. Its horns must be of one piece. Overlay its top, all around its sides, and its horns with pure gold; make a gold molding all around it. Make two gold rings for it under the molding on two of its sides; put these on opposite sides of it to be holders for the poles to carry it with. Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. (Exodus 30:1-5 HCSB)
Are our prayers silly and trivial or like incense to God in heaven?
Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. (Revelation 5:8 NKJV; Psalm 141:2)
Where was the altar of incense to be placed in the tabernacle?
You are to put the altar in front of the curtain that is over the Ark of the Testimony, in front of the Mercy Seat that is over the Testimony where I’ll meet with you. Aaron is to offer fragrant incense on it. Every morning when he trims the lamps he is to offer it, and when Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he is to offer it as a continual incense offering in the Lord’s presence throughout your generations. You are not to offer strange incense, a burnt offering, or a grain offering on it, nor are you to pour out a libation on it. Each year Aaron is to make atonement on its horns with the blood of the sin offering of atonement. He is to make atonement on it each year throughout your generations. It is most holy to the Lord. (Exodus 30:6-10 ISV)
Were the people to be assessed for a special offering?
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the Lord, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them. This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the Lord. (Exodus 30:11-13 KJV)
What was the age from which this perhaps half dollar assessment was made?
Everyone who is numbered, from twenty years old and over, shall give the contribution to Yahweh. The rich shall not pay more and the poor shall not pay less than the half shekel when you give the contribution to Yahweh to make atonement for your souls. And you shall take the atonement money from the sons of Israel and shall give it for the service of the tent of meeting, that it may be a remembrance for the sons of Israel before Yahweh, to make atonement for your souls. (Exodus 30:14-16 LSB)
What were the details regarding a basin and what was it used for?
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “You shall also make a basin of bronze, with its base of bronze, for washing; and you shall put it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it. Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet from it; when they enter the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water, so that they do not die; or when they approach the altar to minister, by offering up in smoke a fire sacrifice to the Lord. So they shall wash their hands and their feet, so that they do not die; and it shall be a permanent statute for them, for Aaron and his descendants throughout their generations.” (Exodus 30:17-21 NASB)
Are we in the church also washed in a spiritual manner? So, is regular reading of our Bibles important?
that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:26-27 NKJV)
What was the sacred blend for the holy anointing oil?
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus, 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil. (Exodus 30:22-25 NIV)
What sacred duties was the holy anointing oil to be used for?
Use this sacred oil to anoint the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, the table and all its utensils, the lampstand and all its accessories, the incense altar, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the washbasin with its stand. Consecrate them to make them absolutely holy. After this, whatever touches them will also become holy. (Exodus 30:26-29 NLT)
What people were to be anointed with the holy anointing oil? Was anyone allowed to make a copy of it?
You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and sanctify them, that they may minister to me in the priest’s office. You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘This shall be a holy anointing oil to me throughout your generations. It shall not be poured on man’s flesh, and do not make any like it, according to its composition. It is holy. It shall be holy to you. Whoever compounds any like it, or whoever puts any of it on a stranger, he shall be cut off from his people.’ (Exodus 30:30-33 WEB)
What was the sacred blend for the incense to be made from?
The Lord said to Moses: Take an equal amount of each of these spices: gum resin, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense. Like a skilled perfume maker, carefully blend them together and make incense, seasoned with salt, pure and holy. Beat some of it into a fine powder and put part of it in front of the covenant document in the meeting tent where I will meet with you. (Exodus 30:34-36a CEB)
How was this formula to be treated? What was to happen to those who made the blend for personal use?
Be sure to treat this incense as something very holy. It is truly holy because it is dedicated to me, so don't ever make any for yourselves. If you ever make any of it to use as perfume, you will no longer belong to my people. (Exodus 30:36b-38 CEV)
Are our prayers trivial to God? Does God treat our prayers as pleasant incense? If God considered the anointing of the priests to be sacred, how do we treat the spiritual leaders in our churches? You decide!
The Cross (Mark 15)
How did Jesus answer false accusations? Why did they release an insurrectionist instead of Jesus? What time was the crucifixion? Who else was crucified with Jesus? Did people mock Jesus? Did Jesus quote a Psalm on the cross? After about 6 hours on the cross, when did Jesus die? What happened to the veil in the temple? Who did they compel to carry Jesus’ cross? Do we carry our cross? Let’s discuss Mark 15.
