Consecrations

In Exodus 28 we move from description of the altar and related things to the description of the vestments, the garments that the priests would wear. Again MEGO (my eyes glaze over) as I read and try to comprehend all the detail. God describes in great detail several garments: their color and ornamentation. Repeatedly we read that is must be fine linen. So I understand that to imply the finest possible cloth. It seems the hems of one garment will be adorned alternatively with gold bells and pomegranates of either scarlet, purple, or blue. I get a good picture there and it sounds fantastic!

Exodus 28:42 describes breeches next to the skin. Are we talking underwear here? Even the underwear is described. I notice that when they are finally vested in from of the Tent of Meeting, they disrobe but the "breeches" are not mentioned. I take it that for modesty's sake Aaron and his sons keep the underwear on during their formal robing.

The priests, Aaron and his sons must be properly vested in these special garments when they enter the Tent of Meeting or they might die (28:43). These garments have extensive symbolism.

If I was a tailor trying to create these garments I would have pretty good ideas of how to start. But I am not sure what an ephod is. Nor do I know what a breast-piece is. But I am sure they did.

In Exodus 29 the consecration of the altars and the priests is described, again in mind numbing detail. Everything is symbolic and underscores God's great holiness and majesty. The commentator rightly sees the contrast to the present. People have taken the symbolism out of many consecrations. I tend to sympathize with the modern tendency. I would like to dispense with all the symbolism and just lay hands and pray for people. Mental asset ought to be enough. But I can see I am wrong.

I am encouraged that I need to accept more symbolism in sacred rites. The visual and the physical help to make the service memorable. It helps to keep it in the mind of the one prayed for and for those who participate as onlookers. Perhaps it really does add to God's involvement too but of that I am still not convinced.

Each time I read through this part of Exodus a different part jumps out at me. Each time I read it I think I am seeing it for the first time. This time I see the part where Aaron and his sons are touch with the blood of the ram on the right ear, the right thumb, and the right big toe of each man (29:20). Then some of this same blood, mixed with sacred oil, is sprinkled on their sacred garments as they wear them. Detail: Does mixing the blood with oil make them more easily washable?

Anyway that is what I looked at. The symbolism is sort of obvious. Well perhaps some of it. I may think of it later. Right now I am simply overwhelmed by the detail or the ritual.