Where was Jesus taken next? How did He answer Pilate?
As soon as it was morning, the high priests convened a meeting with the elders and scribes and the whole Council. They bound Jesus with chains, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus answered him, “You say so.” (Mark 15:1-2 ISV)
Did Jesus answer false accusations? Are there times when we might wisely follow His example here?
And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled. (Mark 15:3-5 KJV)
Why did they release an insurrectionist instead of Jesus?
Now at the feast he used to release for them any one prisoner whom they requested. And the man named Barabbas had been imprisoned with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the insurrection. And the crowd went up and began asking him to do as he had been accustomed to do for them. And Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he was aware that the chief priests had delivered Him over because of envy. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to ask him to release Barabbas for them instead. (Mark 15:6-11 LSB)
Did Pilate make the cowardly decision or the right one?
And responding again, Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Crucify Him!” But Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify Him!” Intent on satisfying the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus flogged, he handed Him over to be crucified. (Mark 15:12-15 NASB)
Did the soldiers then proceed to mock Jesus and abuse Him?
The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. (Mark 15:16-20 NIV)
Who did they compel to carry Jesus’ cross? What was his name?
Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross. (Mark 15:21 NKJV)
Where did they crucify Jesus? Was it outside the gate?
And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”). (Mark 15:22 NLT)
A strong sour wine mixed with bitter herbs was meant to numb those suffering on a cross. Did Jesus refuse to lessen His suffering?
They offered him wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but he didn’t take it. (Mark 15:23 WEB)
What did they do with His clothes as they crucified Jesus?
They crucified him. They divided up his clothes, drawing lots for them to determine who would take what. (Mark 15:24 CEB)
What time was the crucifixion? What did a sign say? Who else was crucified with Jesus?
It was about nine o'clock in the morning when they nailed him to the cross. On it was a sign that told why he was nailed there. It read, “This is the King of the Jews.” The soldiers also nailed two criminals on crosses, one to the right of Jesus and the other to his left. (Mark 15:25-28 CEV)
Did people mock Jesus mercilessly while He suffered on the cross?
And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him. (Mark 15:29-32 ESV)
Did Jesus quote the Psalms on the cross? Is it possible that God the Father turned His back on Jesus temporarily because Jesus at that moment took on the sins of the whole world?
When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lemá sabachtháni?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:33-34 HCSB Psalm 22:1)
So, Jesus was on the cross from 9am to 3pm, when He died. This is the time when the Passover lambs began being killed. Were people still mocking Him?
When some of the people standing there heard this, they said, “Listen! He’s calling for Elijah!” So someone ran and soaked a sponge in some sour wine. Then he put it on a stick and offered Jesus a drink, saying, “Wait! Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down!” Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. (Mark 15:35-37 ISV)
Was the tearing of the veil obviously from a divine source? If torn from bottom to top, could people have claimed that a man did it? Did this symbolize that the way to the heavenly holy of holies was now open?
And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. (Mark 15:38 KJV)
What did the Roman centurion, who was standing right there, say?
And when the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!” (Mark 15:39 LSB)
What did some of the women do, who were watching from a distance?
Now there were also some women watching from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome. When He was in Galilee, they used to follow Him and serve Him; and there were many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem. (Mark 15:40-41 NASB)
How was Jesus buried? Who was Joseph of Arimathea?
It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid. (Mark 15:42-47 NIV)
How did Jesus answer false accusations? Why did they release an insurrectionist instead of Jesus? What time was the crucifixion? Who else was crucified with Jesus? Did people mock Jesus? Did Jesus quote a Psalm on the cross? After about 6 hours on the cross, when did Jesus die? What happened to the veil in the temple? Who did they compel to carry Jesus’ cross? Do we carry our cross? You decide!
Where was Jesus taken next? How did He answer Pilate?
As soon as it was morning, the high priests convened a meeting with the elders and scribes and the whole Council. They bound Jesus with chains, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus answered him, “You say so.” (Mark 15:1-2 ISV)
Did Jesus answer false accusations? Are there times when we might wisely follow His example here?
And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled. (Mark 15:3-5 KJV)
Why did they release an insurrectionist instead of Jesus?
Now at the feast he used to release for them any one prisoner whom they requested. And the man named Barabbas had been imprisoned with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the insurrection. And the crowd went up and began asking him to do as he had been accustomed to do for them. And Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he was aware that the chief priests had delivered Him over because of envy. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to ask him to release Barabbas for them instead. (Mark 15:6-11 LSB)
Did Pilate make the cowardly decision or the right one?
And responding again, Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Crucify Him!” But Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify Him!” Intent on satisfying the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus flogged, he handed Him over to be crucified. (Mark 15:12-15 NASB)
Did the soldiers then proceed to mock Jesus and abuse Him?
The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. (Mark 15:16-20 NIV)
Who did they compel to carry Jesus’ cross? What was his name?
Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross. (Mark 15:21 NKJV)
Where did they crucify Jesus? Was it outside the gate?
And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”). (Mark 15:22 NLT)
A strong sour wine mixed with bitter herbs was meant to numb those suffering on a cross. Did Jesus refuse to lessen His suffering?
They offered him wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but he didn’t take it. (Mark 15:23 WEB)
What did they do with His clothes as they crucified Jesus?
They crucified him. They divided up his clothes, drawing lots for them to determine who would take what. (Mark 15:24 CEB)
What time was the crucifixion? What did a sign say? Who else was crucified with Jesus?
It was about nine o'clock in the morning when they nailed him to the cross. On it was a sign that told why he was nailed there. It read, “This is the King of the Jews.” The soldiers also nailed two criminals on crosses, one to the right of Jesus and the other to his left. (Mark 15:25-28 CEV)
Did people mock Jesus mercilessly while He suffered on the cross?
And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him. (Mark 15:29-32 ESV)
Did Jesus quote the Psalms on the cross? Is it possible that God the Father turned His back on Jesus temporarily because Jesus at that moment took on the sins of the whole world?
When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lemá sabachtháni?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:33-34 HCSB Psalm 22:1)
So, Jesus was on the cross from 9am to 3pm, when He died. This is the time when the Passover lambs began being killed. Were people still mocking Him?
When some of the people standing there heard this, they said, “Listen! He’s calling for Elijah!” So someone ran and soaked a sponge in some sour wine. Then he put it on a stick and offered Jesus a drink, saying, “Wait! Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down!” Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. (Mark 15:35-37 ISV)
Was the tearing of the veil obviously from a divine source? If torn from bottom to top, could people have claimed that a man did it? Did this symbolize that the way to the heavenly holy of holies was now open?
And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. (Mark 15:38 KJV)
What did the Roman centurion, who was standing right there, say?
And when the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!” (Mark 15:39 LSB)
What did some of the women do, who were watching from a distance?
Now there were also some women watching from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome. When He was in Galilee, they used to follow Him and serve Him; and there were many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem. (Mark 15:40-41 NASB)
How was Jesus buried? Who was Joseph of Arimathea?
It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid. (Mark 15:42-47 NIV)
How did Jesus answer false accusations? Why did they release an insurrectionist instead of Jesus? What time was the crucifixion? Who else was crucified with Jesus? Did people mock Jesus? Did Jesus quote a Psalm on the cross? After about 6 hours on the cross, when did Jesus die? What happened to the veil in the temple? Who did they compel to carry Jesus’ cross? Do we carry our cross? You decide!
Ordaining the Priests (Exodus 29)
Does the ordination of Aaron and his sons: washing, clothing, anointing, sacrificing and eating, hint at the sacrifice of Christ and the Christian life? Let’s look at Exodus 29.
Washing
Was this ceremonial washing symbolic of what was to take place in the heart? Are our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water (Hebrews 10:22)?
Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. Take one bull of the herd and two rams without blemish, and unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers smeared with oil. You shall make them of fine wheat flour. You shall put them in one basket and bring them in the basket, and bring the bull and the two rams. You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and wash them with water. (Exodus 29:1-4 ESV)
Clothing
Were Aaron and his sons to be dressed with the holy garments? Do we put on righteousness garments (Ephesians 6:14; Revelation 19:8)?
Then take the garments and clothe Aaron with the tunic, the robe for the ephod, the ephod itself, and the breastpiece; fasten the ephod on him with its woven waistband. Put the turban on his head and place the holy diadem on the turban. (Exodus 29:5-6 HCSB)
Anointing
Was anointing with oil also part of this ordination process? Is Jesus our high priest anointed (Acts 10:38)? Are we also anointed (1 John 2:20; 27)?
Take the anointing oil, pour it on his head, and anoint him. You must also bring his sons and clothe them with tunics. Tie the sashes on Aaron and his sons and fasten headbands on them. The priesthood is to be theirs by a permanent statute. This is the way you will ordain Aaron and his sons. (Exodus 29:7-9 HCSB)
Sacrificing
What was to be done with the bull during this ordination ceremony? Was Jesus’ sacrifice once for all (Hebrews 7:27)? Do we offer sacrifices (Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 2:5)?
You are to bring the bull in front of the Tent of Meeting, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on the head of the bull. Then you are to slaughter the bull in the Lord’s presence at the doorway of the Tent of Meeting. Take some of the blood of the bull, put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. You are to take all the fat that covers the entrails, the lobe of the liver, the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them and send them up in smoke on the altar. You are to burn the flesh of the bull, its hide, and its refuse with fire outside the camp. It is a sin offering. (Exodus 29:10-14 ISV)
What was to be done to one of the two rams during the ordination ceremony?
Thou shalt also take one ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram. And thou shalt slay the ram, and thou shalt take his blood, and sprinkle it round about upon the altar. And thou shalt cut the ram in pieces, and wash the inwards of him, and his legs, and put them unto his pieces, and unto his head. And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the Lord: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the Lord. (Exodus 29:15-18 KJV)
What was to be done with the second ram during the ordination ceremony?
Then you shall take the second ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram. You shall slaughter the ram, and take some of its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron’s right ear and on the lobes of his sons’ right ears and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the big toes of their right feet, and splash the rest of the blood around on the altar. Then you shall take some of the blood that is on the altar and some of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron and on his garments and on his sons and on his sons’ garments with him; so he and his garments shall be set apart as holy, as well as his sons and his sons’ garments with him. (Exodus 29:19-21 LSB)
What else was to be done with the second ram during the ordination ceremony?
You shall also take the fat from the ram and the fat tail, and the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe of the liver, and the two kidneys and the fat that is on them, and the right thigh (for it is a ram of ordination), and one loaf of bread, and one cake of bread mixed with oil, and one wafer from the basket of unleavened bread which is set before the Lord; and you shall put all these in the hands of Aaron and in the hands of his sons, and shall wave them as a wave offering before the Lord. Then you shall take them from their hands, and offer them up in smoke on the altar on the burnt offering for a soothing aroma before the Lord; it is an offering by fire to the Lord. (Exodus 29:22-25 NASB)
Was a holy barbeque part of the second ram’s offering during this ordination?
After you take the breast of the ram for Aaron’s ordination, wave it before the Lord as a wave offering, and it will be your share. Consecrate those parts of the ordination ram that belong to Aaron and his sons: the breast that was waved and the thigh that was presented. This is always to be the perpetual share from the Israelites for Aaron and his sons. It is the contribution the Israelites are to make to the Lord from their fellowship offerings. (Exodus 29:26-28 NIV)
Were the sacred garments to become an heirloom for future generations of priests?
Aaron’s sacred garments must be preserved for his descendants who succeed him, and they will wear them when they are anointed and ordained. The descendant who succeeds him as high priest will wear these clothes for seven days as he ministers in the Tabernacle and the Holy Place. (Exodus 29:29-30 NLT)
Eating
Where were Aaron and his sons to eat this holy barbeque? What about parts that were left over? Is this feast a fellowship with God and a foretaste of communion (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 10:16)?
You shall take the ram of consecration and boil its meat in a holy place. Aaron and his sons shall eat the meat of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket, at the door of the Tent of Meeting. They shall eat those things with which atonement was made, to consecrate and sanctify them; but a stranger shall not eat of it, because they are holy. If anything of the meat of the consecration, or of the bread, remains to the morning, then you shall burn the remainder with fire. It shall not be eaten, because it is holy. (Exodus 29:31-34 WEB)
How long was the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons to last?
Treat Aaron and his sons just as I have commanded you. Ordain them for seven days. Every day you should offer a bull as a purification offering for reconciliation. You should remove the sin from the altar through a ritual of reconciliation, and you should anoint the altar to make it holy. Seven days you should perform the ritual of reconciliation for the altar and make it holy. In this way, the altar will become most holy, and whatever touches the altar will also become holy. (Exodus 29:35-37 CEB)
What were the daily sacrifices to be made by the priests?
Each day you must sacrifice two lambs a year old, one in the morning and one in the evening. With each lamb offer [a tenth of an ephah] one kilogram of your finest flour mixed with [a quarter of a hin] a liter of pure olive oil, and also pour out [a quarter of a hin] a liter of wine as an offering. The smell of this sacrifice on the fires of the altar will be pleasing to me. You and your descendants must always offer this sacrifice on the altar at the entrance to the sacred tent. (Exodus 29:38-42 CEV)
What would God do with Israel? How holy was Israel to be?
There I will meet with the people of Israel, and it shall be sanctified by my glory. I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar. Aaron also and his sons I will consecrate to serve me as priests. I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God. (Exodus 29:43-46 ESV)
Does the ordination of Aaron and his sons: washing, clothing, anointing, sacrificing and eating, hint at the sacrifice of Christ and the Christian life? You decide!
Washing
Was this ceremonial washing symbolic of what was to take place in the heart? Are our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water (Hebrews 10:22)?
Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. Take one bull of the herd and two rams without blemish, and unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers smeared with oil. You shall make them of fine wheat flour. You shall put them in one basket and bring them in the basket, and bring the bull and the two rams. You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and wash them with water. (Exodus 29:1-4 ESV)
Clothing
Were Aaron and his sons to be dressed with the holy garments? Do we put on righteousness garments (Ephesians 6:14; Revelation 19:8)?
Then take the garments and clothe Aaron with the tunic, the robe for the ephod, the ephod itself, and the breastpiece; fasten the ephod on him with its woven waistband. Put the turban on his head and place the holy diadem on the turban. (Exodus 29:5-6 HCSB)
Anointing
Was anointing with oil also part of this ordination process? Is Jesus our high priest anointed (Acts 10:38)? Are we also anointed (1 John 2:20; 27)?
Take the anointing oil, pour it on his head, and anoint him. You must also bring his sons and clothe them with tunics. Tie the sashes on Aaron and his sons and fasten headbands on them. The priesthood is to be theirs by a permanent statute. This is the way you will ordain Aaron and his sons. (Exodus 29:7-9 HCSB)
Sacrificing
What was to be done with the bull during this ordination ceremony? Was Jesus’ sacrifice once for all (Hebrews 7:27)? Do we offer sacrifices (Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 2:5)?
You are to bring the bull in front of the Tent of Meeting, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on the head of the bull. Then you are to slaughter the bull in the Lord’s presence at the doorway of the Tent of Meeting. Take some of the blood of the bull, put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. You are to take all the fat that covers the entrails, the lobe of the liver, the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them and send them up in smoke on the altar. You are to burn the flesh of the bull, its hide, and its refuse with fire outside the camp. It is a sin offering. (Exodus 29:10-14 ISV)
What was to be done to one of the two rams during the ordination ceremony?
Thou shalt also take one ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram. And thou shalt slay the ram, and thou shalt take his blood, and sprinkle it round about upon the altar. And thou shalt cut the ram in pieces, and wash the inwards of him, and his legs, and put them unto his pieces, and unto his head. And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the Lord: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the Lord. (Exodus 29:15-18 KJV)
What was to be done with the second ram during the ordination ceremony?
Then you shall take the second ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram. You shall slaughter the ram, and take some of its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron’s right ear and on the lobes of his sons’ right ears and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the big toes of their right feet, and splash the rest of the blood around on the altar. Then you shall take some of the blood that is on the altar and some of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron and on his garments and on his sons and on his sons’ garments with him; so he and his garments shall be set apart as holy, as well as his sons and his sons’ garments with him. (Exodus 29:19-21 LSB)
What else was to be done with the second ram during the ordination ceremony?
You shall also take the fat from the ram and the fat tail, and the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe of the liver, and the two kidneys and the fat that is on them, and the right thigh (for it is a ram of ordination), and one loaf of bread, and one cake of bread mixed with oil, and one wafer from the basket of unleavened bread which is set before the Lord; and you shall put all these in the hands of Aaron and in the hands of his sons, and shall wave them as a wave offering before the Lord. Then you shall take them from their hands, and offer them up in smoke on the altar on the burnt offering for a soothing aroma before the Lord; it is an offering by fire to the Lord. (Exodus 29:22-25 NASB)
Was a holy barbeque part of the second ram’s offering during this ordination?
After you take the breast of the ram for Aaron’s ordination, wave it before the Lord as a wave offering, and it will be your share. Consecrate those parts of the ordination ram that belong to Aaron and his sons: the breast that was waved and the thigh that was presented. This is always to be the perpetual share from the Israelites for Aaron and his sons. It is the contribution the Israelites are to make to the Lord from their fellowship offerings. (Exodus 29:26-28 NIV)
Were the sacred garments to become an heirloom for future generations of priests?
Aaron’s sacred garments must be preserved for his descendants who succeed him, and they will wear them when they are anointed and ordained. The descendant who succeeds him as high priest will wear these clothes for seven days as he ministers in the Tabernacle and the Holy Place. (Exodus 29:29-30 NLT)
Eating
Where were Aaron and his sons to eat this holy barbeque? What about parts that were left over? Is this feast a fellowship with God and a foretaste of communion (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 10:16)?
You shall take the ram of consecration and boil its meat in a holy place. Aaron and his sons shall eat the meat of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket, at the door of the Tent of Meeting. They shall eat those things with which atonement was made, to consecrate and sanctify them; but a stranger shall not eat of it, because they are holy. If anything of the meat of the consecration, or of the bread, remains to the morning, then you shall burn the remainder with fire. It shall not be eaten, because it is holy. (Exodus 29:31-34 WEB)
How long was the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons to last?
Treat Aaron and his sons just as I have commanded you. Ordain them for seven days. Every day you should offer a bull as a purification offering for reconciliation. You should remove the sin from the altar through a ritual of reconciliation, and you should anoint the altar to make it holy. Seven days you should perform the ritual of reconciliation for the altar and make it holy. In this way, the altar will become most holy, and whatever touches the altar will also become holy. (Exodus 29:35-37 CEB)
What were the daily sacrifices to be made by the priests?
Each day you must sacrifice two lambs a year old, one in the morning and one in the evening. With each lamb offer [a tenth of an ephah] one kilogram of your finest flour mixed with [a quarter of a hin] a liter of pure olive oil, and also pour out [a quarter of a hin] a liter of wine as an offering. The smell of this sacrifice on the fires of the altar will be pleasing to me. You and your descendants must always offer this sacrifice on the altar at the entrance to the sacred tent. (Exodus 29:38-42 CEV)
What would God do with Israel? How holy was Israel to be?
There I will meet with the people of Israel, and it shall be sanctified by my glory. I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar. Aaron also and his sons I will consecrate to serve me as priests. I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God. (Exodus 29:43-46 ESV)
Does the ordination of Aaron and his sons: washing, clothing, anointing, sacrificing and eating, hint at the sacrifice of Christ and the Christian life? You decide!
The Priests (Exodus 28)
Were the priests to wear dignified clothing or any old thing? Did Jesus criticize religious leaders for wearing long robes on the street or their selfish attitudes? Are modern pastors Aaronic priests or overseers, elders and teachers? Is any of this relevant to how church leaders dressed in the early church? Let’s look at Exodus 28.
Who were Israel’s priests to serve in the tabernacle in the wilderness?
Send for your brother Aaron and his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. They are the ones I have chosen from Israel to serve as my priests. Make Aaron some beautiful clothes that are worthy of a high priest. Aaron is to be dedicated as my high priest, and his clothes must be made only by persons who possess skills that I have given them. (Exodus 28:1-3 CEV)
What articles of clothing were the priests to wear in their service?
These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons to serve me as priests. They shall receive gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. (Exodus 28:4-5 ESV)
How was the ephod designed as a special article of clothing?
They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. It must have two shoulder pieces attached to its two edges so that it can be joined together. The artistically woven waistband that is on the ephod must be of one piece, according to the same workmanship of gold, of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and of finely spun linen. (Exodus 28:6-8 HCSB)
What special stones were to be chosen and what was to be engraved upon them?
You are to take two onyx stones and engrave the names of the sons of Israel on them, six of their names on one stone, and the six remaining names on the other stone. Engrave them according to their order of birth. With work like a jeweler engraves on a signet, you are to inscribe the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel, and you are to mount them in settings of gold filigree. (Exodus 28:9-11 ISV)
Where were the two engraved onyx stones to be set, and what was to be fastened at the ends?
And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders for a memorial. And thou shalt make ouches of gold; And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches. (Exodus 28:12-14 KJV)
What was the breast-piece and what was mounted upon it?
You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skillful designer; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen you shall make it. It shall be square, having been folded double, a span in length and a span in width. You shall mount on it four rows of stones; the first row shall be a row of ruby, topaz, and emerald; and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; and the fourth row a beryl and an onyx and a jasper; they shall be set in gold settings. (Exodus 28:15-20 LSB)
What was to be engraved upon the twelve stones of the breast-piece?
The stones shall be engraved according to the names of the sons of Israel: twelve, according to their names; they shall be like the engravings of a signet, each according to his name for the twelve tribes. You shall also make on the breastpiece twisted chains of cord work in pure gold. And you shall make on the breastpiece two rings of gold, and shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastpiece. And you shall put the two cords of gold on the two rings at the ends of the breastpiece. (Exodus 28:21-24 NASB)
How was the breast-piece to be fastened to the ephod’s shoulder pieces and the waistband?
and the other ends of the chains to the two settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. Make two gold rings and attach them to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the inside edge next to the ephod. Make two more gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod. The rings of the breastpiece are to be tied to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband, so that the breastpiece will not swing out from the ephod. (Exodus 28:25-28 NIV)
We are introduced to the urim and thummim as if they were already known. The words are variously translated as “light and truth,” or “lights and perfections” through which God’s will was made known. Could they be just another name for the 12 stones or are they totally separate objects?
In this way, Aaron will carry the names of the tribes of Israel on the sacred chestpiece over his heart when he goes into the Holy Place. This will be a continual reminder that he represents the people when he comes before the Lord. Insert the Urim and Thummim into the sacred chestpiece so they will be carried over Aaron’s heart when he goes into the Lord’s presence. In this way, Aaron will always carry over his heart the objects used to determine the Lord’s will for his people whenever he goes in before the Lord. (Exodus 28:29-30 NLT)
What are some further details about the robe of the ephod?
You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue. It shall have a hole for the head in the middle of it. It shall have a binding of woven work around its hole, as it were the hole of a coat of mail, that it not be torn. On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, all around its hem; with bells of gold between and around them: a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe. It shall be on Aaron to minister: and its sound shall be heard when he goes in to the holy place before Yahweh, and when he comes out, that he not die. (Exodus 28:31-35 WEB)
How was the turban, mitre or linen hat to be embellished?
Make a flower ornament of pure gold and engrave on it like an official seal: “Holy to the Lord.” You should fasten it on the turban with a blue cord. It should be on the front of the turban. It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron will take on himself any guilt connected with the holy offerings that the Israelites give as their sacred donations. It will always be on his forehead so that the people may be remembered favorably in the Lord’s presence. (Exodus 28:36-38 CEB)
What materials are to be used for the priest’s robe, turban and undergarments?
Make Aaron's robe and turban of fine linen and decorate his sash with fancy needlework. Since Aaron's sons are priests, they should also look dignified. So make robes, sashes, and special caps for them. Then dress Aaron and his sons in these clothes, pour olive oil on their heads, and ordain them as my priests. Make linen shorts for them that reach from the waist down to the thigh, so they won't expose themselves. Whenever they enter the sacred tent or serve at the altar or enter the holy place, they must wear these shorts, or else they will be guilty and die. This same rule applies to any of their descendants who serve as priests. (Exodus 28:39-43 CEV)
Did Jesus criticize religious leaders for their clothing choice or their self-aggrandizement?
Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation. (Luke 20:46-47 NKJV)
Were the priests to wear dignified clothing or any old thing? Did Jesus criticize religious leaders for wearing long robes on the street or their selfish attitudes? Are modern pastors Aaronic priests or overseers, elders and teachers? Is any of this relevant to how church leaders dressed in the early church? You decide!
Who were Israel’s priests to serve in the tabernacle in the wilderness?
Send for your brother Aaron and his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. They are the ones I have chosen from Israel to serve as my priests. Make Aaron some beautiful clothes that are worthy of a high priest. Aaron is to be dedicated as my high priest, and his clothes must be made only by persons who possess skills that I have given them. (Exodus 28:1-3 CEV)
What articles of clothing were the priests to wear in their service?
These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons to serve me as priests. They shall receive gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. (Exodus 28:4-5 ESV)
How was the ephod designed as a special article of clothing?
They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen embroidered with gold, and with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. It must have two shoulder pieces attached to its two edges so that it can be joined together. The artistically woven waistband that is on the ephod must be of one piece, according to the same workmanship of gold, of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and of finely spun linen. (Exodus 28:6-8 HCSB)
What special stones were to be chosen and what was to be engraved upon them?
You are to take two onyx stones and engrave the names of the sons of Israel on them, six of their names on one stone, and the six remaining names on the other stone. Engrave them according to their order of birth. With work like a jeweler engraves on a signet, you are to inscribe the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel, and you are to mount them in settings of gold filigree. (Exodus 28:9-11 ISV)
Where were the two engraved onyx stones to be set, and what was to be fastened at the ends?
And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders for a memorial. And thou shalt make ouches of gold; And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathen work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches. (Exodus 28:12-14 KJV)
What was the breast-piece and what was mounted upon it?
You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skillful designer; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen you shall make it. It shall be square, having been folded double, a span in length and a span in width. You shall mount on it four rows of stones; the first row shall be a row of ruby, topaz, and emerald; and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; and the fourth row a beryl and an onyx and a jasper; they shall be set in gold settings. (Exodus 28:15-20 LSB)
What was to be engraved upon the twelve stones of the breast-piece?
The stones shall be engraved according to the names of the sons of Israel: twelve, according to their names; they shall be like the engravings of a signet, each according to his name for the twelve tribes. You shall also make on the breastpiece twisted chains of cord work in pure gold. And you shall make on the breastpiece two rings of gold, and shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastpiece. And you shall put the two cords of gold on the two rings at the ends of the breastpiece. (Exodus 28:21-24 NASB)
How was the breast-piece to be fastened to the ephod’s shoulder pieces and the waistband?
and the other ends of the chains to the two settings, attaching them to the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front. Make two gold rings and attach them to the other two corners of the breastpiece on the inside edge next to the ephod. Make two more gold rings and attach them to the bottom of the shoulder pieces on the front of the ephod, close to the seam just above the waistband of the ephod. The rings of the breastpiece are to be tied to the rings of the ephod with blue cord, connecting it to the waistband, so that the breastpiece will not swing out from the ephod. (Exodus 28:25-28 NIV)
We are introduced to the urim and thummim as if they were already known. The words are variously translated as “light and truth,” or “lights and perfections” through which God’s will was made known. Could they be just another name for the 12 stones or are they totally separate objects?
In this way, Aaron will carry the names of the tribes of Israel on the sacred chestpiece over his heart when he goes into the Holy Place. This will be a continual reminder that he represents the people when he comes before the Lord. Insert the Urim and Thummim into the sacred chestpiece so they will be carried over Aaron’s heart when he goes into the Lord’s presence. In this way, Aaron will always carry over his heart the objects used to determine the Lord’s will for his people whenever he goes in before the Lord. (Exodus 28:29-30 NLT)
What are some further details about the robe of the ephod?
You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue. It shall have a hole for the head in the middle of it. It shall have a binding of woven work around its hole, as it were the hole of a coat of mail, that it not be torn. On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, all around its hem; with bells of gold between and around them: a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe. It shall be on Aaron to minister: and its sound shall be heard when he goes in to the holy place before Yahweh, and when he comes out, that he not die. (Exodus 28:31-35 WEB)
How was the turban, mitre or linen hat to be embellished?
Make a flower ornament of pure gold and engrave on it like an official seal: “Holy to the Lord.” You should fasten it on the turban with a blue cord. It should be on the front of the turban. It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron will take on himself any guilt connected with the holy offerings that the Israelites give as their sacred donations. It will always be on his forehead so that the people may be remembered favorably in the Lord’s presence. (Exodus 28:36-38 CEB)
What materials are to be used for the priest’s robe, turban and undergarments?
Make Aaron's robe and turban of fine linen and decorate his sash with fancy needlework. Since Aaron's sons are priests, they should also look dignified. So make robes, sashes, and special caps for them. Then dress Aaron and his sons in these clothes, pour olive oil on their heads, and ordain them as my priests. Make linen shorts for them that reach from the waist down to the thigh, so they won't expose themselves. Whenever they enter the sacred tent or serve at the altar or enter the holy place, they must wear these shorts, or else they will be guilty and die. This same rule applies to any of their descendants who serve as priests. (Exodus 28:39-43 CEV)
Did Jesus criticize religious leaders for their clothing choice or their self-aggrandizement?
Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation. (Luke 20:46-47 NKJV)
Were the priests to wear dignified clothing or any old thing? Did Jesus criticize religious leaders for wearing long robes on the street or their selfish attitudes? Are modern pastors Aaronic priests or overseers, elders and teachers? Is any of this relevant to how church leaders dressed in the early church? You decide!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)